Sustainable agriculture seeks to promote a win-win situation for all stakeholders, including farmers, businesses and communities, and resources by introducing and encouraging farming practices and methods that are socially responsible, environmentally informed and financially viable. Read on as we explore more about sustainable agriculture and its long-term impact.

Before we get into the details, let us first understand the meaning of sustainability. Perhaps the most popular definition of sustainability is given in the 1987 Brundtland Commission report for the United Nations. It defines 'sustainability' as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (Source)

The need for sustainability

More than 10 million people lose their lives every year from air pollution. Global warming is a serious issue. Heatwaves, errant monsoon, melting ice sheets and flash floods are now common and expected to become more severe. Many of the effects of human-driven destruction are irreversible. Therefore, it is essential to wake up before further damages are done and restore the planet's health to a convincing state as early as possible. In this context, adopting sustainable practices is the need of the hour. Doing this can support the judicious use of existing resources and help make the planet livable for future generations.

Ways to a sustainable life and a better future

Everyone has a role to play in making the world a better place. By introducing minor changes to our daily lives, we can reduce our carbon footprint and join the sustainable movement. Things like saving energy, eating less meat, using reusable resources, switching to renewable energy sources, promoting the habit of reducing, recycling, reusing, growing our produce, saving water, etc., are just ways towards a sustainable lifestyle. Sustainable agriculture is another crucial aspect that needs to be understood and encouraged.

So, where is sustainability in agriculture?

The term 'sustainable agriculture' can have many ways of expression. Generally speaking, it seeks to introduce and encourage farming practices and methods that are socially responsible, environmentally informed and financially viable. The ultimate aim of sustainable agriculture is to address the present food and textile needs of society so that it does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. In other words, it promotes a holistic, thoughtful and caring system that encourages good use of farming resources and practices for today, tomorrow and the future.

Sustainability in agriculture stands on these critical pillars - thriving environment, economic prosperity and social and economic equity. Every stakeholder in the food system - farmers, food processors, distributors, retailers, end-customers and even waste managers - can contribute individually to promote and encourage sustainable agriculture. It values meaningful use of resources, harnessing new and existing resources and technologies to improve yield without compromising the produce's soil safety and quality.

It can involve a lot of things depending on situations and locations. Among other things, it can include -

• Building & maintaining healthy soil 
• Effectively using water 
• Minimize air, water and climate pollution
• Encourage biodiversity

Food operating businesses can use holistic methods and eco-friendly practices to process, store and distribute foods. Consumers and retailers aware of sustainability can choose to opt for foods that are environmentally friendly and are grown using sustainable methods. Everyone has a part to play to strengthen sustainable agriculture.

Sustainable farming practices

Sustainable farming can be done in many different ways using one or a collection of practices. Some of it may include permaculture, biodynamic farming, hydroponics, urban agriculture, agroforestry, crop rotation, natural animal raising, manual weed control, mulching, natural pest control etc., to name a few.

Benefits of sustainable farming

• Efficiently use non-renewable resources 
• Protect public health 
• Encourage social and economic development and equity
• Economic profitability 
• Preserve environment

So, the effective use of sustainable farming practices can leave several positive benefits to the community, economy and planet.

Best plant growth regulators

Agrochemicals like hormones, growth agents, chemical fertilizers, insecticides etc., are helpful in crop productivity without damaging the soil and natural resources if used with recommended dose.

Effective use of high-quality agrochemical products helps improve the quality and quantity of crop production. Dhanuka Agritech encourages the judicious use of agrochemicals for sustainable agricultural practice. Are you looking for the best plant regulators or searching for the best plant micronutrient booster? Please choose from the Dhanuka range of products to learn more.