As the world turns health-conscious, ‘Organic’ has emerged as a beacon of change. But what does the label truly signify? Is it just a marketing trend, or a genuine commitment towards sustainability and low carbon emission?
The organic food industry has grown significantly in the last decades. India has over 1 million organic food producers, standing at the top of production.
As India nears the 2070 Net Zero Carbon Emissions target, the organic food market is expected to reach $700 million in 2025. Over the years, researchers have proven that people relate Organic with ‘Health, Humanity, the Environment, and the choice of a lifestyle that will save the planet for future generations.
This article explores the Organic lifestyle, its implications, and its effects on human health.
What is Organic Farming?
Organic production is a method of agriculture that avoids the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. It prioritizes sustainability in food production by creating a balance in nature.
This system replenishes the soil to retain its core nutrients and nurtures the biodiversity of the land. Understanding the perils of artificial fertilizers that impact the quality of the produce, people are switching to an organic way
of living.
According to Research, Organic food is potentially healthier than
conventionally harvested food. Organic varieties of certain foods provide significantly greater levels of vitamin C, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus than non-organic varieties.
A civil engineer by profession, Y.N. Prakash grows organic fruits and has created a niche market for organic food products. His brand, Prakash Organics follows natural
practices like spraying a mix of Buttermilk and Green Chilli as pest repellants instead of harmful pesticides.
Food insecurity and malnutrition have reached an all-time high, as the latest UN report states that India is home to 194.6 million
undernourished people.
The ultimate aim of organic farming is to harvest food that nurtures the food cycle, from people to animals to planets.
Benefits of Organic Living:
Organic and natural living prioritizes the health of biodiversity on Earth. It's a way of living parallelly with nature, taking into account the health and well-being of future generations as well.
Foods harvested organically provide more nutritional content. Many studies suggest that organic foods contain antioxidants and core acids that promote the well-being of the person.
A research that compared the
milk of organically vs conventionally fed cows, found that the organic whole milk contained significantly higher concentrations of heart essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Biodiversity describes the richness and diversity of living organisms that sustain life. As an important feature, it provides the essential foods, fuels, clothing, and everything necessary to retain mankind.
Organic living comprises the protection of biodiversity through sustainable living practices. As most fossil fuel-based fertilizers are
prohibited in organic farming, it has a significantly low carbon footprint.
Organic foods boost your immunity and provide a rich, flavourful taste. Because of lesser exposure to harmful chemicals, such produce boosts minimize your intake of certain hazards.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have realized the vitality of strong organic foods for immunity and health.
Your diet should include essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants that strengthen your response to illness and infections. Explore Organic food stores.
India is home to traditional agricultural practices with a history of rich practices that enriched the soil and produced nutritional food.
Ancient Sanskrit texts like ‘Krishi Parashara’ (6th AD)have provided detailed descriptions of Vedic Agriculture techniques on harvest, soil health, seeds, and plowing.
The promotion of traditional organic farming that is practiced by generations of farmers helps them sustain their culture and sustainable practices.
For instance, the Geographical indication of the organic Queen Pineapple of Tripura directly benefits 800 farmers who grow the variety in the Northeast.
Organic Certifications:
Navigating the Organic world can be difficult, especially decoding various certifications of agricultural produce. It is important to have the ability of different labels and certifications and buy the best organic food for your family.
In this section, we will break down the world of organic certifications into simple terms.
Implemented by APEDA, NPOP grants organic farming certification through a process of third-party accreditation.
It certifies bodies like ECOCERT to promote and identify organic farm practices in India. This system is equivalent to that of the US, European Commission, and Switzerland in their organic certifications.
This certification is for organic food products for farmers or communities, involving on-farm activities.
PGS is in the form of a logo or documentation.
Organic foods can be accredited internationally through certifications like USDA organic certification, IFOAM Organics, Canadian Organic Regime (COR), European Union (EU), and many more.
Conclusion:
Organic food has become synonymous with health and sustainability. Consuming a diet that is associated with less harmful chemicals and produced at their own pace, can promote your immune system.
From nutrition to low carbon emissions, an organic lifestyle has the answer to global warming and vanishing biodiversity.
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