Vol. 7, Issue 6 (2019)
Organic food: One step towards healthy and nutritive nourishment
Author(s): Rajani, Pradeep Soni and Manmohan Singh
Abstract: Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved. Increased use of chemicals under intensive cultivation has disturbed the harmony existing among soil, plant, animal and human health. The extensive use of chemicals and antibiotics in inorganic food production technology has compelled the health conscious people to explore and support organic farming. Compared to their conventionally-grown counterparts, organic products are lower in water content, reserving higher nutrient density, richer in iron, magnesium, vitamin C, and antioxidants, more balanced with essential amino acids. Organic produce has consistently been rated to have better flavorand texture than non-organic produce. Moreover, organic foods have enhanced nutritional quality; for example, increased amounts of vitamin C, increase the effect of vitamin E, folic acid and iron in our bodies. It is evident that, compared to conventional farming, the largest beneficial effect of organic farming is associated with the lack of pesticides leaching and soil biology (bacteria, fungi, springtails, mites, earthworms), the higher level of biological activity being driven by the use of versatile crop rotations and the reduced use of nutrients in the organic system. At the ecosystem level, organic farming also benefits arable land by promoting(a) greater densities and species diversity in the weed flora, (b) lower concentrations of aphids, (c) greater numbers of beneficial insects (ground beetles and spiders) and (d) bigger populations of birds (skylark and lapwing).The role of the Government is critical in motivating the farmers switching over from inorganic farming system to organic farming system where organic farming is economically viable in the country. Besides, the government has to take appropriate measures like the separate market for organic products, announcement of minimum support price, creation of demand by more awareness programme, organic inputs/subsidies for encouraging organic farmers, certification of farms and increase in investment on research and development activities in organic farming practices. Overall, although there is some knowledge and awareness about organic products, consumers are not consistent in their interpretation of what is organic. The aims of organic farming are not just to minimize environmental impact and optimize production, but to combine these two concerns.
Pages: 1756-1760 | 284 Views 81 Downloads
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How to cite this article:
Rajani, Pradeep Soni, Manmohan Singh. Organic food: One step towards healthy and nutritive nourishment. Int J Chem Stud 2019;7(6):1756-1760.
