Which of the following are the charac- teristics of organic farming ? 1. Use of chemical fertilizers to improve soil fertility. 2. Frequent decomposing and fal- lowing. 3. Use of herbs to control pests. 4. Higher productivity per hectare. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Organic farming is a holistic production system that strictly prohibits the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides [6]. Instead, it relies on natural methods to maintain soil health and manage pests. Key characteristics include the use of organic manures, composting, and green manure to replenish soil nutrients [4]. Frequent decomposing of organic matter and practices like fallowing or crop rotation are essential for maintaining the soil's regenerative capacity [4]. For pest management, organic farming utilizes biological controls and natural substances, including herbs and botanical extracts, rather than toxic chemicals [4]. Regarding productivity, evidence indicates that organic farming typically has lower yields per hectare (often 20-25% less) compared to conventional chemical-intensive farming [7]. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct characteristics, while statement 1 (chemical use) and statement 4 (higher productivity) are incorrect.

Sources

1. [1] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > Differences between Organic Farming and ZBNF: > p. 349
2. [2] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > Advantages of Organic farming/products: > p. 347
3. [6] https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Organic%20Practices%20Factsheet.pdf
4. [3] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.9 Organic Farming > p. 345
5. [4] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 10: Locational Factors of Economic Activities > Organic Farming. > p. 22
6. [7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9261957/