Agriculture and Environment
SR Padma*
Published: December 06, 2022
Abstract
Agriculture was the first occupation of man, and as it embraces the whole earth, it is the foundation of all.
In pre-historic times, man survived by foraging the natural fruits and hunting in the wild. Thousands of years then he learnt the art of growing crops and cultivated the food he want in his own settlement. He made improvements in all the practices of agriculture. Even now technology gets better and better to achieve the goals of productivity, profitability and food security. But the thought of sustainability, stability and safety in agriculture is of very recent genesis.
Many recent practices of farming are directly and indirectly impacting our environment. We clear forests for extending the agricultural lands ending up in deforestation. We carry out several land operations leading to soil erosion. In the name of enhancing the soil fertility we dump tonnes of fertilizers into soil globally, aggravating the pollution. We have lost a comparable part of bio diversity due to environmental degradation.
Many farmers are unaware of these impacts. For every little actions against the nature, we would receive a cumulative reaction. The climate change, desertification, unexpected drought, declining freshwater resource are few manifestations. This affects not only the humans but also the environment as a whole.
“Being a farmer means shaking hands with nature”.
Sustainable agriculture is the concept of continuing production of the necessary food without infringing on the ability for future generations to do the same. Organic farming is a multifaceted sustainable agriculture set of practices. It aims at largely avoiding the utilization of chemicals in the cultivation of crops. It aims at naturally replenishing the soil fertility and abides to the rules of nature. Regenerative agriculture is a conservational and rehabilitation initiative in farming system. It involves regenerating topsoil, improving biodiversity and bio-sequestration.
Our consistent little efforts of nurturing nature with agriculture could revert the situation. Conservation tillage involving minimal disturbance to soil, is an alternative to conventional tillage. Replenish the soil with organic options like composting, vermicomposting, green manuring and legume intercropping. Chemical soil amendments should be used only when it is highly essential. Employing biological control of pest and diseases is an effective solution for resurgence causing agrochemicals. All lives have the right to survive here. We should engage in safeguarding and conserving the environment's bestowed resources.