Benefits of Organic Farming

Organic farming is a form of agriculture that relies on sustainable techniques to enhance the natural fertility of a farm, including crop rotation, companion planting, biological pest control, and naturally-sourced fertilisers such as compost, manure, green manure, and bone meal.

Pest-control measures such as mixed crops and fostering natural insect predators, as well as naturally-sourced pesticides such as pyrethrin, are employed, while it excludes or BIO strictly limits the use of synthetic petrochemical fertilisers and pesticides, plant growth regulators such as hormones, antibiotic use in livestock, genetically modified organisms; human sewage sludge, and nano materials.

The agricultural approach emphasises sustainability, openness, independence, health, and safety.

The conservation of natural resources and biodiversity is a core principle of organic production. Three broad management practices (prohibition/reduced use of chemical pesticides and inorganic fertilisers; sympathetic management of non-cropped habitats; and preservation of mixed farming) that are largely intrinsic (but not exclusive) to organic farming are particularly beneficial for farmland wildlife.

In a research report, “Does organic farming benefit biodiversity?”, using practices that attract or introduce beneficial insects, provide habitat for birds and mammals, and provide conditions that increase soil biotic diversity serve to supply vital ecological services to organic production systems.

Advantages to certified organic operations that implement these types of production practices include: decreased dependence on outside fertility inputs; reduced pest management costs; more reliable sources of clean water; and better pollination.

·         Nearly all non-crop, naturally occurring species observed in comparative farm land practice studies show a preference for organic farming both by abundance and diversity.

·         An average of 30 percent more species inhabits organic farms. Birds, butterflies, soil microbes, beetles, earthworms, spiders, vegetation, and mammals are particularly affected.

·         Lack of herbicides and pesticides improve biodiversity fitness and population density. Many weed species attract beneficial insects that improve soil qualities and forage on weed pests.

·         Soil-bound organisms often benefit because of increased bacteria populations due to natural fertiliser such as manure, while experiencing reduced intake of herbicides and pesticides.

·         Increased biodiversity, especially from beneficial soil microbes and mycorrhizae have been proposed as an explanation for the high yields experienced by some organic plots, especially in light of the differences seen in a 21-year comparison of organic and control fields.

·         Biodiversity from organic farming provides capital to humans. Species found in organic farms enhance sustainability by reducing human input (e.g., fertilisers, pesticides).

Organic agricultural methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced by many nations, based in large part on the standards set by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), an international umbrella organisation for organic farming organisations established in 1972.

Sikkim Become India;s First Official Organic State

Sikkim is the first fully organic state of India. Believe it or not, the landlocked state in Eastern India has done what many other states could not. Sikkim is now a completely organic state officially. Though the state attained the status in December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the official announcement during his maiden visit to the state of Sikkim.

Sikkim is a landlocked state nestled in Himalayas with no train or commercial flight connectivity till date. But Sikkim managed to succeed in its mission overcoming all the obstacles. Around 12 years ago, in 2003, the then government took this decision through a declaration in the legislative assembly. And the journey began. Over the years around 75000 hectares of land has been converted into certified organic farms following the guidelines as prescribed by National Programme for Organic Production. However it had struggles. Though sikkimese farmers never depended on chemicals heavily but there was the use of synthetic fertilizers. It was when the state banned its use that the farmers were compelled to go the organic way. Organic cultivation doesn't involve the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers and thus helps to maintain a harmonious balance among the various complex ecosystems. Also it has improved the quality of the soil which further improves the standards of the crops produced there. Within 1.24 million tones of organic production in the country around 80,000 million is supplied by Sikkim alone.

As an entirely organic it can now boast of being a state where the tourists can savor fresh organic vegetables in the heart of Himalaya. Sustainable farming goes a step ahead as it provides environmental protection, bio diversity conservation and better agricultural products. It also lowers down pollution thus maintaining the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan state.

Bestowed with varied agro-climatic conditions, some of the major crops produced in Sikkim are cardamom, ginger, turmeric, off-season vegetables, flowers, Sikkim mandarin, kiwi, buck wheat, paddy maize and millets.

Setting an example for the entire nation,Sikkim now join hands with the organic states of the foreign countries like California, Wisconsin among others. Several other parts of India now also inspire the same and working hard to achieve the status. Leading the race is Kerala followed by Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.

Skin Benefits of Castor Oil

Castor oil is one of the few natural products that fight several ailments. Here are the 7 amazing uses and skin benefits of castor oil in our daily lives:

1. Skin Problems:

Castor oil is a boon when it comes to skin problems like sunburn, acne, dry skin and stretch marks. It also helps evade infections like warts, boils, athlete’s foot and chronic itching. To treat problems like sun burn, warts, yeast infections, fungal infections or acne, follow these simple steps:

·         Take a cotton wool ball

·         Dip it in castor oil

·         Apply directly to the affected skin area.

·         Leave it on for an hour

·         Wash off clearly after an hour.

·         Repeat this in the morning and night for faster results.

If the affected area is small – soak a band-aid in castor oil and apply it on the affected area. Finally cover it with a clean one.

If the affected area is large – soak a cloth in castor oil and place on the affected area for an hour before washing off.

2. Ringworm:

Castor oil effectively treats ringworm, a common and stubborn skin problem across all age groups. The active compound called undecylenic acid, found in castor oil, helps treat ringworm successfully. Here is a step-by-step guide to its use:

·         Dilute 2 teaspoons of castor oil in 4 teaspoons of coconut oil.

·         Alternatively, you can wash castor leaves in water and soak them in coconut oil for few hours, and then heat gently.

·         Apply over the affected area and cover with a cotton cloth.

·         Keep it overnight for best results.

·         Repeat this procedure until cured completely.

3. Wrinkles and Fine Lines:

Castor oil, when applied to the skin, penetrates deep and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. This in turn helps soften and hydrate our skin. It delays the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making the skin smoother, softer and younger. The fine lines around the eye area can be treated with its application. For best results, apply it everyday, after washing your face, over wrinkles and fine lines. You may also apply castor oil for skin before bed daily.

4. Acne:

Castor oil is rich in Ricinoleic acid, which fights off the acne-causing bacteria. It effectively penetrates the skin layers, making it an excellent remedy for acne. To use castor oil for skin:

·         Wash your face with warm water, as this will help open your pores.

·         Simply massage your face in a circular motion with the oil.

·         Keep it overnight.

·         Wash off your face the next morning with cold water.

5. Moisturizer:

Castor oil is a wonderful moisturizer. The high concentrated fatty acids penetrate the skin easily. This helps remove dry patches and restores hydration of the skin. Only a little amount of castor oil is required for this purpose. Here’s a quick tip:

·         Apply a few drops on face.

·         Massage it well on your skin every night.

·         Just follow the above steps to wake up to smooth, supple and revitalized skin every morning.

6. Fade Scars:

Castor oil is often used for fading scars. Though it works slowly in this regard (needs to be used regularly to see prominent results), it can produce permanent solution naturally. The fatty acids it contains penetrate deep within the scar tissue and plump it out while encouraging the growth of healthy tissues around it. It helps the scar diminish slowly.

7. Pigmentation:

Dermatologists around the world recommend castor oil because of its ability to reduce pigmentation. Castor oil is crammed with fatty acids, specifically omega-3 fatty acid, which are the magic ingredient that helps reduce pigmentation as they pierce the scar tissue and pump it out. These omega-3s hydrate the skin, while stimulating the growth of healthy tissue, thus giving you blemish free and supple skin.