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.

Which of the following problems are faced by the farmers in the initial years of organic farming?

1. Initial cost required for preparing the land is discouraging.
2. Ample choices in production of off-season crops which leads to dilemma of choice among the farmers.
3. Within a period of time the returns on investment reduces.
4. Lack of awareness and willingness on part of farmers to adapt new technology.
5. Organic products have less shelf life than the sprayed products.

A, D and E

The correct answer is Option 4: A, D and E

1. Initial cost required for preparing the land is discouraging (Option A): This is correct. Transitioning from conventional farming to organic farming often requires significant changes in agricultural practices. This can include preparing the land for organic cultivation, which may involve practices like crop rotation, soil enrichment, and the avoidance of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. These initial steps can incur higher costs compared to conventional methods, which may discourage farmers from adopting organic farming practices.

2. Lack of awareness and willingness on part of farmers to adapt new technology (Option D): This is correct. Many farmers may lack awareness or knowledge about organic farming methods and the benefits they can bring. Additionally, transitioning to organic farming often requires farmers to adopt new technologies and practices that they may not be familiar with. Some farmers may be hesitant to invest time and resources into learning and implementing these new methods, especially if they are comfortable with traditional farming practices.

3. Organic products have less shelf life than the sprayed products (Option E): This is correct. Organic products are typically produced without the use of synthetic preservatives and chemicals. As a result, they may have a shorter shelf life compared to conventionally produced products that are treated with synthetic preservatives. This can pose challenges for farmers and distributors in managing inventory and ensuring that products reach consumers before spoiling. It also adds complexity to supply chain logistics and may impact marketability.

The other Statements B and C are incorrect:

B: Ample choices in production of off-season crops which leads to dilemma of choice among the farmers: The correct sentence would be "choice in production of off-season crops is quite limited in organic farming".

C: Within a period of time the returns on investment reduces: It is incorrect. In organic farming the returns are are relatively less as compared to returns from conventional farming in initial years only.