– By Aditi Balbir
Growing plants and vegetables might be perceived as an environmentally sustainable practice, wouldn’t you agree? It’s not as straightforward. Deforestation emerges as a direct consequence because you are cutting trees to create land for crops. Another dire consequence is soil degradation and erosion, with the use of chemicals and pesticides. Not to mention the excessive use of water, leading to stagnation, water pollution and wastage. Just some of the things that don’t make agriculture as sustainable as we think.
Given the global population projected to reach almost ten billion by 2050, sustainable agriculture is vital for ensuring food security, conserving natural resources, and protecting the environment.
So what is sustainable agriculture?
It is the efficient production of safe and high-quality agricultural products in a way that actually protects and improves the natural environment instead of degrading it, and also enhances the livelihoods of farmers and their communities. In addition, governments can enact policies that support and incentivize sustainable practices, while financial institutions can provide support to farmers transitioning to sustainable methods. Consumers can make informed choices by supporting sustainable and locally produced food, and research institutions can contribute by developing and disseminating sustainable practices.
There are many methods of sustainable agriculture, and some common ones include agroforestry to integrate crops and trees, crop cover to reduce erosion, natural pest management, using renewable sources of energy and so on. I would like to highlight the 2 most innovative techniques of sustainable agriculture.
1. Hydroponics – Land is precious, right? So what if we could grow crops without the use of soil? Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using a water-based nutrient solution to supply the necessary nutrients for plant growth. This makes it space and water-efficient. Hydroponic systems can have lower incidences of pests and diseases, as plants are grown in a controlled environment and this system is easily adapted for various types of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental crops.
There are some challenges associated with hydroponics, such as the need for a continuous supply of nutrients and the potential for algae growth in open systems. Therefore there is a need to use recycling systems to maintain nutrient balance and minimise nutrient losses.
2. Community-based natural farming – This method was developed in Andhra Pradesh that makes use of only natural methods of growing crops with no chemical fertilisers and pesticides and the use of indigenous seeds and varieties only. It is a farming system that relies on natural inputs and processes, such as cow dung, urine, and other organic matter, to improve soil fertility and crop yields. The approach is community-led, with farmers sharing knowledge and resources to promote sustainable practices. The core of the approach is to reinject bacteria in the soil, restoring fertility and productivity. The program builds the capacity of farmers by disseminating training and knowledge on natural farming, working with local women’s groups, and fostering leadership among best-practicing farmers so that farming communities can sustain the practices in the long term.
A comparative study of prevalent farming practices in Andhra Pradesh concluded that community-based natural farming offers superior benefits in terms of crop diversity and income for farmers.
I’ve personally experienced the produce by this form of sustainable agriculture and the quality and yield far supersede that of normal produce. Not to mention the taste and the comfort that you are ingesting the freshest, most organic produce.
So worth it, even for us consumers right?
(Aditi Balbir is the Co-founder of EcoRatings.)
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