Millions of farmers in India have rejected chemical pesticides as part of a growing movement that favors 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. In 2000, the 900 or so villagers living in Punukula, 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 organizations, farmers experimented with non-pesticide management techniques like using natural deterrents (such as neem and chili pepper) 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. Within a year of using natural agricultural methods, villagers noticed a number of positive impacts. Previously reported health issues vanished. Farms practicing non-pesticide management boasted higher profits and fewer expenses. Sourcing, grinding and mixing natural repellants like neem seeds and chili peppers also created more jobs in the village. As farmers cultivated more land, technology like backpack sprayers helped them tend to crops more efficiently. 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. In 2004, Punukula became one of the first villages in India to declare itself completely pesticide-free. The village council even went so far as to request that pesticide salesmen stop soliciting. Soon, other towns and villages in Andhra Pradesh started practicing natural farming.
There are many retail chains and supermarkets in the world which are accorded with "______ status" to sell the organic food.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option 1: Green
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.