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Organic Farming vs Conventional Farming: Pros & Cons
As farming evolves, farmers are faced with two main options: organic and conventional farming. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but their impact on the environment, crop quality and financial sustainability is still up for debate.
This article discusses the pros and cons of organic and conventional farming and how initiatives like PMFBY crop insurance provide a safety net for farmers.
What is Organic Farming?Organic methods of farming grow crops without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This type of farming is important for sustainability, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. Organic farming focuses on creating a balance between humans and nature.
Pros and Cons of Organic Farming| Pros | Cons |
| Uses natural pest control, benefiting the environment | Higher costs for farmers and consumers |
| Promotes soil health and biodiversity | Lower yields compared to conventional farming |
| No synthetic pesticides, which leads to healthier produce | Requires more labour and time due to organic methods that require manual labour |
In order for farmers to sell their products as “organic,” they must meet strict standards and receive organic certification. This certification ensures that farmers follow practices such as crop rotation, composting, and pest control. The certification process can be long and expensive, but it assures consumers that the products they are purchasing were grown organically.
What is Conventional Farming?Conventional agriculture is the most common type of agriculture. Farmers rely on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and advanced technology to maximize yields. It often involves practices such as monoculture farming and the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While conventional agriculture is known for its low cost, it has raised concerns about its long-term environmental impacts.
Pros and Cons of Conventional Farming| Pros | Cons |
| High crop yields and efficiency | Contributes to soil degradation and pollution |
| Less labour-intensive due to the use of machines | Dependence on chemical inputs, including pesticides |
| Lower costs for consumers | Greater use of synthetic fertilisers, impacting ecosystems |
Related Blog: 9 Tips For Protecting Crops from Heavy Rains
Key Differences Between Organic and Conventional Farming| Aspect | Organic Farming | Conventional Farming |
| Use of Inputs | Relies on natural inputs like compost, cover crops, and beneficial insects. | Utilizes synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to enhance growth. |
| Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) | Prohibits the use of GMOs. | Frequently employs GMOs to improve yield and pest resistance. |
| Environmental Impact | Generally more environmentally friendly; promotes biodiversity and reduces pollution. | Associated with higher greenhouse gas emissions, soil erosion, and water pollution. |
| Yields | Typically lower yields are due to natural farming methods. | Higher yields due to the use of synthetic inputs designed for enhanced productivity. |
| Cost | Often more expensive due to labour-intensive practices and natural inputs. | Generally lower costs due to cheaper synthetic inputs and larger-scale production. |
Launched in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides comprehensive crop insurance to Indian farmers, protecting them from losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. This scheme stabilizes farmers' incomes and encourages innovative practices like organic farming.
Key Features of PMFBY:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers all non-preventable risks, from pre-sowing to post-harvest losses, including prevented sowing, standing crops, and post-harvest losses.
- Affordable Premiums: Farmers pay a subsidized premium—2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial crops. The government covers the remainder.
- Technological Integration: Uses remote sensing, smartphones, and drones for accurate crop loss assessments and fast claim settlements. Crop insurance apps help farmers enroll, file claims, and access real-time updates.
Also Read: PMFBY Crop Insurance – A Quick Summary on Registration, Eligibility & Documents
Conclusion
Organic and conventional farming each have their pros and cons. While organic farming supports sustainability, conventional farming provides efficiency. Regardless of the method, the PMFBY crop insurance scheme is vital for protecting farmers' livelihoods, and SBI General Insurance offers reliable coverage to safeguard their investments.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between organic and conventional farming?Organic farming avoids synthetic inputs and focuses on sustainability, while conventional farming uses chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase yield and efficiency.
2. How does organic farming benefit the environment compared to conventional farming?Organic farming techniques promote soil health, and biodiversity, and reduce pollution by avoiding synthetic chemicals, whereas conventional farming can degrade soil and lead to pollution.
3. What types of crops are covered under PMFBY for organic and conventional farming?PMFBY covers both organic and conventional crops, protecting against natural calamities, pests, and diseases.
4. Are insurance premiums different for organic farming under PMFBY?Yes, organic farming may have slightly higher premiums under PMFBY due to the higher market value of organic crops.
5. How does PMFBY help reduce financial risks for conventional farmers?PMFBY offers compensation for crop losses due to adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases, helping conventional farmers mitigate financial risks.
6. What challenges do organic farmers face that are addressed by PMFBY?Organic farmers face challenges such as lower yields and vulnerability to pests, which PMFBY addresses by offering crop insurance to cover losses.
7. How can farmers enroll in PMFBY, whether they practice organic or conventional farming?Farmers can enroll in PMFBY through government channels or use crop insurance apps to simplify the registration process and manage their policies easily.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
