Methodology in organic farming

Organic farming is a knowledge intensive system and has been developed by practitioners themselves over the years. Organic farming is one such system which provides healthy and safe food without ecological harm. Hence, the Indian Government started promoting organic farming through various schemes like National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), National Horticulture Mission (NHM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) etc. This farming is a modern and a sustainable form of agriculture that provides consumers fresh natural farm products. Organic farming works in synchronization with nature. The objective is achieved by using techniques to improve crop yields without harming the natural environment as well as the people who live and work in it. Organic agriculture offers an exclusive amalgamation of environment-friendly practices, which require low external inputs, thereby contributing to increased food availability. It has a very positive influence especially on birds, insects, weeds, wildlife, and soil flora and fauna. As compared to conventional agriculture, organic farming produces cost-effective food products, free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It also provides employment opportunities and economic benefits to local communities. Organic systems give higher animal immunity and increased disease resistance to plants, with 50 % less mycotoxins in crops and a persistent shelf life. This Chapter emphasizes on use of bio-pesticides in place of chemical agents and drugs that are not only harmful for the environment but they also enter inside the food chain through the edible products and then by biological magnification continuously go on increasing in percentage. There are various plants that have potential in being used as insecticidal agents and they can prove to be an arsenal in crop management both post and pre- harvesting. Farmers need an awareness to use these biological agents as tools to enhance productivity and also increase their profits over time rather than spending heavy amounts on toxic chemicals that deteriorate the soil quality and make it unfit for future farming practices.