Correct Option
The correct option is It requires more labour input than conventional farming..
Explanation
Organic farming is an agricultural system that relies on ecosystem management rather than external agricultural inputs. It eliminates the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, substituting them with site-specific management practices such as crop rotation, green manure, compost, and biological pest control.
Detailed Analysis
- It requires significantly less labour than conventional farming. is Incorrect: Organic farming does not require less labour; in fact, the substitution of chemical inputs with manual processes increases the demand for human workforce.
- It requires more labour input than conventional farming. is Correct: Organic farming is inherently more labour-intensive than conventional farming. Tasks such as manual weeding (instead of using herbicides), preparation and application of organic manure (compost, vermicompost), and inter-cropping management require significantly higher physical labour input. This characteristic is often viewed as desirable in economies with a surplus labour force, as it generates employment.
- It requires the same amount of labour as conventional farming. is Incorrect: The labour requirements are not identical. Conventional farming utilizes mechanization and chemical solutions to reduce manual intervention, whereas organic farming relies heavily on manual labour for soil health maintenance and pest management.
- It is fully automated and requires no manual labour. is Incorrect: Organic farming is not fully automated. While some machinery can be used, the core philosophy and practices necessitate substantial manual oversight and physical labour.
Key Takeaway: Organic farming is a labour-intensive process compared to conventional farming because it replaces capital-intensive chemical inputs with labour-intensive management practices like manual weeding and composting.