The act of putting into your mouth what the earth has grown is perhaps your most direct interaction with nature. The word ‘organic’ refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, without any use of toxic, persistent pesticides, fertilisers which are known to contaminate soil, air, water and the food, such as fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce do not use fertilizers, weedicides, genetically modified organisms etc. For example, rather than using chemical herbicides, organic farmers may do crop rotations and spread mulch or manure to keep weeds at bay. Synthetic fertilisers and pesticides are banned in organic farming. Instead, it relies on natural manure and neem and other bio-pesticides.
More than just a label, organic is a lifestyle and it starts from the moment food products are grown. There has been a major shift in consumer preferences for organic foods, with purchases notching a hike of 95 per cent in the past five years, a survey by ASSOCHAM said. In India, agriculture plays a vital role in the growth of the economy. The Government of India now offers strong support and is promoting organic farming as it will increase the contribution of the agricultural sector to the GDP of the country. Across the globe, consumers now have become more health conscious. There has been a growing awareness amongst Indian consumers about the importance of nutrition, health and the quality of food they eat, thereby resulting in an increasing adoption of organic food since it is free from any harmful pesticides and chemicals. It is rich in antioxidants and provides better nutrition, has a better taste and contributes to better ecology.
So, the big question is — why organic?
It is a common misconception that the regular food that we eat, when washed thoroughly, removes all harmful pesticides and chemicals and the food becomes completely safe and edible. But pesticide residues and heavy metals accumulate inside the plant produce and get into our system when we consume it. Water does not necessarily wash away the chemical residues.
Daily intake of pesticides ranges from 147 per cent to 7,218 per cent for adults and for kids it is estimated to be 214 per cent to 7,218 per cent, and that’s supposedly safe in India. Studies at the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services prove that organic foods have 27 per cent more vitamin C, 21.1 per cent more iron, 29.3 per cent more magnesium, and 13.6 per cent more phosphorus, than any of the conventional food items. Pesticide residues in conventional food suppress the body’s immune system, the normal growth of the nervous system and cognitive development. Also, a steady deterioration in male reproductive health has been reported with the regular use of conventional agricultural products. Many State governments have woken up to the importance of organic farming and have announced several incentives for farmers to go organic.
Organic foods have higher nutritional value than conventional food, according to multiple researches reports. Some studies have linked pesticides in our food to everything from headaches to cancer to birth defects. A few experts maintain that the residue levels in conventional food are safe for most healthy adults. But even low-level pesticide exposure, however, can be significantly more toxic for fetuses and children, due to their less-developed immune systems. For pregnant women, chemical residue laden food can put added strain on their already taxed organs. Prolonged and continuous use of organic products will result in the human body developing a natural immune system to fight disease.
Consumers who wish to minimise their dietary pesticide exposure can consume organically grown food. Even when it is about processed food, processed organic foods are better than processed conventional foods. Most of the harmful food additives like artificial flavorings, synthetic colours, and hydrogenated fats are banned under organic standards. The organic cold pressed oils are just expelled, pressed and filtered and hold all the essential nutrients like lecithin, natural Vitamin E and photochemicals. On the other hand, conventional refined oils are solvent extracted, bleached and de-waxed, stripping them of all naturally present nutrients
In the wake of alarm over poor diet, junk food and rising obesity levels, the acceptance of organic food provides a welcome relief. Going organic and consuming pesticide-free food will eventually lead to better health for us and for our families.
(The writer has done her M.Sc. in Food Technology from CFTRI, Mysore and is currently associated with Sresta Natural Bio-products, Hyderabad)
