Many farmers in India have given up chemical pesticides in favour of natural alternatives. Non-pesticide management is a sustainable approach to pest control operating on the theory that an infestation of one type of insect indicates a disturbance somewhere in the environment. Getting to the root of the problem instead of treating the symptoms can both balance the insect population and improve crop health overall. The switch to natural farming methods began as a grassroots movement. The villagers of Punukula, a village in Andhra Pradesh, suffered from a number of debilitating issues. Farmers reported health problems that ranged from acute poisoning to death. Pest infestations regularly destroyed crops as insects developed resistance, causing farmers to take out loans to buy an increasing number of expensive chemical pesticides. Families faced crippling healthcare costs, crop failure, loss of income, and debt, all directly related to pesticides. With the help of local organisations, farmers experimented with non-pesticide management techniques like using natural deterrents (such as neem and chilli) to manage insects, and by planting trap crops (like marigold and castor). Whereas chemical pesticides kill all insects, non-pesticide management seeks to balance the ecosystem so that insects exist in normal numbers (and never reach infestation levels). Many insects – like ladybugs, dragonflies and spiders – have an important role in nature that can benefit plants. After the switch to natural agricultural methods, villagers noticed a number of positive impacts. Previously reported health issues vanished. Farms practising non-pesticide management had higher profits and fewer expenses. Sourcing, grinding and mixing natural repellents like neem seeds and chillies also created more jobs in the village. Residents reported an overall improvement in their quality of life, from health to happiness to finances. As word spread, more and more farmers decided to shun chemicals, and Punukula declared itself pesticide-free. Soon, other villages in Andhra Pradesh started practising natural farming.
Why is the demand for organically grown food increasing throughout the world?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → To enhance food safety
Demand for organically grown food is rising across the world to enhance food safety. Organic food is free of chemical residues.
Option (1) To enhance food safety — Correct. This is the reason for the rising demand.
Option (2) Because organic food is cheaper than conventional food — Incorrect. Organic food sells at a higher price.
Option (3) Because organic farming uses HYV seeds — Incorrect. Organic farming replaces HYV seeds with local organic inputs.
Option (4) Because organic food can be grown in any season — Incorrect. Its choice of off-season crops is limited.
NCERT (2026-27): “5.6 Sustainable Development and Organic Farming … Efforts in evolving technologies which are eco-friendly are essential for sustainable development and one such technology which is eco-friendly is organic farming. In short, organic agriculture is a whole system of farming that restores, maintains and enhances the ecological balance. There is an increasing demand for organically grown food to enhance food safety throughout the world (see Box 5.4).” “Box 5.4: Organic Food Organic food is growing in popularity across the world. Many countries have around 10 per cent of their food system under organic farming. There are many retail chains and supermarkets which are accorded with green status to sell organic food. Moreover, organic foods command higher price of around 10-100 per cent than conventional ones.” |