Introduction
Agriculture has also undergone a drastic change over time. Nowadays, most farmers are turning towards organic methods of producing crops. Organic farming is one such method. It refers to producing food without the use of chemicals. Apart from this, farmers also apply crop rotation in order to maintain the health of their soil. In Kashmir, farmers cultivate a special crop, which is called Kashmiri saffron, and it is well known across the globe. In order to make crops grow well, the proper fertilizer is also needed. Let’s discuss all of these in plain language.
What is Organic Farming?
organic farming crop rotation is a type of farming in which farmers do not apply harmful chemicals. No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are applied. Farmers, instead, apply natural compost, cow dung, and green manure to produce their crops. This process is environmentally safe and healthy for human beings.
Advantages of organic farming:
Keeps the soil rich in nutrients
Safe for animals, insects, and people
Grows healthy and delicious food
Decreases pollution
Why Crop Rotation Matters?
Crop rotation is when farmers plant various crops in the same field each year. For instance, if a farmer plants wheat one year, they may plant vegetables the following year. This maintains the soil healthy and rich in good nutrients.
Advantages of crop rotation:
Prevents pests and diseases
Makes the soil powerful
Minimizes the use of fertilizers
Encourages more food to be produced in the future
Farmers, when they practice crop rotation, tend to achieve better output without using chemicals.
Kashmiri Saffron Farming: A Special Crop
Kashmir is famous for a very unique spice, which is saffron. Saffron is the most costly spice of the world. kashmiri saffron farming blossoms in Pampore fields in Kashmir. The soil and climate of Kashmir are ideal for saffron.
Facts about Kashmiri saffron:
It smells very strong and has a deep reddish color
Harvested by hand, so it is very valuable
Used for food, medicine, and cosmetics
Growing saffron requires patience and attention. Farmers never use chemical fertilizers. They believe in nature and conventional ways of growing this golden spice.
Good Fertilizers for Plants
Fertilizers provide plants with the necessary nutrients to develop. Not all fertilizers, however, are beneficial. fertilizer good for plants such as compost, cow dung, and bone meal are better than chemical fertilizers. These are safe for the soil, water, and air.
Best natural fertilizers:
Compost (derived from food refuse)
Cow manure (high in nitrogen)
Vermicompost (prepared by worms)
Green manure (crops cultivated to feed the soil with nutrients)
Application of natural manures makes the plants strong and healthy without killing nature.
Conclusion
Organic cultivation, crop rotation, and natural fertilizers are wonderful methods of farming food naturally and safely. Saffron cultivation in Kashmir demonstrates how traditional methods can yield rich crops. If farmers adopt these methods more often, we can safeguard our health and the planet simultaneously.