Organic farming sustains ecosystems, biodiversity
NAN-H-64
Ecosystem
By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, Dec. 14, 2016 (NAN) Mr Isa Adamu, the Chairman, National Ecological Organic Agriculture Steering Committee, says organic farming system will sustain soil health and ecosystem.
Adamu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that organic agriculture will also sustain biodiversity as well as the general well being of the people and environment.
He explained that organic farming relies on ecological process and nutrients’ cycle adapted to local conditions rather than the use of external inputs with adverse effects.
“It combines traditional knowledge, innovation and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved in international federation of organic agriculture movement (IFOAM).
“Higher nutritional value and food free of unhealthy elements are the major benefits that consumers gain from products of organic agriculture.
“Research that has been conducted supports the facts that produce from organic agriculture have higher mineral and vitamin content as compared to those that are produced using conventional techniques,’’ said the chairman.
He said that it was high time for human beings to take the ‘right’ action towards saving the earth from major environmental issues.
“The adoption of organic methods is an opportunity for farming both to mitigate agriculture’s contributions to climate change and to cope with the effects climate change has had and will have on agriculture.
“Good organic practices can both reduce fossil fuel use and provide carbon sequestration in the soil through increased soil organic carbon which increases the fertility and soil’s ability to endure extreme weather conditions.
“If ignored today, these ill effects are sure to curb human existence in the near future,’’ he said.
Adamu said that organic agriculture relies on non-chemical ways of maintaining fertility, managing pests and controlling weeds, thus eliminating the need for synthetic fertilisers and toxic pesticides.
“It sustains and enhances the health of soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible principle of ecology,’’ the chairman said.
However, he advised that organic agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, to work with them, emulate and help sustain them. (NAN)
EPA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola