ORGANIC FARMING COULD REDUCE RURAL POVERTY

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ORGANIC FARMING COULD REDUCE RURAL POVERTY - U.N. STUDY

Organic food production could offer a way out of poverty for many small farmers

in developing countries but needs government support, says a largely overlooked

UN study conducted in India and China.

 

South Asian farmers who have switched over from using synthetic fertiliser to

more

eco-friendly, traditional forms of organic farming have earned more and achieved

a higher standard of living, says a study by the United Nations. However, small

farmers are often excluded from supportive government reform programmes that

encourage

organic farming, says the UN's International Fund for Agricultural Development

(IFAD).

 

" In China and India, organic production is growing steadily, " said the

report. The study looked at the role of organic agriculture in rural poverty

reduction.

 

In addition to bringing about higher prices for agricultural produce, lower

unemployment

and less rural migration, " organic farming reduces the health risks posed by

the use of toxic chemicals, as well as the high costs of chemical pesticides and

fertilisers. (Also), the environment benefits from improved soil management and

less polluting techniques, " said the IFAD.

http://www.gmwatch.org/archive2.asp?arcid=6188