Topic: Organic Farming vs.

Industrial Farming

As populations have grown, farming practices have become more intensified to

maximize crop yields and ensure we can feed the ever-growing population. There are two
important categories of farming techniques: industrial and organic.

The term “industrial” farming is a direct derivative of the Green Revolution during the
mid-20th century. Also known as conventional farming, a method of farming that involves
integration of genetic modification and synthetic fertilizer. It is considered an efficient way of
producing food because it provides high yields. The term “organic” farming is species cultivated
devoid of any synthetic aid, whether in the form of genetic modification or applied synthetic
fertilizer and pesticide. Organic farming currently accounts for about 1% of agricultural land
worldwide. It focuses on sustainability and is thought to have less detrimental effects on
environment. Instead of fertilizer, organic farming used manure. This recycles waste and
improves the soil structure.

Industrial farming methods, aided by the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and
advanced technologies, can achieve higher crop yields compared to organic farming. This helps
meet the demands of a growing global population. It is often more cost-effective due to
increased efficiency, economic scale, and mechanization. However, industrial farming practices
can contribute to soil degradation, water pollution from chemical runoff, and loss of biodiversity.
The use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers has raised concerned about negative impact on
human health and environment.

Organic farming is widely considered to be a far more sustainable alternative when it

comes to food production. The lack of pesticides and wider variety of plants enhances
biodiversity and results in better soil quality and reduced pollution from fertilizer or pesticide
run-off. It is less susceptible to natural and financial risks, more efficient, sustainable, and
environmentally friendly. But organic farming is labor-intensive, sensitive to economic decline,
requires more planning, and can’t benefit from synthetic chemicals.

Based individual perspective, we believe that organic farming is a more sustainable and
environmentally friendly approach to agriculture. While industrial farming may yield higher
harvests, yet it often relies on harmful chemicals and practices that can harm the environment
and human health.