Organic Agriculture

Organic agriculture refers to farming practices in which soil, water, plant and animal resources are used to produce good quality food, and the activities are carried out in such a way to stabilize the environment. Production of healthy foods and maintenance of the sustainable environment are the main reasons for going into organic agriculture.

Definitions
Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem heath, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activities. It emphasis the use of management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions require locally adapted systems. This is accomplished, where possible agronomic, biological and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfil any specific function within the system (FAO 1999)

Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which enhances agro-ecosystem health, utilizing both traditional and scientific knowledge. Organic  agricultural system relies on ecosystem management rather than external agricultural inputs (IFOAM, 2004).

Organic agricultural production is an overall system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources, the application of high animal welfare standards and a production method in line with preference of certain consumers for products produced using natural substances and processes. The organic production method thus plays a dual societal role, where it is on the one hand provides for a specific market responding to a consumer demand for organic products, and on the other hand delivers public goods contributing to the protection of the environment and animal welfare, as well as to rural development (EU 2007).

Aim of Organic Agriculture
The aim of organic agriculture in farming, processing, distribution and consumption is to sustain and enhance the health  of ecosystem and organisms from the smallest to human beings. The intention is to produce nutritious and high quality food that prevents diseases and contributes to well-being. As a result the use of fertilizers, pesticides, drugs and food additives that may have  adverse effects on health should avoided while producing organic foods from crops and animals.

Principles of Organic agriculture
The following principles apply to production, marketing, distribution  and consumption of organic agricultural produce and products.

The Principle of Health
The importance of organic agriculture as related to the health in farming, processing, distribution and consumption is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystem. Health is wholesomeness and integrity of living things. It is not absence of illness, but the maintenance of physical, mental, social and ecological well-being of the living organisms and ecosystem. Thus efforts should be geared toward production of nutritious and high quality food that prevents diseases and contributes to well-being.

The principle of Ecology
Wholesomeness of ecology is based on recycling of resources  and renewal of energy. Attention should be given  to  composition, removal and restoration of nutrients through a process that will add organic matter into the soil. The process involved in crop and animal production should fit into a cycle of maintaining ecological balance. In view of this materials and energy removed from the soil must be recycled in such a way to maintain the environment, improve the quality of life and conserve resources. Farming system, processing and marketing of agricultural produce and products should be done to protect the environment (landscape, climate, habitat, biodiversity, water and air) from threats  and dangers.

The Principle of Fairness
There must be fair play at all levels and among parties (farmers, workers, processors, distributors and consumers) involved in the organic agriculture. The aim is to improve the quality of life, supply good foods and other products in addition to creating enabling  environment for wealth creation and poverty alleviation. Therefore fairness is required in all dealings from production to consumption.

The Principle of Care 
The parties involved in the in the organic farming must ensure the entire process is safe, healthy, ecologically sound and reliable. Where scientific knowledge can't offer adequate solution, traditional or indigenous knowledge should be deployed to areas it offers valid solutions.

Marketing of Organic Produce/Products
Organic produce/products are so special because of their numerous health benefits. There are special channels and procedures  for marketing organic products. The produce/products are certified while farmers and processors are expected to make the products unique through description and labelling in the open markets, supermarkets and home delivery.

Benefits of organic produce/products
1 Natural, wholesome and generally contain nutrients in the right proportions.
2 Have better tastes than convectional products.
3 Have long shelf-refers. The produce or products are firm and have tendency to stay longer than the convectional products because they contain less water per unit weight.
4 Reduce damage to the environment and preserve biodiversity.
5 Reduce nutrient loss through proper recycling of resources, water management and control of erosion.
6 Renewable and sustainable with the use of renewable materials.
7 The nutrients improve health and guard against diseases.

Organic farming can be practiced in cropping system, weed management, livestock, fisheries, pest and disease management.

In pest and disease control, the followings are practised:
* Use of plant extracts
* cultural, biological and mechanical pest and disease control
* Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Disease Management (IDM)
* Use additives approved for organic use.

Read: Soil fertility management in organic agriculture

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