The correct option is 1 only
Explanation
Organic farming is an agricultural system that seeks to provide food, fiber, and timber while maintaining ecological balance. It relies on ecosystem management rather than external agricultural inputs, emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and biological cycles.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The fundamental principle of organic farming is the strict avoidance of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and growth regulators. Instead, it utilizes natural inputs such as compost, green manure, and bone meal to maintain soil fertility.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Organic farming does not rely on chemical inputs for pest control. It employs biological pest control methods, crop rotation, and mechanical cultivation to manage pests and diseases. Reliance on chemical inputs is a characteristic of conventional or industrial farming.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Organic farming does not guarantee higher yields than conventional farming. In many cases, especially during the transition phase from conventional to organic methods, yields may decrease. Conventional farming, which utilizes high-yielding varieties and synthetic stimulants, often produces higher immediate output per unit area compared to organic systems.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: Organic farming is defined by the exclusion of synthetic chemicals (fertilizers and pesticides) and reliance on natural ecological processes, often resulting in lower initial yields compared to intensive conventional agriculture.