Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country.
Q5. Examine the significance of organic farming in promoting ecological sustainability and soil health. To what extent can organic agriculture contribute to long-term agricultural resilience in India? (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
Rising concerns regarding soil degradation, climate vulnerability, declining farm sustainability and chemical-intensive agriculture have renewed focus on organic farming as a sustainable agricultural model.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires examining how organic farming promotes ecological sustainability and improves soil health. It further demands an assessment of the extent to which organic agriculture can strengthen long-term agricultural resilience in India, along with associated challenges.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly mention the ecological crisis in Indian agriculture and the growing importance of sustainable farming approaches.
Body
- Ecological sustainability and soil health: Explain how organic farming improves soil fertility, biodiversity, water conservation and reduces chemical pollution.
- Agricultural resilience: Discuss the role of organic agriculture in climate adaptation, reducing input dependency, improving sustainability and strengthening rural livelihoods.
- Challenges and limitations: Mention issues such as transition losses, certification barriers, market access, scalability concerns and productivity constraints.
Conclusion
Conclude with the need for balancing ecological sustainability with economic viability through policy support, technology and institutional reforms.
