A simple question arise, If you had to choose over food that is grown naturally or food that is intensified by spraying with pesticides or applying chemical fertilizer , what would be your preference? And the answer is also simple; no doubt that most of the people would love natural food that is free of chemical fertilizers and artificial additives. We can easily figure it out that majority of the food we consume is produced for commercial purpose which consumes a lot of chemical fertilizers, pesticides etc during its production process. This is what’s happening in the modern scenario; no any foods produced through such techniques is healthy rather it creates many short-term and long- term hazards. The only reason behind people attracted towards it is its capacity to produce in larger quantities which yields high income to the producers. In order to lessen the negative aspects of industrialized agriculture to bring development in agriculture, it is very necessary to shift towards sustainable agriculture.
A famous Novelist Wendell Berry says “A sustainable agriculture is one which depletes neither the people nor the land” And it’s absolutely true. The word ‘sustain’ itself clarify as it is mean to keep in existence or maintain implies long term support or permanence. In regards to agriculture, sustainable describes farming system that can maintain productivity for the long term and are useful to society. There is countless benefit of sustainable agriculture. One major benefit to environment is that sustainable agriculture uses 30% less energy per unit of crop yield compared to industrialized agriculture. This type of agriculture not only focuses on producing food but also focuses on overall goals related to sustainable agriculture such as conserving water, reducing use of fertilizer and pesticide, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem. It enhances the environmental quality and the natural resources along with the efficient use of non-renewable and on-farm resources. We can say sustainable agriculture enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
There are mainly three objectives of sustainable agriculture; a healthy environment, economic profitability and social and economic equity. Clearing the curiosities about how can we make the agriculture more sustainable, these are some of the strategies?
- Crop rotation- It is the oldest and simplest technique to maintain the sustainability of the soil. It prevents the transmission of disease and pests affect a specific type of cropland can be eradicated by planting a different type of plant in crop rotation. It plays an important role in minimizing pesticide use as the crops are changing frequently.
- Crop diversity- Variations of the same species can be planted to protect the crops against disease and pests. The varieties of seed can be obtained from different growers to ensure small but important differences among the plants. This variation ensures genetic diversity which makes the crop stronger.
For eg- if 15 varieties of maize are planted at the same time, mixed together chances are that a pest attack won’t affect all of them reducing the need for pesticide and cutting down on crop loss.
- Intercropping – It helps in better utilization of growth resources like nutrients, light and mpoiosture.Also reduction in chemical fertilizer application.
- Use of crops – cover crops helps to replenish organic matter or to increase soil microorganisms. Reduce erosion, improve soil, enhance nutrient and moisture availability and control pest.
For example, crop like clover can provide soil protection during cold weather, helps with water filtration and suppress weeds.
- Organic farming- It is one of the approaches that meet the objectives of sustainable agriculture. This form of agriculture conserves our soil and water resources, protects our climate. Improves agro-diversity, ensures biodiversity meets the demands for food and safeguard livelihoods.
- IPM (Integrated pest management) –it is the combination of different techniques to create an effective pest control system. It helps in reducing environmental risk associated with pest management by encouraging the adoption of more ecologically friendly control tactics. It promotes sound structure and healthy plants.
- Attracting beneficial animals-the best way to eliminate the pests and harmful insect is by introducing their natural predators. Ladybugs, beetles are the insects that can be released around crops or manure. They feed on harmful insects.
- Vertical farming – it is the best technique for sustainable farming. Vertical; farming is the practice of growing crops in vertical structures rather than on the ground. It is the secret to restore soil health, getting rid of pesticides and reducing energy consumption and carbon-dioxide emission.
- Adopting agro forestry systems- It helps in maintaining soil fertility and closed nutrient cycles. It enhances the improvement of wildlife and pollinator habitat and many more.
In spite of abundant benefits, it is a big challenge in context to Nepal. Nepalese agriculture is characterized by subsistence farming and the concentration of most land in the hands of few people. Many people push a barely sufficient living working in other people’s field. Food insecurity and malnutrition are very common. Agriculture still contributes about one-third of its population. However, the agriculture sector faces several challenges in Nepal which includes low productivity, shocks due to climate change, lack of adequate infrastructure and development. Therefore, sustainable agriculture growth is critical to ensure food and nutrition security. So education is very crucial factor in order to generate the resources and trained farmers so that they can effortlessly contribute in increasing their crop yield in order to combat chronic hunger.
At present, people are so much affected one major reason; use of pesticide containing diet. Because of various health hazards, their priorities are becoming healthy diet rather than money and they are ready to spend money for quality produce. In addition, by most estimates, world population is projected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050. Therefore, food production must increase by 70% to meet the demand of huge population. For that, serious reforms are to be carried out in the agriculture sector to ensure that our farming system is ready to meet the challenges of multiplying population. So, each and every individual should be responsible for this and we need to shift our agriculture towards sustainable agriculture rather than relying on industrial food system.
Article by : Ritik Pokharel, IAAS
