CHAPTER 6 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

6.1 What is Sustainable Agriculture? 

In simplest terms, sustainable agriculture is the production of food, fibre, or other plant or animal products using farming techniques that protect the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare. This form of agriculture enables us to produce healthful food without compromising future generations' ability to do the same.

6.2 History Development of Sustainable Agriculture

The primary benefits sustainable agriculture are: 

• Environment Preservation 
• Protection of Public Health 
• Sustaining Vibrant Communities 
• Upholding Animal Welfare

6.3 Concept of Sustainable Agriculture

Characteristic of Sustainable

Economic	Environment	Community
Subsidies       Income       Access	Conservation       Preservation       Animal Welfare	Social Justice       Cooperative       Relationships

Exploring Sustainable Agriculture

1990 Farm Bill according to the Public Law 101-624, Title XVI, Subtitle A, Section 1683

An integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will over the long terms:

• Satisfy human food needs
• Enhance environment quality
• Sustain economic viability of farming operations
• Enhance quality of life

Types of Sustainable Farming

• Organic Farming
• Biodynamic
• Permaculture
• Agro-ecological system
• Low-input

Organic Farming

Biodynamic

Permaculture

Agro-ecological System

Low-input

Sustainable Practices??

a) Conserve Oil                                                                        

• Cover crops                                                                          
• Minimize tillage
• Crop rotation

b) Recycle Nutrient

• Compost
• Manure
• Crop residues

Nutrient	Conventional	Sustainable
Nitrogen	Made from natural gas  Urea, Anhydrous ammonia	Fixed from air bacteria Manure and compost
Phosphorus	Mined in Florida & Canada	Manure, compost, bone meal
Potassium	Mined in Canada	Manure,, compost

Planning and Decision Making

Earlier Agricultural Development Approach

• Priority to irrigated areas
• Increased level of investment in physical capital
• Technology driven
• Intensive short-run resource use
• Priority to cash crops
• Sectorial and single-disciplinary approach

FARM Development Approach

• Priority to rainfed areas
• Greater investment in human resources and capacity building
• People's participation oriented
• Long-term sustainable resource use
• Priority to food security
• Multi-sectorial and multi-disciplinary systems approach