Farming and Animal Husbandry: The Need to Return to
Traditional Methods
For centuries, India has had an integrated
tradition of farming and animal husbandry based on the philosophy of
maintaining harmony with nature. Although the yield from this system was
relatively lower, it was far more beneficial in terms of health.
In the present era, animal husbandry has become a
significant part of our economy and an important source of livelihood for rural
communities. In recent years, the growing mechanization of agriculture and the
increased use of toxic chemicals have deeply impacted the livestock sector as
well.
Comparative studies have shown that products
obtained from organic animal husbandry are more suitable from a health
perspective. However, there has been a rampant rise in the use of genetically
modified seeds, artificial fragrances, and chemical dyes in recent times. These
not only affect the quality of food but also have adverse effects on animal
husbandry and related industries.
After independence, the use of chemical fertilizers
in agriculture began on a large scale. While this led to an increase in
production, it gradually started to degrade soil fertility. To boost fertility,
even more chemical fertilizers and pesticides were used, which further
deteriorated soil quality. The excessive use of chemical pesticides has also negatively
impacted health.
Due to the overuse of chemicals and pesticides in
agriculture, there has been an increase in physical weakness and
life-threatening diseases in both humans and animals. It has been observed that
people are developing serious illnesses like cancer at a very young age.
Moreover, traces of these chemicals have been found in milk and meat, adversely
affecting animal health as well. Additionally, the health of our soil is
worsening, posing a threat to the sustainability of agricultural production.
To avoid these serious consequences, it is now
essential that we move toward organic farming along with organic animal
husbandry. Chemical-free products are not only more beneficial to health but
also have a lesser impact on the environment. Organic methods not only improve
the quality of production but also help protect natural resources.
To promote organic animal husbandry, large-scale
training programs should be organized for farmers so that they can produce
high-value organic livestock products at low cost by integrating it with
farming.
Objectives of Organic Animal Husbandry
Organic animal husbandry and food security have
become highly relevant for both humans and animals today. Access to organic
food must be a priority for human health and a prosperous life.
Main Objectives:
- Improvement
in Production and Quality: To produce high-quality dairy products, meat,
and eggs in sufficient quantity through organic animal husbandry.
- Conservation
of Soil Fertility: To maintain and stabilize soil fertility
through organic farming methods.
- Establishing
Natural Balance: To maintain a biological-natural cycle
between livestock, agriculture, and the environment, resulting in a
pollution-free ecosystem.
- Conservation
of Agriculture and Biodiversity: To protect agriculture and biodiversity and
maintain balance between the two.
- Protection
of Human and Animal Health: To safeguard the health of humans and other
living beings through organic livestock practices.
- Preservation
of Genetic Diversity: To conserve genetic diversity in animals and
allow them to live according to their natural behaviors.
- Use of
Recycled and Renewable Resources: To increase the use of organic products and
recycled materials.
- Water
and Soil Conservation: To promote the conservation of water and
soil.
- Encouragement
of Livestock Farmers: To encourage livestock farmers to adopt
organic methods so that they can earn better profits.
Benefits of Organic Animal Husbandry
- Environmental
Protection: Organic animal husbandry keeps the
environment free from pollution, thereby maintaining its quality.
- Positive
Health Effects: Products obtained from organic livestock are
free from antibiotics and hormones, helping prevent serious diseases like
heart problems, cancer, and diabetes in humans and animals.
- Soil
Fertility Preservation: It maintains long-term soil fertility,
preserving the quality of the land.
- Efficient
Use of Resources: Organic animal husbandry ensures the proper
use of natural resources, making it possible to produce high-quality
products at a lower cost.
- Economic
Benefits: Products from organic animal husbandry fetch
higher prices than conventional ones, improving the financial status of
farmers.
- Preservation
of Traditional Practices: It promotes traditional and organic livestock
methods, allowing farmers to produce more valuable products at lower
costs.
How to Practice Organic Animal Husbandry
- Use of
Organic Feed
Feed animals only chemical-free, 100% organic fodder, grown using organic seeds and methods. - Fodder
Preservation
During the rainy season, when green fodder is abundant; preserve it as hay or silage to ensure year-round availability. Include nutrient-rich supplements like Azolla in their diet. - Animal
Health Management
Keep animals in clean, comfortable, and natural surroundings. Provide regular care to keep them healthy and minimize illnesses. - Natural
Treatment Methods
In case of illness, prioritize traditional, Ayurvedic, or homeopathic treatments. Use chemical medicines only as a last resort. - Farm
Certification
Get your organic farm certified by a recognized organic certification agency. This builds consumer trust and ensures product quality. - Natural
Habitat Arrangement
Keep the organic farm separate from conventional ones. Develop natural pastures for animals and plant shade-giving trees to offer a natural living experience. - Cleanliness
and Pest Control
Clean the farm regularly using organic methods. Use natural insecticides like neem, basil, and cow urine instead of chemical options. - Use of
Organic Fertilizers
Maintain soil fertility using vermicompost, earthworm compost, and other composted organic waste from the farm. - Product
Processing and Segregation
Keep organic livestock products separate from non-organic ones. Avoid chemical preservatives or synthetic additives during processing. Use traditional techniques for processing. - Product
Certification and Marketing
Get your organic livestock products certified by an authorized agency to label them as "organic." This ensures fair pricing and enhances market credibility.
What Not to Do in Organic Animal Husbandry
- Do not
use any genetically modified (GM) seeds for fodder production. Only use
organic and indigenous seeds.
- Do not
use any chemical fertilizers (e.g., urea, DAP) to enhance soil fertility.
Use only organic manures.
- Do not
treat animals with allopathic medicines or antibiotics. Prefer
traditional, Ayurvedic, or homeopathic treatments.
- Avoid
using genetically modified vaccines. Use only natural or certified organic
vaccine alternatives.
- Do not
use chemical or synthetic insecticides for pest control. Ensure the use of
Ayurvedic and natural insecticides like neem, basil, and garlic.
- Avoid
using chemical herbicides (like glyphosate) for weed control. Use manual
weeding or organic methods instead.
