Organic food catching on in Lanka

by Chandani Jayatilleke

"Farm-fresh, organic, free of pesticides" - these were some of the catchy labels that caught my eye in a few market places in Colombo over the last couple of months.

I have also noticed, some fruit sellers displaying boards which indicated where their fruits came from. Some said they are from Mahaweli organic farms; some others said the fruits had been freshly plucked from the tree.

On another occasion, when I stopped at a wayside boutique to get some bananas, the woman selling the fruit took the trouble to explain to me the nutrients in the fruits as they were from her home garden. Hence organic.

Organic food - is it becoming a rediscovered phenomenon in Sri Lanka? Certainly, the demand for organic food is growing at a significant rate. Both consumers and producers are responding to this concept quite happily, according to market information.

The Agriculture Ministry has also introduced pesticide-free rice called 'Uva Wellassa Rice' which is sold at a reasonable price. There are a few varieties of this kind as well. There are a few other companies growing fruit and vegetables which have taken a great interest in encouraging people to eat organic food.

In fact, the promotion of organic farming in this country is a dire need, although the concept is nothing 'new' to Sri Lanka. In the past, generations of farmers here produced food and agricultural produce without any pesticides.

Organic farming provides high-quality, best-tasting food, produced without artificial chemicals or genetic modification and with respect for animal welfare and the environment.

Although, rapid industrialisation and advanced technology have forced the farmers to use chemical products to get a better harvest and kill insects, these practices have caused many health issues too.

Chemical use in agriculture can also harm the water courses and air and disturb the environmental cycle resulting in disasters, dangers and damages.

The long-term use of such chemical pesticides and fertilizer in farming lands have resulted in producing unnatural and less nutritious foods.

In organic farming, there is no use for pesticides that contaminate soil and water or injure farm workers, no chemical fertilizers to runoff and pollute rivers, lakes, oceans and drinking water and a healthier and more sustainable environment for all.

Agricultural experts say while chemical fertilizers increase the fertility of soil and pesticides kill the pests and parasites of plants, their application subsequently degrades the soil structure and kills the beneficial micro-organisms as well.

During absorption of toxic and poisonous elements by the plants, they pass through the food chain into animals and eventually humans, causing health hazards.

This will not be an issue in the organic produce which is harmless for health and they even taste better.

Most Western countries which introduced chemical use in agriculture are now turning towards organic farming. And consumers long for organic based food in most developed countries.

For instance in England, there are certain supermarkets which have become popular for selling organic stuff. In Britain, Prince Charles himself has launched a huge organic farm concept which has been very well recognised by its consumers.

The Prince created Duchy Originals, (one of the UK's leading brands of organic food and drink), because of his belief in the clear advantages of organic farming: the production of natural and healthy foods and sound husbandry which helps to regenerate and protect the countryside.

"When I first started farming organically my real aim was to explore the best ways of developing a sustainable system of food production.

Organic farming was, and still is, the most effective system of applying what I thought to be the principles of sustainable agriculture.

"I shall never forget the vehemence of the reaction - much of it coming from the sort of people who regard agriculture as an industrial process, with production as the sole yardstick of success," according to Prince Charles. But then these countries have made restrictions for the users of 'organic' labels. The growers and producers have to meet strict standards set by certain quality and standards institutes in these countries.

Any product labelled as organic in the US, must contain a minimum of 95 per cent ingredients produced to US National Organic Standards, and be verified, inspected and certified by an independent State or private organization that has been accredited by the USDA. Any product with the USDA seal must be minimum 95 per cent organic.

In Sri Lanka, the Agriculture Ministry should aggressively promote this concept and train farmers to go back to practising indigenous methods of farming.

Organic practices include crop rotation which in turn prevent the depletion of soils. Pests too are managed through crop rotation by eliminating breeding grounds built year after year with a continuous crop.

Planting cover crops, such as clover adds nutrients, prevents weeds, and increases organic matter in the soil. Soil with high organic matter resists erosion and holds water better, requiring less irrigation. Studies have shown that organic crops fare better than the non-organic crops in times of drought and stress.

Adding composted manure and plant waste help the soil retain moisture and nutrients. Just as falling leaves return nutrients to forest soil, composting replenishes the soil.

Preventing illness and maintaining strong animals through good nutrition and minimal stress are keys to successful organic livestock farming.

Even though the prices of organic produce are comparatively high consumers in Western countries still prefer to purchase them, considering their health benefits.

But in Sri Lanka there are many opportunities to manufacture compost or organic fertiliser at a lower cost in support of large scale agricultural industries.

These industries will create more employment opportunities and provide job-satisfaction for those who are involved in them.

However, it is important that the farmers be given clear instructions on organic food production and marketing concepts to enable them to operate their farms smoothly.

Our supermarkets, and other traders should also encourage growers and their suppliers to produce more organic food stuff as the consumers are keen to go organic.

Market information confirms that consumers have already made it clear that they want organic produce.