Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
*Email: krishnajangid311@gmail.com
Online published on 30 November, 2016.
Food is the main component for the healthy and developing society. Present agricultural products are contaminated by somany synthetic agrochemicals for earning as well as productivity higher. The residues of these chemical fertilizers and pesticides are affecting human health through the dining tables and breast feeding by mother to baby. These chemically produced foods have not only lower nutritional value but toxic residues also which are harmful to human health. Many research communities are interested to return back to the traditional agriculture system such as organic farming. Organic farming provides an eco friendly and sustainable agriculture system in which chemically synthesized fertilizers and pesticides are not used. It is totally based on organic material which produces fresh and healthy food. According to FiBL-IFOAM survey (2012) on certified organic agriculture, 164 countries are involved in organic farming with the area of 37.5 million hectares worldwide. Organic food has more antioxidants and vitamins which develop immunity and protect the body from diseases. Organic food reduces the chance of many diseases such as overweight, obesity, cancer and diabetes by promoting healthy cell division, efficiency of endocrine system and healthy immune system. Organic foods are more healthful, tasty and eco-friendly than conventionally grown food. Indian government has promoted the organic farming by using organic wastes, integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated nutrient management (INM) practices in the 10th Five-Year Plan. Organic farming is a better resource of nutrients than its consequent conventional farming. Organic farming may be more costly initially but in long term, it has proved more cost effective. Organic foods have more nutritional value in the form of beneficial secondary metabolites, micronutrients and fatty acidleading to better human health.
Agrochemicals, Eco-friendly, Nutrients, Organic farming, Sustainable agriculture