Organic farming in Mali

REPORT: With the actual textile crisis, Malian farmers recently decided to grow organic cotton. (Report: FX. Freland)

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[bobzilla211]

well you got me - i don't know much about farming. just curious - surely, overall, non-organic farming produces more revenue for the farmers, otherwise why would they be doing it in the first place? doesn't it depend on how organic the methods used are? what about using the less harmful pesticides, etc, in moderation?

i am just a little dubious of the organic 'movement'. i realise that pesticides and fertilizers can seriously upset the ecosystem, etc, but it seems backwards to reject them all.

[moctardiarra]

I have lived and worked among Malian farmers for almost 4 years. The use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and in some cases herbicides, has devastated Malian agriculture. It has created a dependency on imported seed and chemical inputs which are very expensive, and toxifies the soil. Non-organic cotton production has pushed literally hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of farmers into debt. Organic production and Fair Trade markets offers unrivaled opportunities for Malian farmers

[moctardiarra]

You obviously don't have any experience with farming or the negative impacts (economic, environmental, and on human health) that chemical inputs in agriculture has had in developing countries. Organic agriculture is the only production method that is safe and sustainable.  Combining organic production with fair trade commerce is an excellent way to increase revenues for producers. Alla ka senekelaw deme Malila!

[tigerone1970]

Plus, in the developing world, much land is left unused, and using more land can make up for a lower yield per hectare.

The key is land redistribution and security of tenure for the individual farmer.

[pss75]

Organic farming is not so dependent on high fossil energy inputs ( eg nitrogen fertiliser) and so produces far less CO2 emissions. In many situations organic farming in the developing world produces higher yields than conventional/traditional methods.

[bobzilla211]

organic farming in the developing world is a bad idea, farms will obviously be much more productive if they invest in some fertilisers and pesticides. also, what the hell does GM food/non-organic farming have to do with global warming?

[maggimagus]

great program.

it's hemp we need, it will draw in the rain we need and it needs no pesticides and it puts more into the land than it takes out. excellent high superfood nutrition oil, fabulous fabric, wow: like a mix of silk and cotton mmmmm,,, so soft,, oh and it grows quickly 2!

great news.