Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions
Highlight the advantages of e-technology for farmers in India. Additionally, describe the actions the government has done in this regard. (Answer in 200 words)
Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction: Briefly define agricultural marketing in India, emphasizing its role in connecting farmers with consumers. Mention that agricultural marketing includes all activities such as storage, transportation, grading, and distribution of agricultural products. 2. Significance of Agricultural Marketing in India: Reduction ...
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Model Answer Significance of Agricultural Marketing in India Agricultural marketing plays a crucial role in the Indian economy by ensuring the smooth movement of agricultural products from farms to consumers. It encompasses various activities such as assembling, grading, storage, transportation, andRead more
Model Answer
Significance of Agricultural Marketing in India
Agricultural marketing plays a crucial role in the Indian economy by ensuring the smooth movement of agricultural products from farms to consumers. It encompasses various activities such as assembling, grading, storage, transportation, and distribution, impacting both the financial and institutional aspects of agriculture.
- Reduction in Post-Harvest Losses: An efficient marketing system minimizes post-harvest losses, which currently account for 5-7% of India’s food production. By improving storage, transportation, and processing, agricultural marketing can help increase the marketable surplus and reduce wastage.
- Increase in Farm Income: A well-structured marketing system can improve price discovery, reduce the influence of middlemen, and ensure farmers receive better prices for their produce. This is critical in India, where more than half of the population is dependent on agriculture.
- Widening of Markets: Efficient agricultural marketing expands the market reach for farmers, both domestically and internationally, enabling them to access new markets and boost sales.
- Growth of Agro-based Industries: A strong marketing system supports the growth of food processing industries, which depend on agriculture for raw materials. However, only about 10% of India’s food production is processed, highlighting the need for growth in this sector.
- Adoption of New Technologies: With assured market access and better prices, farmers are more likely to invest in modern agricultural technologies, thus improving overall productivity.
Government Initiatives to Improve Agricultural Marketing
- Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM): Launched in 2014, this initiative focuses on providing farmers with access to competitive markets, infrastructure, and better price realization. It includes schemes such as Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) and Agribusiness Development.
- E-NAM (National Agriculture Market): E-NAM aims to enhance transparency, improve price discovery, and extend farmers’ market reach through a digital platform. It facilitates farmers’ access to a larger number of markets.
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): The government promotes the formation of FPOs to provide better market linkages and ensure sustainable marketing opportunities for farmers.
- Food Processing Schemes: Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) and the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLIS) support the growth of the food processing sector and the export of Indian food products.
Conclusion
The government’s initiatives are transforming the agricultural marketing landscape in India by improving market access, price discovery, and income for farmers. These efforts are expected to create a more efficient and transparent agricultural marketing system, benefiting both producers and consumers.
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define the food processing sector and its significance in India. Briefly mention the challenges faced by the sector. Fact: The food processing industry encompasses activities such as processing, preservation, packaging, and distribution of food products. (Source: Ministry of ...
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Model Answer Introduction The food processing industry in India plays a crucial role in enhancing food security and generating employment. However, it faces significant challenges, including poor supply chain linkages, inadequate infrastructure, and low levels of processing. To tackle these issues,Read more
Model Answer
Introduction
The food processing industry in India plays a crucial role in enhancing food security and generating employment. However, it faces significant challenges, including poor supply chain linkages, inadequate infrastructure, and low levels of processing. To tackle these issues, the Government of India has implemented various policy measures.
Challenges in the Food Processing Sector
- Poor Supply Chain Linkage: The lack of mechanization and proper logistics leads to over 30% wastage of agricultural produce.
- Infrastructure Bottlenecks: The food processing industry requires world-class infrastructure to minimize waste and improve efficiency, necessitating support from railways and airways.
- Unskilled Manpower: A significant gap exists in the skill set of the workforce, which needs training to meet the demands of the food processing industry.
- Quality Adherence: Low-quality grading of crops and finished products limits competitiveness and export potential.
- Low Level of Processing: Sectors like fisheries (8%), poultry (6%), and horticulture (2%) exhibit low levels of processing infrastructure.
Policy Measures
1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)
This umbrella scheme consolidates various initiatives, including Mega Food Parks and Integrated Cold Chains, aimed at enhancing the food processing sector.
2. Mega Food Parks Scheme
Designed to connect agricultural production with markets, this scheme establishes a cluster-based approach on a minimum of 50 acres, facilitating common infrastructure development.
Fact: The government covers the costs of essential facilities such as packing and labeling. (Source: Ministry of Food Processing Industries)
3. Cold Chain, Value Addition, and Preservation Infrastructure Scheme
This initiative focuses on developing pre-cooling facilities, reefer vans, and value addition centers to improve storage and processing capabilities.
4. 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Allowing 100% FDI through the automatic route enhances investment and innovation in the sector.
5. PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises
This scheme supports small micro-units engaged in food processing, helping them scale their operations.
6. Operation Greens
This initiative provides subsidies for the processing and transportation of key vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes, ensuring their availability throughout the year.
Conclusion
To foster growth in the food processing sector, addressing both demand and supply constraints is essential. The government’s comprehensive policy measures aim to enhance agricultural production and exports, making the food processing industry more profitable and sustainable.
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Purpose: Introduce the significance of livestock rearing as a means to provide non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Key Point: Highlight the current challenges faced by farmers due to declining land holdings and the potential of ...
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Model Answer Introduction Livestock rearing has significant potential to provide non-farm employment and income in rural areas of India. Given the declining size of land holdings—averaging only 1.21 ha, with 85% of farmers classified as marginal—diversifying into livestock can offer a viable alternaRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Livestock rearing has significant potential to provide non-farm employment and income in rural areas of India. Given the declining size of land holdings—averaging only 1.21 ha, with 85% of farmers classified as marginal—diversifying into livestock can offer a viable alternative for enhancing rural livelihoods.
Potential of Livestock Rearing
Economic Benefits
- Income Generation: Livestock rearing can supplement farm income significantly. For instance, dairy farming can provide consistent cash flow through monthly sales of milk. The dairy sector alone contributes around ₹8 lakh crore (approximately $100 billion) to the Indian economy (Source: National Dairy Development Board).
- Employment Creation: Livestock farming generates jobs not only in rearing but also in processing, marketing, and distribution. It has the potential to create thousands of jobs in rural areas, thereby curbing rural unemployment.
Nutritional Improvement
- Livestock provides essential nutrients to rural households, enhancing food security and nutrition. Animal products like milk, eggs, and meat are crucial for a balanced diet.
Measures to Promote Livestock Rearing
A. Financial Support and Subsidies
- Access to Credit: Provide easy access to credit for purchasing livestock and improving facilities. The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana can be expanded to include livestock-specific loans (Source: Ministry of Finance).
B. Training and Education
- Skill Development: Implement training programs to educate farmers on modern livestock management practices, veterinary care, and disease control. Initiatives like the National Livestock Mission can facilitate this (Source: Ministry of Agriculture).
C. Infrastructure Development
- Market Access: Establish local markets and cooperatives to help farmers sell their products directly, ensuring better prices and reducing middlemen. This can enhance profitability for small-scale farmers.
D. Technological Integration
- Digital Tools: Utilize technology for better disease management and tracking livestock health. Apps and platforms can provide timely information on veterinary services and market rates.
Conclusion
Promoting livestock rearing in rural India can significantly enhance non-farm employment and income. By providing financial support, training, infrastructure, and technological integration, the government can tap into this potential, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for rural communities while improving food security and nutrition.
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Enhancing the income of farmers is crucial for sustainable agriculture and rural development. Here are several strategies to achieve this: Diversification: Encouraging farmers to diversify their crops and livestock can reduce risks and increase income. Growing high-value crops, engaging in horticulture, ...
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Enhancing farmers' income requires a multifaceted approach: Adopt Modern Techniques: Use precision agriculture, high-yield seeds, and sustainable practices to boost productivity and reduce costs. Diversify Income Sources: Promote crop diversification, animal husbandry, and agro-forestry to mitigateRead more
Enhancing farmers’ income requires a multifaceted approach:
- Adopt Modern Techniques: Use precision agriculture, high-yield seeds, and sustainable practices to boost productivity and reduce costs.
- Diversify Income Sources: Promote crop diversification, animal husbandry, and agro-forestry to mitigate risks and stabilize income.
- Improve Market Access: Establish farmers’ markets, leverage e-commerce, and focus on value addition to cut out middlemen and reach broader markets.
- Access to Credit and Insurance: Provide microfinance and crop insurance to support financial needs and protect against losses.
- Government Support: Offer subsidies, grants, and fair pricing mechanisms like Minimum Support Price (MSP) to ensure stable income and reduce financial burden.
- Training and Education: Provide extension services and knowledge-sharing platforms to equip farmers with modern techniques and best practices.
- Infrastructure Development: Invest in irrigation, storage, and transportation to minimize post-harvest losses and improve market accessibility.
- Community Approaches: Form cooperatives and self-help groups to enhance bargaining power, reduce costs, and provide social support.
- Technological Integration: Utilize mobile apps and digital payment systems for real-time information and secure transactions.
- Research and Development: Invest in agricultural R&D to develop innovative farming techniques and improved crop varieties.
These strategies collectively can significantly enhance farmers’ income.
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Purpose: Introduce the importance of the food processing industry in India and its role in linking agriculture and industry. Key Point: Highlight the challenges faced in marketing and supply chain management that hinder industry growth. Relevant Facts: The food ...
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Model Answer Introduction The food processing industry is vital for India's economic development, linking agriculture and industry. However, it faces significant challenges in marketing and supply chain management that hinder its growth. Issues in Agricultural Marketing and Supply Chain Management PRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The food processing industry is vital for India’s economic development, linking agriculture and industry. However, it faces significant challenges in marketing and supply chain management that hinder its growth.
Issues in Agricultural Marketing and Supply Chain Management
- Poor Transportation Infrastructure: The fragmented market and inadequate mandi linkages impede the efficient transportation of perishable goods. There is also a lack of a multi-modal transport system.
- Accessibility: Farmers are restricted to selling in government-designated Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) market-yards, limiting their market access.
- Intermediaries: Farmers often lack direct access to markets, leading to exploitation by intermediaries and organized traders who dominate the market.
- Information Asymmetry: Irregular information flow between buyers and sellers results in corrupt practices and inaccurate data.
- Lack of Storage Infrastructure: Insufficient storage facilities lead to significant post-harvest losses due to spoilage.
- Dominance of Small-Scale Industries: The food processing sector is primarily composed of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that struggle with access to credit, outdated technology, and skilled labor shortages.
- Informalization: A high concentration of unorganized segments (approximately 75%) causes inefficiencies in production systems.
Role of E-Commerce in Overcoming Bottlenecks
E-commerce can address many of these challenges:
- Middlemen Elimination: By connecting farmers directly to consumers, e-commerce reduces the role of intermediaries, allowing farmers to retain more profits.
- Aggregation: E-commerce platforms can aggregate multiple farmers, enhancing their market presence and bargaining power.
- Quality Improvement: E-commerce can incentivize farmers to produce higher-quality crops by offering better prices for premium products.
- Increased Sales Options: E-commerce provides farmers with more avenues for selling their products, reducing reliance on traditional markets.
- Price Transparency: Mobile alerts about market prices can help correct information asymmetry, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation.
- Monitoring Technologies: Technologies like RFID and GPS can improve inventory management and tracking in warehouses.
- Wider Market Access: E-commerce platforms offer farmers a nationwide market, ensuring equal pricing for quality produce.
Conclusion
E-commerce has the potential to transform the agricultural marketing landscape in India, benefiting both farmers and consumers. By bridging technological gaps and enhancing market access, it can significantly improve the income and livelihoods of farmers.
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Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a beacon of hope in the face of a changing climate, offering a paradigm shift towards sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize food security, environmental stewardship, and rural development. CSA's transformative impact can be seen in the folloRead more
Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a beacon of hope in the face of a changing climate, offering a paradigm shift towards sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize food security, environmental stewardship, and rural development. CSA’s transformative impact can be seen in the following ways:
- Climate Resilience: CSA helps farmers adapt to climate-related challenges by promoting practices like agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and climate-resilient crop and animal varieties. This enables farmers to maintain yields and incomes despite extreme weather events.
- Soil Health: CSA emphasizes soil conservation and restoration through techniques like no-till or reduced-till farming, organic amendments, and cover cropping. This improves soil fertility, structure, and biodiversity, reducing erosion and increasing water retention.
- Water Efficiency: CSA promotes water-saving technologies like drip irrigation and precision irrigation, enabling farmers to optimize water use and reduce waste.
- Biodiversity Conservation: CSA encourages the conservation and use of diverse crop and animal species, maintaining ecosystem services and supporting pollinators, beneficial insects, and wildlife.
- Rural Development: CSA fosters rural development by creating economic opportunities for smallholder farmers, improving their livelihoods, and enhancing social cohesion within communities.
- Policy Alignment: CSA informs policy-making by providing scientific evidence on the impacts of climate change on agriculture and the benefits of climate-resilient practices.
- Global Partnerships: CSA has brought together governments, international organizations, NGOs, and private sector actors to share knowledge, technologies, and resources, amplifying its global impact.
Is reviving the livestock industry the answer to improving Indian farmers’ income and ensuring a sustainable way of life? Provide evidence to back up your response.(Answer in 150 words)
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Indeed, reinvigorating the livestock industry may well be one of the ways to assure a sustainable livelihood and boost the earnings of Indian farmers. The following are some grounds in support of this claim: Diversification of Income: Livestock farming offers a regular source of income that is not dRead more
Indeed, reinvigorating the livestock industry may well be one of the ways to assure a sustainable livelihood and boost the earnings of Indian farmers. The following are some grounds in support of this claim:
Diversification of Income:
Livestock farming offers a regular source of income that is not dependent on crop failures during different seasons. This helps to mitigate the risks associated with purely agricultural-based economies that depend on crops for sustenance.
Nutritional Security:
Milk, meat, and eggs from livestock provide nutrition security by supplying essential nutrients often missing in cereal-based diets, hence leading to overall improved health and productivity within farming communities.
Employment Generation:
The potential for employment creation is enormous in the livestock sector, particularly in rural areas. The sector includes farmers as well as others involved in activities like feed production, veterinary services, and processing industries.
Women’s Empowerment:
In this line of business, women make a significant contribution towards animal husbandry, thus making it highly relevant for their empowerment. A higher involvement of women, together with appropriate resources and training, will promote better handling of animals, thereby raising household incomes.
Marginal Land Utilization:
This is the use of marginal lands and non-arable lands that are not fit for crop farming. It helps to improve land use efficiency and contributes towards improved agricultural productivity.
Value Addition:
Processing and marketing of animal products can lead to value addition, hence increasing income among farmers. Cheese, yogurt, and processed meats, among other products, have a wider market base and higher prices.
Government Initiatives and Support:
The Indian government has put in place various programs like the National Livestock Mission and the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, which enhance various schemes in support of the livestock sector. These programs are directed towards improving livestock productivity, health, and access to markets, thus enhancing favorable conditions for farmers.
Environmental Sustainability:
Properly managed animal husbandry can be part of environmental sustainability. Integrated farming systems practice where livestock waste is utilized as organic manure reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers besides promoting soil health.To sum it up, re-energizing the livestock industry could be a strategic approach that would enable sustainable livelihoods as well as increase the income of Indian farmers. It presents various advantages, like economic stability, job creation, gender equality, and environmental protection. However, this demands a joint effort in availing adequate resources, training, and policy support towards harnessing the potential of the livestock sector.
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Talk about the steps the government has taken to address the issues of the digital divide and farmers’ lack of technological literacy, especially in light of the growing emphasis on the use of technology-based interventions in the agricultural sector. You ...
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Measures to Address the Digital Divide and Technological Literacy Among Farmers Introduction The increasing emphasis on technology-based interventions in agriculture aims to boost productivity and efficiency. However, challenges related to the digital divide and technological literacy among farmersRead more
Measures to Address the Digital Divide and Technological Literacy Among Farmers
Introduction
The increasing emphasis on technology-based interventions in agriculture aims to boost productivity and efficiency. However, challenges related to the digital divide and technological literacy among farmers need to be addressed to ensure equitable access and inclusive adoption. This discussion explores the measures taken by the Indian government to bridge these gaps and evaluates their effectiveness.
Government Measures to Address the Digital Divide and Technological Literacy
- Digital Infrastructure Development:
- BharatNet Project: The BharatNet project aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to rural areas, including agricultural regions. By laying optical fiber cables across the country, the project seeks to improve digital access for farmers.
- Common Service Centres (CSCs): CSCs are established to provide digital services in rural areas. They offer various services including internet access, e-governance services, and digital literacy training. As of 2023, there are over 4 lakh CSCs operating across India.
- Technology-Based Agricultural Interventions:
- eNAM (Electronic National Agriculture Market): eNAM is an online trading platform that connects farmers with markets across the country. It facilitates transparent pricing and reduces the role of middlemen. By August 2024, over 1,000 mandis are integrated with eNAM.
- Kisan Suvidha App: The Kisan Suvidha App provides farmers with timely information on weather forecasts, crop prices, and agricultural advisories. It helps farmers make informed decisions and manage their resources better.
- Training and Capacity Building:
- Digital India Programme: Under the Digital India Programme, the government has initiated various training programs to enhance digital literacy among farmers. Workshops and training sessions focus on using digital tools and platforms effectively.
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): KVKs play a critical role in training farmers on new technologies and best practices. They conduct field demonstrations and provide hands-on training to enhance technological literacy.
- Financial and Incentive Schemes:
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): While primarily an insurance scheme, PMFBY incorporates technology by offering online claim processing and updates. This helps in making the scheme more accessible and user-friendly.
- Subsidies for Agricultural Machinery: The government provides subsidies for purchasing advanced agricultural machinery and equipment through schemes like the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM). This helps in reducing the cost burden and encourages adoption.
Evaluation of Effectiveness
- Improving Access and Connectivity:
- Positive Impact: Projects like BharatNet and CSCs have made significant strides in improving digital infrastructure and access in rural areas. For instance, CSCs have provided essential digital services to remote locations, bridging the connectivity gap.
- Challenges: Despite progress, connectivity issues persist in some regions due to infrastructure constraints and geographical challenges. Ensuring consistent and reliable internet access remains a challenge.
- Enhancing Technological Literacy:
- Increased Awareness: Programs like the Digital India Programme and training by KVKs have increased awareness and literacy among farmers. The introduction of eNAM has empowered farmers with better market access and pricing information.
- Adoption Barriers: Technological literacy varies among farmers, with some still facing challenges in using digital tools effectively. Factors such as language barriers, low digital literacy, and resistance to change affect adoption rates.
- Ensuring Equitable Access:
- Supportive Measures: Schemes like PMFBY and subsidies for machinery help reduce financial barriers and promote the adoption of technology. These measures support farmers in leveraging technology for better outcomes.
- Need for Inclusivity: To ensure equitable access, there is a need for targeted initiatives that address the specific needs of marginalized and less-tech-savvy farmers. Ensuring that technology is accessible in local languages and tailored to diverse agricultural practices is crucial.
Recent Examples and Initiatives
- AI-Powered Advisory Services:
- The ICAR’s Crop Pest Advisory App, which uses artificial intelligence to predict pest outbreaks and provide real-time recommendations, has been widely adopted in regions like Maharashtra and Punjab, enhancing farmers’ decision-making capabilities.
- Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency:
- AgriDigital, a blockchain-based platform, is being piloted in Karnataka to improve transparency and efficiency in agricultural supply chains. This initiative aims to reduce fraud and ensure fair pricing for farmers.
Conclusion
The Indian government has implemented various measures to address the digital divide and enhance technological literacy among farmers. Projects like BharatNet, digital literacy programs, and technology-based interventions such as eNAM have made notable progress. However, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and comprehensive adoption of these technologies. Continued efforts to improve infrastructure, provide targeted training, and address specific barriers will be essential in maximizing the benefits of technological advancements in agriculture and ensuring that all farmers can participate in and benefit from these innovations.
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You'll see signs reading "Certified Organic" in big letters as you enter any farmers' market. Despite being much more expensive than its non-organic equivalents, organic agriculture has grown to become the most popular alternative farming method globally. Organic agriculture is a method of farming tRead more
You’ll see signs reading “Certified Organic” in big letters as you enter any farmers’ market. Despite being much more expensive than its non-organic equivalents, organic agriculture has grown to become the most popular alternative farming method globally.
Organic agriculture is a method of farming that improves the ecosystem, soil, and human health. Organic farmers rely on natural cycles, processes, and biodiversity that are adapted to local conditions rather than man made inputs like chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are used in inorganic farming to boost crop productivity but are not allowed in organic farming.
The main distinction between conventional and organic farming is the use of chemicals in conventional farming to control weeds and pests and provide plant nutrition. There are also artificial fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides. On the other hand, organic farming relies on organic principles like biodiversity and composting to create a plentiful supply of nutritious food.
Crop rotation enhances soil fertilization and keeps the soil fertile, which is why organic farmers employ natural fertilizers. Because of the usage of synthetic pesticides and soil exploitation, inorganic farming land and soil deteriorate over time.
The main difference between organic and inorganic farming is the procedures used in organic farming do not involve any animal cruelty. Inorganic farming often injects antibiotics into livestock.
Crop rotations, the use of composted animal manures, and green manure crops are techniques that organic farmers use in ways that are economically viable in today’s culture. In organic production, which emphasizes whole system health, the interaction of management techniques is the main problem. Organic farmers employ a range of methods to create and sustain biological diversity as well as to restore soil fertility.
Inorganic and organic farming practices have varying effects on the environment and people. Inorganic agriculture has an impact on increased greenhouse gas emissions, soil erosion, water pollution, and human health. In addition to avoiding dangerous pesticide residues, organic farming enhances soil health, lowers carbon emissions, and replenishes natural ecosystems for cleaner water and air.
Both organic and inorganic farming use the same techniques for harvesting, managing water resources, and preparing the land. Fertilizers used by organic farmers include paddy, husk, charcoal, gliricidia leaves, rice straw, etc. Non-organic agriculture uses fertilizers including urea, MOP, and TSP. The goal of modern or organic farming is to increase the soil’s fertility, safety, and health, protect the environment, and give people access to foods that are chemical-free and high in nutrition.
You might be wondering what impact you could have in this circumstance. The farming industry is governed by the same demand-supply relationship as all other industries. If you help increase the market for goods grown organically, farmers won’t have much of an option but to adapt to modern farming practices. If you must choose between the two, choose organic foods over those produced by conventional farming. Everything starts with you.
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