Why organic products are an attractive option for eco-conscious consumers

Sustainability has emerged as the prevailing trend across industries and it is equally making waves in the agricultural sector through the adoption of organic farming practicesWith Indian consumers becoming conscious of sustainable lifestyle choices the nutritive value of food items is emerging as their primary concern Consequently organic farming is gaining traction across the country as a feasible alternative to traditionally grown food cultivated using pesticides artificial growth hormones and other harmful chemicalsOrganic Farming a holistic approach towards sustainable food productionOrganic farming is a sustainable agricultural practice based on ecologically friendly methods It involves growing crops naturally without using chemical pesticides synthetic fertilisers or genetically modified organisms GMOsIt embraces the use of organic waste biofertilizers bioboosters and biopesticides to foster ecologically sustainable agricultural practices and create an environment that allows diverse plant and animal species to flourish It also incorporates practices like crop rotation and organic manure to facilitate sustainable farmingThe growing awareness of health hazards associated with pesticides and chemical fertilisers is catapulting Indiarsquos organic farming sector to new heights Furthermore the increased nutritional content found in organic food coupled with the reduced exposure to pesticides is driving the popularity of organic farming among healthconscious consumers in IndiaOrganic Farming a thriving sector in IndiaOrganic farming in India holds immense potential for organic producers A report by IMARC Group reveals that Indias organic food market has witnessed substantial growth reaching US 1278 million in 2022It will likely expand and reach US 4602 million by 2028 exhibiting a CAGR of 23837 from 2023 to 2028 Another report by IFOAM Organics revealed that India was one of the top three countries in 2020 to experience significant growth in the land area dedicated to organic agricultureFurthermore as India takes on the G20 presidency it shoulders the crucial task of addressing food insecurity with a strong dedication to promoting organic and natural farming practices for the betterment of farmers and the agricultural sectorTo that end the Central Government is set to unveil a novel initiative known as the PM PRANAM Prime Ministers Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management Yojana scheme This innovative program aims to save the soil and promote the balanced use of traditional fertilizers alongside biofertilizers and organic fertilizersWith a substantial budget of Rs 3701287 crores this endeavour will not only ensure food security but also prioritise environmental sustainability by optimising agricultural practices Hence forwardthinking farmers in India are capitalising on sustainable farming by tapping into its potentialIndiarsquos gradual transition towards organic farming is driven by several positive health impacts Below are some of the factors motivating the shift towards organic agricultural practicesOrganic foods are toxinfree Chemical fertilisers composed of antibiotics and hormones can cause severe health disorders in the long run which may also prove fatal For instance pesticide residues in urine may cause ADHD in children It may also reduce sperm count in malesOrganic farming on the other hand is free of toxins as it employs natural and costeffective alternatives known as biofertilizers The living microorganisms in bio fertilisers enhance the soils health and fertility besides providing plants with the required nutritionFurthermore research indicates that organic food consumption reduces exposure to approximately 700 harmfulchemicals found in traditionally cultivated fruits and vegetables Scientific studies also reveal that organic foods are 5037 less likely to contain toxic heavy metals such as cadmium which is a known carcinogenOrganic foods contain high antioxidants Organic foods are abundant in antioxidant compounds that protect our cells from free radicals known for accelerating chronic conditions such as cancer and heart ailmentsResearch from Newcastle University reveals that organic foods have approximately 6037 higher levels of antioxidants compared to conventionally cultivated crops Additionally the absence of chemical fertilisers and pesticides makes organic foods rich in phytochemicals that reduce the risk of many health disordersEnvironmental impact of organic farming Mankinds overall wellbeing is significantly impacted by environmental health Organic farming relies on healthy practices for safeguarding our planet It plays a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity and conserving soil to foster a sustainable and diverse ecosystem Furthermore organic farmers leverage soilbuilding practices such as crop rotation and composting to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while concurrently enhancing soil quality and minimising erosionBesides creating healthier soil organic farming techniques increase carbon sequestration thus promoting overall environmental wellbeing Moreover it contributes to water conservation by utilising methods such as mulching and cover cropping which help retain soil moisture thus reducing the reliance on irrigationIn an era marked by growing environmental concerns organic farming shines as a beacon of sustainability Furthermore the exponential surge in Indiarsquos population poses significant challenges in ensuring an adequate food supply for everyone Consequently prioritising sustainable food cultivation methods to meet the countryrsquos growing food requirements is the pressing need of the hourNevertheless the higher production costs make organic foods expensive That said the personal and environmental benefits of organic foods make them an attractive option among health and ecoconscious consumersManinder Singh Founder amp CEO CEF GroupThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever