Nigeria has over 170
million people making it the most populous country in Africa. The main economic
mainstay before the oil boom was agriculture. The nation is blessed with
natural and human resources which if utilised efficiently is sufficient for the
economic growth of the country. Organic farming is one of the practices that
can be considered for business and financial sustainability. Organic farming is a technique, which involves
cultivation of plants and rearing of animals in natural ways. This process
involves the use of biological materials, avoiding synthetic substances to maintain
soil fertility and ecological balance thereby minimizing pollution
and wastage. It relies on ecologically balanced agricultural principles like
crop rotation, green manure, organic waste, biological pest control, mineral
and rock additives. Organic farming could make use of pesticides and
fertilizers if they are considered natural but avoid the use of various
petrochemical fertilizers and pesticides.
The benefits of organic
farming include:SAFE FOOD PRODUCE: produce of organic food farming are safe and free of toxins which are usually present in food which are planted using chemicals, pesticides etc.
IMPROVED TASTE: produce
from organic farming are known to have higher quality and better taste.
LONGER SHELF LIFE:
Organic plants have greater metabolic and structural integrity in their
cellular structure than conventional crops. This enables storage of organic
food for a longer time.
BETTER NUTRITION:
As compared to a longer time conventionally grown food, organic food is richer
in nutrients. Nutritional value of a food item is determined by its mineral and
vitamin content. Organic farming enhances the nutrients of the soil which is
passed on to the plants and animals.
INCREASED
DEMAND: the rise in the occurrence of various deadly diseases like cancer,
diabetics etc have demanded for people’s carefulness and consciousness of what
they consume. The demand for organic food has increased over the years.
FINANCIAL
BENEFITS: this business just like with the conventional farming techniques is
lucrative and cost effective. There is reduced cost as you would not need to
invest into buying of chemical products and fertilizers. Everything is done in
the natural way. Products are even more likely to sell faster and easily in the
market.