How to recognize organic food?

 How to recognize organic food?

Recently, people's fascination towards organic food has increased. With the increase in demand and popularity of organic food, organic food stores, organic vegetable and fruit shops have opened widely.

Even though organic food is related to health, people are ready to spend any amount to use it. Organic food is not only related to the health of people, but also the environment. That is why organic farming is being discussed nowadays.

If we talk about the history of organic farming in Nepal, in the 1980s, an American researcher, Judith Chase, came to Nepal and established a small organic garden in Dadhikot, Bhaktapur in 1987. In the same year, he established an NGO called 'Appropriate Agriculture Alternative'. From there, the concept of organic farming was introduced in Nepal. Jumla has been declared as the first organic district of Nepal.

How organic are the animal husbandry and vegetable farms seen around Kathmandu and other urban areas? How can its accuracy be measured? Chemical fertilizers and pesticides and antibiotics are not used in those farms?

What is organic?

Organic food is food that has not been chemically fertilized, genetically modified and organically produced. In organic production, organic fertilizers and raithane seeds are used. Similarly, milk, eggs and meat products produced from animals that graze on natural pastures are also organic.

To be organic, organic crops must meet the standards set by the United Nations Department of Agriculture. According to these standards, all crops must be produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilizers, radiation and biotechnology.

Animal products are considered organic if the animals are raised without the use of antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones. These animals should be grazed in an open area and not in a closed area.

Are the organic foods available in the market really organic?

It is not necessary that all foods called organic in the market are organic. Because with the increase in fascination for organic food, even foods that are not organically produced are sold as organic.

To produce organic food, you have to go through a certain process. It should be certified that the product is organic. Must have received organic certificate from organizations including 'Organic Certification Nepal'.

At different times, the government has also been promoting organic products. The National Agricultural Policy 2064 also says that organic farming should be promoted. But since there is no body to regulate organic farming and organic production, everything sold as organic in the market may not be organic.

How can you know that it is organic?

Many products are being sold as organic in the market. But to know whether the product is really organic or not, consumers can pay attention to two things. First of all, to know that the product is organic, you have to look at its certification. If the product is organic, it has been recognized by 'Organic Certification Nepal' or other official organizations.

Another is to look at the label to see if the product is organic. Some products are labeled as organic.

What are the benefits of consuming organic products?

The biggest feature of organic food is that there is no side-effect in the body. No chemicals, pesticides, medicines or preservatives are used in it. As a result, essential elements such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, calcium, iron, etc., are somewhat higher in these foods than in foods that have been treated with pesticides.

According to various studies, chemicals used in crops can cause various health problems such as metabolic problems, hormonal problems and cancer. Consuming organic food can prevent the risk of such diseases.

Fruits and vegetables grown in organic farming are free of pesticides and contain more antioxidants, the consumption of which increases immunity and reduces the risk of various diseases.

Organically produced fruits, vegetables and meat products are also environmentally friendly. Because no chemicals are used to produce and grow those foods.

Pesticides, herbicides and hormones can contaminate rivers, soil and air causing agricultural and environmental damage. Since such chemicals are not used in organic farming, it also helps to keep the environment healthy.