Now a days people are getting more aware of the organically grown foods and their benefits. Organic farming is the big responsibility and it’s done without use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides.This works on the grass root level depending on the reproductive and regenerating capacity of the soil.

As per research, India ranked 15th in terms of World’s Organic Agricultural land according to the data available for the year 2013. The total area under organic certification is 5.72 million hectare (2015-16). This includes 26% cultivable area with 1.48 million Hectare and rest 74% with 4.22 million Hectare comes under forestry and wild area for collection of minor herbs products or produces.

Indian government has successfully implemented the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). The programme involves the authorized programme for certification bodies, standards followed for organic production, promotion of organic farming & products etc. The NPOP principles for production and accreditation system have been recognized by European Commission and Switzerland for unprocessed plant products as equivalent to their country standards. Similarly, USDA has recognized NPOP conformity assessment procedures of accreditation as equivalent to that of US. With these recognitions, Indian organic products duly certified by the accredited certification bodies of India are accepted by the importing countries.

• Production

The organic production is not limited to the edible sector or human consumption products but also produces organic cotton fiber and other functional food products.

• Exports

The total volume of agricultural export during the year 2015-16 was recorded as 2,63,688 MT. The organic food export realization was around 299 million USD. Indian organic produces are also exported to European Union, US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland,   South East Asian countries, Korea, Middle East, South Africa etc.

The export percentage of commodities are mostly, oil seeds (50%) which is one of the leading product exported followed by processed food products (25%), cereals & millets (17%), tea (2%), pulses (2%), spices (1%), dry fruits (1%), and others.

More growth in this sector is expected in the near future as the government is gradually supporting organic farming in terms of subsidies and planning some comprehensive policy in this regard.

Nowadays everyone is aware of advantages of eating organic food. However many of us do not know the real benefits or the reasons as to why going organic is not only beneficial to your health but also good for soil and overall agricultural environment. Here are the few pros of organic food.

1. To minimize total toxic burden in your body

Plants and animals named “Organic” have not been treated with:

• Antibiotics
• Pesticides
• Herbicides
• Fertilizers from synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge
• Ionizing radiation
• Growth hormones

Pesticides and herbicides are toxic and poisonous by their nature. It is already in our diet and we are eating these toxins since a very long time. The National Research Council has proven that, in children particularly, the nutritional intake of pesticides accounts for most pesticides exposure.

Luckily, eating Organic Foods can reduce pesticide build up in your body. A recent study in 2005 has verified that, if we give the Organic food to the children for 15 days, then there was a dramatic change and decrease in urinary concentrations of organ phosphorus pesticides.

We are eating conventional foods from many years and these foods have more synthetic pesticide residues which are dangerous to health. In order to wash these or reduce these poisons from our body, organic food is the only option.

2. Organic Food means Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)

GMO means a plant or animal that is created by the combining of different DNA species. Commercial soy, corn, beets and alfalfa crops are the GMO products which has huge demand globally.

Genetic Engineering modifies the crops to make them weather and pest resistant. The Genetically Modified Corn for example was combined with bacteria in order to create its own insecticide called BT-Toxin. BT-Toxin helps to kill the insects by damaging their inner layer of digestive system. The BT-toxin composition is not so specific with insects and it also makes the damage to human cells. It damages the human intestines and also affects the leaky gut.

Organic farmers actually use BT-Toxin to produce bacteria as an effective nematode control. The bacteria itself produces a very lower amount of concentrated BT-Toxin. If there is a high percentage of BT-Toxin in GMO corn, then it cannot be removed. It is a part of the genetic makeup of the genetically engineered crop.

3. Organic Farming good for Soil

Organic Farmers are completely dependent upon the crop rotation, animal fertilizers and companion planting. These things help to get the control on weed killers, control on the pests and also help to maintain the quality of the soil.

The largest factor for water pollution is agriculture where in the large amount of pesticides has been used. As per the study of “National Water Quality Inventory” in 2000, they have summarized that the water quality of rivers and lakes is getting polluted because of use of pesticides in farming. By promoting Organic Farming and using the Organic Products, you can help reduce the soil damage and ultimately supporting the farmers who are maintaining their farms responsibly.

4. Organic Crop is a natural source of Nutrition

Many of us want to know about the nutritional benefit of organic food over conventional food. Many studies have proven that the organic food has highly nutritional value and also has loads of anti-oxidant ingredients. The studies have also provided the evidence that the percentage of heavy metals especially cadmium pesticides is very lower in Organic Food. Some other studies have proven that the organic farming can increase the production of Cancer fighting compounds in Human Body called Flavonoids. In terms of Conventional Farming the level of Cancer Fighting compounds gets decreased as they use pesticides and herbicides.

The bottom line is, the crops which are grown conventionally are harmful to your body and it has the negative impact on society as a whole. Organic crops, on the other hand, have more abundant nutrition which increase the immunity power and reduce the excessive toxins in your body.

Over the centuries, flax seeds have been cultivated around the world. Flax is world’s most important nutritious superfood out there today. The largest producer of Flax seeds is Canada followed by India. Flax seeds are cultivated for years but people are getting aware of these seeds in recent time due to its nutritional facts and health benefits.

In India, these seeds are also known by the different names “alsi” in Hindi, “jawas” in Marathi, “akshi” in Kannada, “cheruchana vithu” in Malayalam, “ali vidai” in Tamil and “pesi” Oriya.

These tear-shaped seeds have a hard shell which usually is smooth and shiny. The color of seeds varies from light brown to dark reddish brown. The most important feature of flax is its high Omega-3 fatty acid content, very much essential for our overall health.

Flax plant produces fiber with which linen is woven as well as an edible seed from which flax oil is extracted. Flax seed oil is the common ingredient and mostly used in paints, varnishes. Indian flax has long been known for its use in linen clothing’s, and now it is gaining popularity as a key food supplement which not only helps to reduce the heart disease but also helps to fight cancer.

Flaxseed contains 41% fat, 20% protein, 28% total dietary fibre, 7.7% moisture and 3.4% ash. Like other vegetable oils, flax oil is a mixture of fatty acids. It is highest source of polyunsaturated fatty acid called alpha-linolenic or ALA.

ALA is the member of omega-3 fatty acid family. Human body is incapable of producing these essential fatty acids but have to be consumed from diet for normal growth and development. Therefore, these nutrients are termed as ‘essential fatty acid’. Hundreds of studies have shown that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, abnormal heart rhythms and regulates your cholesterol triglyceride levels. Omega-3 fatty acids is also present in egg which is also one of the rich source.

Due to its wonderful health benefits and international market demand, flax seed cultivation is drastically picking up in India with good crop management practices. Today, one can definitely expect high returns in the flax seed farming.

Herbs and spices are the essence of many cuisines around the world. With a multitude of rich cultures criss-crossing, there is scope for understanding and trying out herbs and spices. However, these herbs and spice we speak of don’t just belong in your kitchen for their ability to enhance taste. These materials that come from stems, barks, trunks, leaves, etc, have tremendous medicinal properties. They were used to cure illnesses back since ancient times and are still used a lot today.

Apart from providing flavor, herbs, spices, and seeds have immense health benefits. Here are a few that are commonly used:

1. Sesame seeds –Who knew these little seeds could do wonders for your body? Sesame seeds contain natural oils that have the ability to reduce cardiac stress, help reduce blood pressure, reduce chances of diabetes, and improve bone health as well as digestion. It has protein that boosts metabolism. One of the compounds of sesame seeds, sesimol, is known to protect DNA from the harmful radiations of chemotherapy.
2. Amarnath seeds –A plant that was worshipped in Aztec cultures for thousands of years, amaranth seeds are similar to maize and wheat. Its grains have great nutritional value, and is widely loved because it of its gluten-free properties. It contains abundant amounts of protein that is good for health, and has antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation, thus reducing one’s chances of gout, arthritis, etc. It contains Vitamin K, which is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. It helps reduce bad cholesterol in the heart. One major use of amaranth seeds is for pregnant mothers, since folate deficiency can affect a newborn. The seed has properties that reduce one’s appetite, leading to a natural and healthy weight loss process.
3. Cumin seeds –Who doesn’t love the taste of jeera in steamed rice, gravies and soups? Cumin is much more than its flavor. Primarily, cumin seeds are great for digestion. On the same note, cumin seeds have dietary fiber acts as a wonderful laxative for piles. One surprising thing you didn’t know about this seed is that it is a natural relaxant, which actually helps ease insomnia. It has a smooth effect on the brain, which makes it a stress-reliever. Apart from this, cumin seeds contain abundant iron, which helps patients with anemia. The iron is also essential for production of hemoglobin, which is required for a healthy blood flow in the body.
4. Mustard seeds –Did you know that mustard seeds happen to hold importance in preventing cervical and colon cancer? Well, now you do. Mustard seeds help ease respiratory diseases and cure bronchitis. It helps control diabetes and lowers cholesterol. These seeds are also good for women going through menopause by improving their bone health. Believe it or not, but mustard seeds even have qualities that reduce the effect of poison in the body!
5. Fenugreek seeds – They might not be liked by everyone owing to their bitter taste, but its health benefits may change your mind. Women, take note: fenugreek seeds help ease menstrual cramps. The chemicals they release are similar to estrogen, which curb mood swings, sweating, bouts of hunger and cramps in menopausal women. Aside from this, fenugreek seeds are good for the heart; they help diabetics, relieve stomach trouble, and are helpful for kidney problems.
6. Coriander seeds –Sadly, they have been seen solely as a garnishing herb, but this paragraph is about to change that. Coriander seeds are effective in fighting bad breath and preventing mouth ulcers. They are also known to be helpful in lowering cholesterol levels, clearing fungal and other skin infections, and to reduce allergies caused due to various reasons. These seeds have antibiotic properties that help fight foodborne viruses like salmonella.

These were few of the many herbs, spices and seeds we use every day that have the power to keep our body working like a well-oiled machine. Some other substances include cardamom, garlic, ginger, black pepper, turmeric, basil, and mint leaves.

Sesame seeds or Sesamum Indicuma plant is not only a native to Africa & India but widely used across the globe. Asia is the largest consumer of Sesame Seeds & the west is surely following the footsteps. Sesame seeds are like one of the super food since ages where our ancestors found multiple ways to consume this amazing seed. As time passes we are still able to find many ways of consuming this power house of energy & we shall keep finding new ways to incorporate these little wonders in our diet.

The primary use of Sesame seeds in Asian countries is in the form of cooking oil. Sesame seeds oil content is approximately 45% to 52% & is stable oil for cooking purpose. It is known as the king of vegetable oils in the east & the Queen of Vegetable oils in the west due to its nutritive value & content of anti-oxidants such as sesamin, sesaminol & sesaminolglucosides.

The Japanese rightly say, that “Food is to be tested by eyes first & then by the tongue”. They pay detailed attention to the way the food looks & use sesame seeds for garnish, with the right crunch & added flavour. Japanese even ground these beauties on the table & have it as a spread on any given dish. But the highest consumption in both the Japanese & Chinese cuisines is the oil of the seeds.

Moving a little ahead, the Middle Eastern folks have a unique way of consuming Sesame seeds. They ground the Sesame seeds into a thick paste known as Tahini. Tahini is used as a dip & further used to make many delectable dishes. It is indeed a very tasty way of consuming Sesame Seeds. Nowadays it is also added to the peanut butter for that extra nutty flavour. Though it is famous due to a completely different reason, a dish known globally today – the Hummus. Hummus is made by mixing Tahini & Chickpeas paste. We can taste it with pita bread or add to Falafel, but with that added Sesame oil on the top, so yummy!

The Middle Eastern countries have really contributed quite a lot when it comes to Sesame recipes. Another very delicious dish is the Halva. Halva is a sweet delicacy made from Sesame paste & honey. It is widely consumed in the Middle East, Greece & Israel.  Each one has their unique version of the recipe for halva, but all are without dairy & gluten. Such an amazing source of energy for those avoiding dairy & gluten products!

The sesame seeds are consumed in the west but in very little quantity as compared to the east. The western countries use Sesame & honey to make Sesame bars. Sesame seeds are also used in chocolates & mainly consumed as confectionery. The seeds are de-hulled & sprinkled on bread, burgers & snacks. They are also consumed in crackers & sesame sticks.

Today the Sesame prices are soaring but even then the level of consumption is high, such are the benefits of these amazing seeds. Sesame seeds are a very good source of manganese, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin, B1, selenium & dietary fibres. A great source of energy recommended for bodybuilders. Since ancient times we are consuming these great seeds without completely knowing the health benefits. But I am sure after knowing the same; we will find many more tasty ways to add these to our diets.

Sesame is truly a global delight and most of the dishes are not complete without adding this crunchy flavour over the top.