Whenever there is talk of environmental damage or killing of animals caused by food, the discussion is often limited to meat eating and slaughterhouses. Therefore, around the world, vegetarian and vegan food is considered completely non-violent and cruelty-free. But are the grains, vegetables and fruits that come to our plates really prepared without the death of any living organism?
According to scientists, environmental experts and many studies related to farming, the impact of modern commercial farming is not limited to fields only. Every year around the world, large numbers of wildlife, birds, fish and other small creatures are killed during the farming process. These deaths do not happen intentionally, but the harvesting machines used in agriculture, poisonous pesticides, chemical fertilizers and fences of fields become a threat to millions of creatures. Let us know which organisms are most affected by modern farming…
Which organisms die the most in farming?
1. Field rats (about 730 crores)
Small mammals, especially rats, suffer the most damage during farming. During ploughing, sowing and harvesting of fields, heavy machines like tractors and combine harvesters pass over their burrows. Due to this, a large number of rats are crushed or cut.
2. Birds and their babies (about 50 crores)
Many birds make nests among fields and crops. When crops are harvested, their nests and eggs get hit by machines. Apart from this, a large number of birds also die by eating seeds treated with pesticides.
3. Rabbit (about 30 crores)
In many countries of the world, farmers kill or hunt rabbits to prevent damage to crops. Due to this, crores of rabbits are killed every year.
4. Lizards and frogs (about 15 crores)
The skin of lizards and frogs is very sensitive. The pesticides and herbicides applied in the fields have a direct effect on their body. Many times they die slowly due to chemicals.
5. Wild fish (about 12 crores)
The chemicals used in the fields wash away with the rain and reach rivers and lakes. In the language of science it is called ‘agricultural runoff’. Due to this the quality of water deteriorates and a large number of fish die.
6. Snakes and reptiles (about 8 crores)
Snakes help control the number of rats in the fields, but they also die after falling under heavy machines during plowing and harvesting.
7. Deer and their babies (about 40 lakh)
In commercial farming, high fences are erected around the fields. Due to this, the deer’s natural paths and grazing areas are destroyed. Many times they get trapped in fences or die due to lack of food.
8. Earthworms and other beneficial insects (trillions)
Earthworms and other small organisms play a big role in making the soil fertile. But due to pesticides and chemical fertilizers, trillions of earthworms and beneficial insects die every year. This also spoils the health of the soil.
What does science say?
This debate is not new. In 2003, Steven Davis, professor of animal science at Oregon State University, America, published a famous research. He had said that even completely vegetarian food cannot be called zero-cruelty, because a large number of small creatures die during farming. He called it the principle of least harm.
Why do fish die?
According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and several scientific reports, chemicals like nitrogen and phosphorus applied in fields reach rivers and lakes with rain. Due to this, algae start growing very fast in water. Algae eliminate oxygen from water. Due to lack of oxygen, fishes and other aquatic creatures die of suffocation. This process is called eutrophication. The areas where oxygen is almost exhausted are called dead zones.
Does this mean non-vegetarian food is better?
These facts do not at all mean that non-vegetarian food is better for the environment. Experts say that even for animal husbandry, grains and fodder have to be grown in large quantities. That means the loss caused by farming remains linked there also. Therefore, instead of comparing vegetarianism and non-vegetarianism, it is important to focus on making farming more safe and sustainable.
What could be the solution?
Experts believe that the death of wildlife can be reduced by making changes in modern farming. For this, measures like organic farming, use of less chemicals, wildlife friendly machines and better water management will have to be adopted. Such technologies will not only save the environment, but will also protect the soil, water and biodiversity in the long run.
Disclaimer: The figures given in this story are based on estimates from different research and environment related organizations. There are still differences of opinion among scientists and researchers regarding their exact number. The purpose of this information is only to make people aware about this topic.
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