Organic farming ensures safer, healthier world: Experts
As harmful chemicals are not used in organic farming, there is minimal soil, air, and water pollution
Organic food is not prepared using chemical fertilizers. It does not contain any traces of chemicals and thus does not affect the human body in negative ways. This apart, organic food is tastier than conventional food and they are usually directly picked from farms and are fresh, said retired Professor A Mahakud, while addressing the audience at a workshop on safe food and organic farming organised by Vision Eco-Farm and Living Farms here.
Prof Mahakud, who also practices organic farming, added that as harmful chemicals are not used in organic farming, there is minimal soil, air, and water pollution. Thus it ensures environmental safety and a safer and healthier world for future generations to live in.
Adding on the advantages of the organic food, India for Eco Food Programme coordinator, Dr Jagatbandhu Mohapatra said organic foods help to prevent major and minor diseases and illnesses and thus lowers healthcare costs. It gives more nutrients and thus keeps the body fit and healthy.
Elaborating on the need of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) for the certification of organic farmers, Dr Anshuman Patnaik of the Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department said, Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) are locally focused quality assurance systems. They certify producers based on the active participation of stakeholders and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks, and knowledge exchange. He encouraged the organic farmers to get the benefit of this system that is serving thousands of small organic farmers and their consumers across the globe.
Dr P Srinibasan of Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Aiginia, Bhubaneswar, demonstrated the effective way to collect seed in the organic process.
Among others, Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR) scientist Dr Sushanta Jata, Indian Agricultural Research Institute scientist Dr Nedun Chelian and Vision Eco-Farm Chief Dr Natabar Rout spoke in the workshop that was participated by around 90 people including civil society representatives, scientists, and NGO representatives. An exhibition of organic food that includes dry foods, fruits and vegetables also marked the workshop.
The speakers also shed light on organic manure prepared from cow dung and cow urine.
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