Organic Farming vs Conventional Farming
Farming involves cultivating crops and raising livestock for food, fiber, and other products to sustain human life. With the advancement of civilization, different farming systems have evolved. Conventional farming was introduced during the Green Revolution to meet the rapidly increasing demand for agricultural products. However, a few decades later, agricultural scientists recognized the ecological damage and negative health effects of conventional farming and introduced organic farming systems. Most principles of organic farming come from the original system practiced for thousands of years.
Organic Farming
Organic farming produces agricultural products naturally, without using synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms to influence crop growth or livestock production. The main focus behind this system is to produce safe, healthy food for consumption while reducing agriculture-based environmental pollution to zero.
Conventional Farming
Conventional farming aims to achieve the highest productivity possible using modern technology, without considering food safety and environmental pollution. The application of synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms, and integrated pest management systems is common in conventional farming.
What is the difference between Organic Farming and Conventional Farming?
The two main components of both farming systems are crop and livestock production. However, in conventional farming, synthetic agrochemicals such as inorganic fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, and growth promoters are commonly used. Organic farming does not use synthetic agrochemicals and relies on organic fertilizers, certified bio-fertilizers, and naturally produced pesticides. Genetically modified organisms produced through recombinant DNA technology are not allowed in organic farming, but there are no such restrictions in conventional farming.
There are national and international standards for organic farming, but no such standards exist for conventional farming. Farmers must obtain a certificate before selling their organic farming produce, certifying that their agricultural operations comply with organic farming standards. It takes a few years to convert a conventional farm into an organic farm, and the farming system is continuously supervised. No such certification system or supervision applies to conventional farming. However, certified organic products are more expensive than conventional products.
Organic farming is an eco-friendly system that employs soil and water conservation approaches, biodiversity conservation approaches, and other methods to reduce environmental pollution to zero. Such approaches are not common in conventional farming, which contributes significantly to environmental pollution.
In organic farming, agricultural practices such as crop rotation, biological pest control, and biodynamic concepts are commonly employed. Such practices are rare in conventional farming. Organic farming is more labor-intensive and yields lower output compared to conventional farming.
Key Takeaways
– Organic farming is eco-friendly and produces safe, healthy food, while conventional farming focuses on maximizing productivity without considering food safety and environmental pollution.
– Organic farming does not use synthetic agrochemicals or genetically modified organisms, while conventional farming relies on these methods for crop growth and livestock production.
– National and international standards exist for organic farming, but there are no such standards for conventional farming. Organic products must be certified, making them more expensive than conventional products.
