Why Organic Agriculture?

There is more and more evidence that chemical based fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides are extremely harmful to our health. Conventional agriculture relies heavily on chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides, which are harmful to human health, and which enter the food supply, penetrate water sources, harm the livestock, deplete the soil, devastate natural eco-systems, and contaminate the foods grown for the general public. In addition to which, there are over 7000 artificial and/or chemical preservatives and additives permitted in non-organic food including colorings, stabilizers, fillers, residual antibiotics, hydrogenated fats, etc. none of which are permitted in organic foods.

Not only do whole communities become subject to the dangers of toxic agricultural chemicals, they seep into the food on which they are applied; and the foods grown for the general pubic become contaminated as well. In many places trees have stopped bearing fruit because the heavy use of pesticides has killed the pollinators – the bees and butterflies.

In India as elsewhere, chemical fertilizers and pesticides have been aggressively promoted and heavily subsidized to keep the fertilizer companies afloat, without realizing the resulting devastation these chemical applications have wrought on the sustainability of agriculture.

The most recent introduction of GM seeds and crops (genetically modified, also called GE, genetically engineered), which need to be purchased every year at a high cost, and need to be heavily sprayed with the killer pesticides that the same companies produce, evokes a strong response from health and environment conscious people all over the world.

Many of India 's farmers have lost much of their ancestral farming knowledge and ancient seed varieties since the introduction of chemical based commercial agriculture and hybrid seeds. In many areas of India and all over the world, valuable medicinal plants are becoming endangered because of indiscriminate commercial over-harvesting and other adverse collection practices that damage essential natural habitats. Proper organic agricultural practices require training and supervision for sustainable procurement methods that preserve rare and endangered wild plant species and the earth's natural bio-diversity.

Organic agriculture requires the elimination of commercial fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and other dangerous chemicals. This in turn affects the whole community and creates a significantly healthier working and living environment for the farmers, their families and livestock, as well as the local wildlife.

Through organic agriculture, farmers learn healthy, sustainable farming practices, and are regaining the wisdom of their agricultural heritage. Organic agriculture enriches the soil season by season. It increases the long-term yield, nutrient value and potency of their crops. It allows for a naturally clean water supply, and provides overall richness, health and well-being of their families, livestock, farmlands and communities.

We have chosen a number of relevant articles on organic agriculture, organic foods and related subjects. We will continue to update our website with the most interesting and informative articles we find.

Read more of our Organic Agriculture Articles