The Concept of Sustainability

June 28, 2022

The concept of sustainability is based on the core principle of meeting the requirements of present generation without compromising the needs of future generations. Perspective diversity exists in definition of sustainable agriculture to include sustainable ways of farming based on the study of relationship between organisms and environmental understanding of ecosystem services. 

The perspective agricultural system is significant to comprehend sustainability in broadest sense to include individual farm, local ecosystem and communities affected locally and globally by farming practices. Sustainable agricultural systems benefit the environment by reducing soil degradation and erosion, maintaining soil quality and conserving water. Students of Best Agriculture Colleges in Jaipur are taught about the importance of sustainable agriculture.

Systemic approach provides for tools to explore the interrelations between farming and environmental aspects. Focus has to be put on the farming system which allows thorough analysis of effects of farming practices on human communities and environmental consequences. 

Stewardship of human resources considers present and future social responsibilities of the needs of rural communities, living and working conditions of labourers, consumer health and safety for land and natural resources maintaining or enhancing the vital resources is essential. The overall crops produced through sustainable agriculture by stewardship of natural and human resources are healthier and more nutritious.

Importance of sustainability-

Practitioners integrate and apply sustainable agriculture for three main reasons and agriculture experts from Best Agriculture Colleges in Jaipur agree to this. These are healthy environment, economic profitability and social equity. Every grower, food processor, distributor, retailers, waste managers and consumers involved in the agricultural system plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable environment.

The common practices in sustainable agriculture and food systems include growers using methods to minimize water wastage, promoting soil health and reducing pollution levels in the farm. Further, retailers and consumers focus on sustainable value-based foods which are grown to promote farmers wellbeing, combining chemistry, economics, biology, genetic engineering, community development and many other fields. 

Sustainable agriculture consists of collection of practices and processes of negotiating competing interests of individual farmer and community members to solve complex problems related to food and fibre crops. The goal of sustainable agriculture is to fulfil current needs without sacrificing future prospects by conserving water quality and supply; sustainable land use while maintaining biodiversity and wildlife habitat; opting for renewable ways of energy production and consumption; improving plant, animal production and labour practices to ensure social and economic equity.

The process of transitioning to sustainable agriculture for farmers requires a series of small and realistic steps based on personal goals and family economics.