6.4 Food Production: Horticulture and Organic Farming

Horticulture

• Definition: Branch of agriculture focusing on intensive cultivation of plants for food, medicine, and aesthetics.
• Includes: Vegetables, Fruits, Decorative Plants, Flowers.
• Characterized by scientific methods, plant breeding, and controlled scale.

Organic Farming

• Definition: Production system avoiding synthetic inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators).
• Relies on natural processes: crop rotations, residues, manure, biological pest control.
• Aim: Maintain soil productivity, supply nutrients, control pests naturally, promote sustainability and biodiversity.

Green Revolution

• Definition: Period (mid-20th century) of significant increases in global crop yields.
• Achieved through: High-yielding varieties (HYVs), chemical fertilizers, pesticides, advanced irrigation.
• Impact: Increased food production, but raised concerns about environmental impact and sustainability.

Relationship between Concepts

• Horticulture: Specific domain within agriculture.
• Organic Farming: Philosophical and practical approach applicable to agriculture (including horticulture).
• Green Revolution: Historical period/practices largely diverging from organic farming principles due to reliance on synthetic chemicals.