Organic agriculture is not just a philosophy but a well-researched science. It is a living unit or a system that integrates soil, crops, animals and society. After the two world wars, numerous chemicals used in the wars were repurposed. Explosive Nitrogen compounds were used as fertilisers, and the nerve agents became pesticides. The military developed the first herbicides during the Second World War. In the initial days, such chemicals boomed agricultural production and continued till concerns were raised about their negative impacts. The book Silent Spring (1962) by Rachel Carson contributed to the awareness about the harmful effects of these chemicals on the environment and human health. Gradually, people and organisations started expressing their concerns about organic agriculture and preserving the environment.

Organic farming offers a scientifically derived method of improving soil fertility and increasing yields with limited chemical inputs. As synthetic chemicals and fertilisers are highly concentrated forms manufactured through leaching, which pollute soil and water sources, they are avoided in organic farming. Sometimes, 'organic farming' and 'conventional farming' are interchangeable but different. Organic farming is based on scientific principles and requires labelling and certification of agricultural products to be approved as organic. Conventional farming may include the use of synthetic chemicals.

Only recently, with the application of legal restraints to organic farming, no universally accepted definition of organic farming was developed. This might be due to the contradictory views of the term ‘organic’ among biologists, chemists and practitioners. In biology, the term ‘organic’ means existing in or derived from living organisms. Limestone, largely a calcium carbonate, is derived from living organisms and is inorganic. Rocks and minerals, such as granite dust and greensand, which were never living and were devoid of carbon, are considered organic fertilisers.

In chemistry, 'organic' refers to carbon-containing compounds. However, all carbon-containing compounds are taken as organic. Not all natural materials are considered organic by the National Organic Program. Urea from the fertiliser plant is chemically equivalent to urea in urine, regarded as organic. Whereas urea obtained from chemical synthesis is not considered organic. Hence, the general rule of thumb in organic agriculture is: To be organic, the substances should be naturally occurring with low solubility, low in nutrients, or both.

One must be clear that several natural substances are restricted, and several synthetic substances are permitted in organic agriculture. To ensure clarity, the government must produce a list stating what is permitted and what is not. In the United States, the National Organic Program (NOP) publishes a similar national list used by growers who are seeking certification or are certified. One can check the national list or the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) logo to be sure if specific substances are allowed in the organic system.

The early years of organic farming consisted of local operations with contacts between consumers and farmers. With its growing popularity, consumers, growers and markets needed proof that products were organic. This led to the formation of certifying agencies that permit labelling and vouching for the products to be grown organically. However, several certifying agencies within a single country can create problems of non-uniform standards, unreasonable fees and fraud. There is a need for a unique entity at the national level to enact national standards for certifications.

According to the United Nations Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports and the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the total sale of organic products was $11.2 billion in 2021, a rise of $1.28 billion or 13 percent from 2019. Similarly, 17,445 certified organic farms were recorded in 2021, a 5 percent increase from 2019. If we look at the global scale, the demand for organic food is increasing due to the shift towards organic consumption. Organic food is preferred due to the absence of persistent chemicals, antibiotics and GMOs. They are rich in antioxidants, have high nutrient density and promote health. Every year organic crop production is rising. Organic food crops are sold at a higher price than conventionally grown food crops. Reports show organic products are 22 to 35 percent more profitable to farmers than conventional farming. Consumers might find organic products slightly more expensive, but the cost of organic food can be offset by the benefits it provides, such as better health and environmental sustainability.

Myths about organic agriculture must be dispelled. Failure to fertilise a crop is not an organic practice. Conventional practices are not necessarily organic ones. It cannot be said that the old way is the organic way. Organic farmers are supposed to be more of a scientist than a philosopher. To get international organic certification, the farm should be free of prohibited materials for at least three years before the harvest. The crops grown in this transition time cannot be labelled organic.

Similarly, the seeds and propagation materials used in organic farming should also be certified organic. Organic farms should not be located adjacent to farms with conventional agriculture practices. Buffer zones need to be maintained if there are conventional farms nearby the organic farms to prevent cross-contamination. Only approved materials are allowed in an organic system. Sewage sludge is also prohibited, as there is a high chance of transmission of human pathogenic bacteria. There is regular monitoring by certified crop inspectors in organic farming. Record keeping with details of activities carried out is also a must.

When discussing organic agriculture, we frequently face the question: Can organic agriculture feed the growing population? Before searching for an answer, we should ask ourselves: How long can modern agriculture provide for the global population at the cost of degrading soil, water, environment and human health? The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification has warned that up to 40 percent of the planet's land has already degraded, directly affecting half of humanity. We should not be under the illusion that modern agriculture will feed the increasing population.

Organic agriculture is not an alternative but a requirement for sustainable agriculture. It is as productive as conventional agriculture. Organic agriculture also helps return carbon to the soil, which can minimise global climate change. Soil, water, air and the environment are valuable gifts of nature. It is not only for our generation that we need to act responsibly; it is also for the generations to come. To meet sustainable development goals, it is essential to adopt organic agriculture. Positive intervention by the government in the production and marketing sector and subsidies for organic growers could effectively promote organic agriculture.