Page 10 - Nai Udaan march 2023

Key Needs for Organic Farming but it has since grown into a thriving little
oasis. I’ve got tomatoes, peppers, bitter
Organic farming relies on specific practices gourd , ridged gourd, okra, grapes,
and materials that differ from conventional mousumi, brinjal, , pomegranate, melon,
agriculture. The following are some of the garlic, herbs like basil, mint, and coriander,
key needs for organic farming: and even a little lemon tree.
- Rotation and cover cropping to build
soil health and fertility, multilayer cropping Every day, I spend time tending to my
in a single pot plants, checking for any pests, watering,
- Use of compost, green manures, and and fertilizing with compost and organic
other natural soil amendments to provide fertilizers like homemade compost, left
nutrients. over tea, coffee.
- Coconut husk acts as a good bed cover
for plants as it retains moisture for a long The hard work is worth it when I see the
time. fruits (literally!) of my labor. Not only
- Use of natural pest and disease control does my terrace garden provide fresh,
methods like neem oil spray , garlic and healthy food for me and my family, but it
onion solution helps in preventing pests also provides a peaceful retreat and a
and does not harm beneficial insects and source of joy. It’s amazing to watch the
crop diversity. plants grow and change day by day, and
- Avoidance of synthetic fertilizers, to see the wildlife that is attracted to my
pesticides, and genetically modified garden. Having an organic terrace garden
organisms , makes gardening low cost. has taught me so much about nature,
- Attention to soil conservation and water sustainability, and self-sufficiency. It’s a
management small step I’ve taken to live a more envi-
- Access to markets that value and ronmentally-friendly and self-sufficient
support organic products. life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Organic farming requires a different
approach to farming than conventional Organic Farming in School
methods and requires patience,
persistence, and a commitment to My own organic garden experience
long-term soil health. helped me a lot to start organic farming in
school with students and teachers.
My Organic Terrace Garden Starting an organic garden in school is a
great way to educate students about the
My terrace organic garden is my pride and joy. benefits of sustainable agriculture and the
It’s a small but flourishing space filled with a importance of eating fresh, wholesome
variety of herbs, fruits, vegetables and flowering foods.
plants. I take great care in maintaining it, using It also provides hands-on experience in
only organic methods of cultivation and growing and nurturing plants, and
pest control. encourages responsibility and teamwork.
Eco club is giving us this wonderful
I started my garden a few years ago opportunity to make our own organic
with just a few containers and some seeds, garden in school.

8 xÉ<Ç =cÉxÉ ekpZ -2023