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Organic farming: A prototype for sustainable agriculture

ORGANIC agriculture is the use of green manure, compost, biological agriculture and biological fertilisers derived from animal waste.

The organic farming market size is expected to grow from US$150,63 billion in 2021 to US$169,04bn in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12,2%.

In addition to existing agricultural challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war created issues such as the increase in prices of fuel, food commodities and particularly agrochemical input.

A shortage of chemical fertiliser is driving up food costs and creating a crisis for countries in Africa and has many desperate farmers looking for alternatives.

The global food supply is now at risk due to the shortage of fertiliser. Many warn that feeding a growing global population in a world of climate change will only become more difficult.

This revealed that the current agricultural systems based on the use of synthetic inputs are vulnerable and not sustainable as claimed. Agriculture accounts directly for 11%-13% of greenhouse emissions and indirectly for another 12%.

Organic agriculture is challenged to unlock its potential both as a role model and a real pathway to sustainability in agriculture and food systems.

The launch of various schemes by governments of various countries across the world is promoting organic farming.

Due to the health benefits and environmental benefits offered by organic products, governments are promoting organic farming activities by launching various schemes and encouraging the population to shift towards organic products.

Organic agriculture or ecologically-based farming is the use of green manure, compost, biological agriculture and biological fertilisers derived from animal waste.

Organic farming is an alternative form of farming for crops and livestock production that does not use pesticides, artificial fertilisers, genetically modified organisms, and antibiotics to increase production. This has many benefits to the environment and the individuals using these yields.

Small-scale farmers using organic farming methods have huge potential to expand global food production and organic farming methods actively regenerate resources and protect the environment from pollution and toxic wastes.

To promote the organic sector in Africa, countries should implement the African Heads of States Decision EX.CL/Dec.621(XVII) on organic farming, which was made following the report of the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture held in Lilongwe, Malawi in 2010.

In the same alignment, the governments should consider having organic agriculture integrated into the national agricultural policy and programmes.

Green Farmer

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2022-08-11T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-08-11T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://digital.alphamedia.co.zw/article/281676848685995

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