Dear Dr. Suneel Kumar

The reduction in crop yields under organic farming compared to conventional farming can be attributed to several factors. It's important to note that the extent of yield reduction can vary depending on the crop, region, and specific management practices. Some key factors contributing to lower yields in organic farming include:

Nutrient Availability: Organic farming relies on natural sources of nutrients, such as compost and manure, which release nutrients slowly. This slower nutrient availability can lead to initial growth delays and may result in lower yields, especially in the early stages of crop development.

Limited Use of Synthetic Fertilizers: Conventional farming often uses synthetic fertilizers that provide readily available and easily absorbed nutrients for plants. In contrast, organic farming avoids or limits the use of synthetic fertilizers, relying on slower-release organic inputs, which may not meet the immediate nutrient demands of crops.

Weed Competition: Organic farming practices often involve mechanical or manual weed control methods, which may be less efficient than the use of synthetic herbicides in conventional farming. Increased weed competition can reduce nutrient and water availability for crops, leading to lower yields.

Pest and Disease Pressure: Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides, relying on biological control and natural resistance mechanisms. While this approach is environmentally friendly, it may result in higher pest and disease pressures, causing crop damage and yield losses.

Crop Rotation Challenges: Crop rotation, a common practice in organic farming, is essential for managing pests and diseases. However, it may limit the continuous cultivation of high-demand crops, potentially affecting overall yields.

Adaptation Period: Transitioning from conventional to organic farming often involves a conversion period during which soil fertility is being rebuilt through organic practices. This transition phase may lead to lower yields until the soil reaches a new equilibrium.

Market Demand and Pricing: Organic crops often command higher prices in the market due to the perceived quality and environmental benefits. However, the market demand and pricing may not always compensate for potential yield reductions, affecting the economic viability of organic farming.

Research and Technology: Conventional farming benefits from ongoing research and technological advancements, leading to improved crop varieties, pest resistance, and agronomic practices. Organic farming may lag behind in adopting some of these advancements, affecting overall yield potential.

It's essential to recognize that organic farming aims to achieve sustainability, environmental conservation, and long-term soil health, and the focus is not solely on maximizing short-term yields. Advances in organic farming practices, ongoing research, and the development of crop varieties suited to organic systems are helping address some of these challenges, reducing the yield gap between organic and conventional farming in certain cases.

The major reasons for the reduction in crop yields under organic farming are slow release of nutrients to crops and difficulty in getting the required amount of such fertilizers for the field.Besides,most of the organic fertilizers contain nutrients in organic forms which must converted to the mineral forms by soil microorganisms . Hence, there is need for proper curing process. Nevertheless, the advantages of organic farming outweigh that conventional farming because soil fertility fertility is improved such as increase in sóil organic matter,soil pH, nutrients supply,CEC and presence of soil microorganisms which use of chemical fertilizers in conventional farming destroyed on continuous use. I am suggesting that the use of microorganisms such as rhizobium,fungi will encourage symbiotic nitrogen fixation and mychorriza for organic farming.Besides, the problems of slow release of nutrients can be solved by developing liquid fertilizers for quick assimilation of nutrients by crops as well as solving the issue of bulkiness. More approaches include engaging in good composting methods.Nevertheless,if you consider the high costs of re setting soil equilibrium destroyed by chemical fertilizers and subsequent low yields in conventional farming compared to initial low crop yields and long term use of soil on sustainable basis plus high market prices of organic foods should encourage farmers to support organic farming