Organic farming is by far the fastest-growing segment in agriculture. Organic crop lands in many countries have more than doubled. Indeed, taste and freshness are the foremost reasons given by buyers who seek out organic vegetables. Studies have shown that organic foods have higher nutritional value than conventional foods. For example, organic tomatoes have higher levels of vitamin C than conventional tomatoes.
Organic-growing methods also tend to be friendlier to wildlife, birds, amphibians, earthworms, bees and other beneficial insects, in part by eliminating reliance on chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers. Organic farming may also have a significant impact on slowing global warming, in that soils rich in organic matter absorb and retain significant amounts of carbon.
FLAME’s organic farm project is situated amidst scenic natural flora and fauna. The place has good fertile soils which is suitable for the project. The FLAME organic farming project is fairly small, in the midst of the 75 acres of tranquil space. The project comprises of vegetable production, butterfly garden, and medicinal garden consisting of more than 150 species of medicinal trees. While walking around campus, one can see various trees and plants labeled with their medicinal use. The majority of the harvest from the vegetable production is delivered to the FLAME community. In the future, the intention is to supply to the FLAME dining hall.
Students of FLAME assist with all aspects of the farm’s food production as volunteers. In addition to raising the organic produce, FLAME is an eco – friendly campus with water harvesting, water recycling, and solid waste management systems, and vermin composting.
Thus, through the initiative FLAME aims to increase sensitivity and build awareness among students on using techniques that help sustain natural ecosystems. This is just one of the ways FLAME tries to promote holistic learning in its education.