In the times of climate change and global health crisis it is very important for us to keep a check on how we are using our resources and consuming our food. Sustainable food chains and organic food production are one of the alternatives which can help tackle this problem in modern agriculture. In this blog we will be talking about organic food and the benefits of adopting organic lifestyle.
Understanding Sustainable Food Chains
A sustainable food chain ensures that in every stage of food production – growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing and consuming we minimize the environmental impact and promote economic and social well-being.
Sustainable food chains help in environmental conservation by following practices like crop rotation, reducing usage of chemicals and preserving the biodiversity. This also includes that while we are doing so we are supporting the local farmers, small businesses and promoting fair trade practices. As this will ensure that benefits passes to the farmers and they will be able to sustain these practices for a longer duration.
Science and traditional practices also play a key role in sustainable food chains as they help in repurposing the surplus food or in production of value-added food which alternative result into minimizing of food waste. Sustainable food systems focus on maintaining a balance between feeding the current population and preserving resources for future generations.
Why the Shift Towards Organic Foods?
Over the last decade, you would have seen every other brand is talking about organic products and there are multiple reason for this surge -
- People are becoming more health consciousness as they now are aware of the adverse impact of pesticides and fertilizers
- Organic foods are perceived as safe and more nutritious due to their minimal exposure to chemicals
- With the changes in our surroundings and with the incoming of recent pandemic people have now become more aware towards environmental conservation
- People want to support local economies and local farmers which has eventually led to a sustainable food movement across India.
It is not just the shift, adopting organic food has its benefits – it has nutritional superiority, has reduced chemical exposure, empowers farmers, conserves our soil which eventually leads to a produce of better taste and quality to the consumers and better income to the farmers. After seeing the adverse effects of chemical produce to the recent generation – adopting organic food should be a personal commitment to health and sustainability.
There are some common misconceptions about organic food. People think organic food will always be expensive and it has limited availability. But today the government and a lot of local brands like HoYi are trying to support the local farmers and simultaneously educating the consumers so that they can make an informed choice while selecting the products and not get into the cost trap.
Sustainable Food Chains and Organic Foods: A Symbiotic Relationship
Organic farming is a cornerstone of sustainable food systems. Together, they offer a blueprint for creating a healthier planet and population. The two main pillars that will strengthen this relationship are –
- Better integration in the supply chain like have shorter supply chains – adoption of more D2C models, bringing innovation into our supply chains.
- Strong support of the government and consumers should advocate for sustainable practices.
Do you know Sikkim is India’s first fully organic state which shows that it is not impossible to achieve this if we take all the right steps towards a sustainable model.
Tips for Transitioning to Organic Living
- Start small – Try to begin with essential items only like fruits and vegetables. Like you can try a small pack of preserve of HoYi which has a shelf of two years and it will make you appreciate the freshness in the products.
- Try to buy local by going to near by market. The online quick commerce has reduced our interaction with the shopkeepers but if you want to make this transition you will have to step out of your homes. At Hoyi, all our products are locally produced and a part of every product that your purchase goes to the farmer who produces it.
- The most important is start educating yourself about the new recent changes in the market.
- Wherever you are try some home gardening – even people living in metros can do it by growing small plants of chilly etc. This will make you appreciate the hard work of the local farmers.
As a local brand – our team at HoYi only requests its consumers to opt for organic products and support the local farmers. Every small contribution to this initiative matters. By adopting organic lifestyles and supporting sustainable practices, we can contribute to a healthier planet and provide a better future for the coming generations.
Let’s make a conscious decision today to embrace a future where food is not just a source of nourishment but also a force for positive change.