Welcome
SUSTAINABILITY is the focus of the day in education, research as well as extension. This site is dedicated to SUSTAINABILITY IN AGRICULTURE. Organic or biofertilizers are the key inputs to the organic farming that constitutes major component in sustainable agriculture.
Organic farming is on the move. In Asian as well as western countries, the Governments and non-governmental organizations are emphasizing research, promoting studies as well as encouraging farmers to practice organic farming. Environmental awareness coupled with social health making people more concerned about sustainable agriculture.
WHAT is Sustainable Agriculture?
Sustainable agriculture refers to the development of practices that ensure the ability to produce the food and fiber we need without degrading our natural resources. It includes soil-crop-environment interaction for crop production without degrading any of the associated components, thus emphasizing on optimization rather than conventional maximization strategy.
According to Sustainable Agriculture Treaty, SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE is a model of social and economic organization based on an equitable and participatory vision of development which recognizes the environment and natural resources as the foundation of economic activity. Agriculture is sustainable when it is ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just, culturally appropriate and based on a holistic scientific approach (Global Forum at Rio de Janeiro, June 1-15, 1992). For further Definitions and related terms refer USDA Special Reference.
WHY Sustainable Agriculture?
Agriculture has changed dramatically in the last four decades of the twentieth century due to new technologies, mechanization, increased chemical use, specialization and government policies towards maximizing production. Although these changes have had many positive effects, there have also been increasing concerns. Topsoil depletion, groundwater contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, the decline of family farms, increasing costs of production, and the disintegration of social conditions in rural communities include concerning issues.
Second generation problems of the post-Green Revolution era threaten sustainability of agriculture as a whole, and raise serious concerns about national food security. The concerns are mainly due to the reduction of crop yield, deterioration of soil fertility, receding groundwater tables in many agriculturally important areas and low diversity of cropping cycles. Growth rates for production and productivity of major crops are declining, while the fertiliser consumption is increasing by an alarming extent.
Biofertilizers for Organic Farming
Bio-Fertilizers are encouraged to be applied to field solely or in combination with inorganic or chemical fertilisers to help prevent soil degradation. Soil organic matter needs to be retained or improved without destroying soil structure for attaining sustainability in agricultural production. A movement for sustainable agriculture is being emerged and getting support and acceptance within mainstream agriculture.
