(Lesson 1) Organic Farming the Elpawn Method.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this lesson, students will
have the ability to:
a) Identify organic farming and state its
significance in contemporary farming.
b) Determine simple needs to begin an organic
farm.
c) Explain the step by step preparation of organic
vegetable land.
d) Use some basic organic methods, like mulching,
composting and natural pests.
e) Get the proper attitude toward small and
gradual scaling.
1. Organic Farming.
Organic farming is a farming method that does
not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and
genetically modified organisms. Rather, it depends
on the inputs that are natural, crop rotation,
green manures, biological pest control and
composting.
Organic farming is health-oriented, balanced, and
sustainable, unlike the conventional farming that
tends to target yields at all costs. Soil is
regarded as a living system which needs to be
fed. There is harmony in growing the crops.
Why organic?
, Consumers are turning out to be health-
conscious. Lots of people shun vegetables that
contain chemical traces.
Organic food market is expanding rapidly in the
world. In Kenya, the demand is on the increase
in the supermarkets and the urban markets.
In the case of small-scale farmers, organic
farming also lowers the input expenses as most
fertilizers and pesticides may be prepared
locally.
Consider this: Which matters more to you as a
farmer; to grow food in less time using
chemicals or to grow healthier food that people
trust?
2. Why Start Small?
The Elpawn Experience
A t Elpawn Organic Farms, this was started on a
small piece of land of 40 by 40 feet. Most
individuals have the notion that they require huge
farms and capital in order to begin farming. The
fact of the matter is that, the major part of
successful farmers started small.
Starting small gives you:
i. Less risk:husbands make fewer mistakes on a
small piece.
ii. Learning ground: You will get to practice and
experiment methods prior to expansion.
iii. Less complicated management: You will be able
to pay strict attention to your crops.
iv. Inspiration: Before a small plot is successful,
it generates confidence.