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AKP for introduction of organic agriculturesystemAUGUST 02, 2011

RECORDER REPORT

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Peerzada Abdul Ali Zakir Usmani, President of Anjuman Kashtkaran Punjab

(AKP) has stressed the need for introduction of Organic Agriculture System (OAS) in Pakistan to bring a

green revolution as organic agriculture is considered to be a holistic food production system that sustains

the health of soils, ecosystems and people.

Taking to newsmen here the other day he said that this system is a set of natural ecological processes,

biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, which discourages the use of inputs that adversely

affects the environment.

Further, this method avoids the use of hybrid seeds, synthetic pesticides, fertilisers and genetically

modified organism to influence the growth of crops.The main objective of organic farming is to protect the earth's resources and produce safe, healthy food

with almost zero residual impact on the soil and environment.

He told that the main source of organic matter is top and roots of the plants, especially Jantar, Barseem

and Guvara (leguminous crops), while animal and poultry wastes are deemed to be a second source.Its (organic matter) chemical composition shows that it consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and content

of water.

The micro-organisms present in the soil decompose the matter that not only increase the water, but also

the air and water flow rates through fine texture present in sandy soils.

The organic matter also acts as a mulch thus reducing erosion, shades of the soil and keep it cool in

summer and warm in winter.He further said that the other way is conventional farming system

characterised by mechanisation, monocultures and the use of synthetic inputs, such as hybrid seeds,

fertilisers and pesticides, with an emphasis on maximising productivity and profitability.Scientists believe that it degrades the soil structure, texture and topography.

Therefore, besides maintaining the soil quality, the organic system sustains biodiversity.

Giving reference to International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM), he said that

organic cultivation is developing rapidly.

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The statistical data obtained from 141 countries indicate that the share of organically operated agricultural

land continues to grow in many countries.

Reportedly, "32.2 million hectares of agricultural land are managed organically by more than 1.2 million

producers, including small holders.

In addition to the agricultural land, there are 0.4 million hectares of certified organic aquaculture."

The regions with the largest areas of organically managed agricultural land are Oceania, Europe, and

Latin America.

Pakistan is quite different as the farming community here is mainly concerned with productivity, instead of

quality which usually motivates the producers to adopt farming methods that help to boost their

production/profits.

The Green Revolution in Pakistan during the 1960s brought substantial changes in the farming system.

But with the passage of time, it proved ineffective and deteriorated the soil fertility due to the excessive

use of chemical fertilisers.

Its impacts on human and animal health are also disastrous.

The improper use of pesticides started to pollute land, air and underground water resources, while pests

gradually develop resistance to chemical pesticides.

Peerzada said that he exchanged views with a number of Agriculturists and researchers who believe that

organic farming has long lasting and positive effects not only on soil texture, but also on human and

animal health.

Various studies conducted by agricultural economists to compare organic and conventional farming in

Pakistan reveal that initially the yield obtained through organic method is less than conventional method.

But over the passage of time it will either become equal or surpass the quantity obtained through

conventional method.

The organic products would also fetch prices higher than the conventionally produced products', if they

would reach in specialised organic markets.

Although the supply of animal/poultry manure in Pakistan is very low as compared to the demand.

However, proper management of the farming system can overcome the shortage specifically by growing

leguminous crops.

Regrettably, in Pakistan no specialised organic market exists where organic products can be sold at

reasonable prices.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2011