There are two extremes views on sustinable production systems: Precision agriculture with chemicals and organic farming. Neither will solve the current and emerging problems of intensification of farming. We need to combine the best of both approaches and go ecological intensification of farming systems.
We need to differentiate between fertilizers and pesticides. All plants take up nutients in the elemental form irrespective of the sources -- organic manures or chemical fertilizer sources. If we use the fertilizers judiciously as per crop demand the ecological footprint will be minimal. Developing healthy crops with optimal inputs of quality seed, good crop establishment, and good water, nutirent and weed management will ensure minimal pest infestation. As such, we can minimize pest problems and pesticide use on intensive crop farming. If necessary, we can use bio-pesticides to control certain pests. Our aim should be to produce pesticide-free produce for our consumers.
Vethaiya BALASUBRAMANIAN