English: Presentation on importance of organic farming: Organic agriculture can be defined as: an integrated farming system that strives for sustainability, the enhancement of soil fertility and biological diversity whilst, with rare exceptions, prohibiting synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, and growth hormones. Students were taken through the various benefits of organic farming and here are some of them listed below.

Advantages of organic farming :

• Organic farming method uses the natural environment to enhance the productivity of an agriculture. • Organic farming uses carbon based fertilizers and biological pest control and do not use synthetic fertilizers. • Crop diversity can be seen in organic farming. In conventional farming mass production of one crop in one location is focused while in organic farming it is possible to grow multiple crops in the same place. • Organic farming uses method like green manure and composting which replaces nutrients taken from the soil from the previous crops, organic farming relies on natural breakdown of organic matter and hence allows the production of nutrients in the soil. • It improves soil fertility and feeds nutrients to the soil to feed the plant. • Organic farming is one of the effective method for soil management. • Organic Farming also controls other organisms with the help of methods such as biological pest control and Integrated Pest Management. • Organic agriculture reduces the use of non-renewable energy sources by using organic fertilizers and reducing the consumption of agrochemicals. • Organic farming also helps to control greenhouse effect. • Organic stops global warming and climate change and keeps environment clean. • Organic food are rich in nutritional value. • Organic food are free from harmful fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. • Organic farming improves the taste and quality of food and organic agriculture are climate and ecologically friendly.

Planting: Planting of Pelargonium graveolens (Rose). The Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is a small shrub with soft velvety leaves and flowers that vary from pink to near-white. The leaves are described as rose-scented and, along with the flowers, can be steam distilled to produce essential oil.

Mulching: A mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of soil. Reasons for applying mulch include conservation of soil moisture, improving fertility and health of the soil, reducing weed growth and enhancing the visual appeal of the area. Using a netting material, students cover the Pelargonium graveolens (Rose) to ensure mulching takes place.

Removing Weeds: Removing of weeds is important because they rob the soil and the plants of important nutrients and water. Certain weeds such as nut grass actually reduce crop yield on farms because their roots release chemicals that are harmful to surrounding plants. Students carefully remove the weeds without damaging the Pelargonium graveolens (Rose).

By I C Jaboon