Sustainable Agriculture and Farming

Sustainability means keeping an effort going continuously, or the ability to last out and keep from falling. So sustainable agriculture means successful management of resources for agriculture to satisfy the changing human needs, while maintaining or enhancing the quality of environment and conserving natural resources. Every day, farmers and ranchers around the world develop new, innovative strategies to produce and distribute food, fuel and fiber sustainably. Hence, in recent years a concept of sustainable agriculture is developed in order to ensure that the agro-eco-systems are stabilized and sustained crop yields are assured on long term basis. Sustainable Agriculture and Farming examines the problems caused by the technological revolution in farming practices and explains the long-term benefits of sustainable farming systems practices such as organic farming, biological and natural control of pests, and emphasis of watershed approach to conserve the soil and water, buildup of microflora in close harmony with beneficial soil - inhabitants and complete desisting the use of synthetic chemicals. Growers may use methods to promote soil health, minimize water use, and lower pollution levels on the farm. The goal of sustainable agriculture is to meet society’s food and textile needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Practitioners of sustainable agriculture seek to integrate three main objectives into their work: a healthy environment, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. Every person involved in the food system―growers, food processors, distributors, retailers, consumers, and waste managers―can play a role in ensuring a sustainable agricultural system. There are many practices commonly used by people working in sustainable agriculture and sustainable food systems. This Text explores the processes that occur within the components of a sustainable system and shows where we can build upon our existing knowledge to develop the concepts of sustainable agriculture into the new conventional agriculture.