Organic rice farming: an alternative to sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Abstract As the key to sustainable development, water conducts significant contributions in contemporary environmental development challenges. However, water scarcity is still happening all over the world, including agrarian countries like Indonesia. In Indonesia, agricultural sector takes up to 70% to the national water consumption. In this sector, rice contributes to 69% of national water consumption of crop commodities. To address this issue, organic system comes up as an alternative by its potential in reducing water consumption. Moreover, in achieving sustainable agriculture, organic system is also addressing economic and social aspects. Therefore, this research aims to assess the sustainability status of organic rice farming in Sindangkerta Village, West Bandung, West Java, exploring the environmental, economic, and social aspects. In environmental aspect, organic rice farming consumes less water than the conventional, especially in its agricultural phases. This satisfying breakthrough is correlated with organic materials used, at the same time minimizing chemical substances that relates to less grey water footprint. Less grey water footprint impacts on less total water footprint, meaning less water consumption. Other practices such as water conservation also contribute. Compared to conventional rice farming, it saves about 30–50% of water consumption. In economic aspect the great number of economic valuation of organic rice seems useless because of the absence of market. To conclude, the organic rice farming in Sindangkerta Village is categorized fairly sustainable, therefore it can be a promising alternative to achieve sustainable agriculture.