Why sustainable agriculture is important in 2023

Sustainable agriculture responsibly uses natural resources, preserves the environment, and supports future generations. Sustainable agriculture can be implemented on any scale, from growing crops in an individual's garden to managing vast plantations, including urban farming. Nowadays, sustainable agriculture is essential as the world population and new food demand in urban areas are increasing. This article will explore why sustainable agriculture is important, why we need it, and how conventional agriculture differs from sustainable agriculture.?

Why do we need sustainable agriculture?

The world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2023, and the demand for food will increase. The United Nations has recognized the need to increase food production in a sustainable way to meet this demand and has set the goal of achieving Zero Hunger by 2030.?

Furthermore, food and agriculture consumption for fresh fruit is increasing in Indonesia. The rise in demand for fresh fruit in Indonesia in 2050 could reach 269%.

In short, here are four reasons why we need sustainable agriculture in the future:

• Sustainable agriculture is environmentally friendly

Sustainable agriculture relies on natural methods to control pests and diseases, such as crop rotation, intercropping, and natural predators and repellents. It helps to reduce the negative impacts of synthetic chemicals on the environment and human health.

• Sustainable agriculture protects soil health

Healthy soil is essential for growing nutritious food and supporting the growth of a diverse range of plants and animals. Sustainable agriculture practices, such as cover cropping, composting, and reduced tillage, can help to improve soil health and preserve fertility.?

• Sustainable agriculture saves water bodies from pollution

Riparian areas are areas of land adjacent to rivers, streams, and other bodies of water. These areas can help to filter and absorb excess moisture, reducing the risk of erosion and water pollution. Moreover, sustainable agriculture practices, such as leaving buffer strips or planting trees along riparian areas, can help to protect these essential areas.

• Sustainable agriculture mitigates the effects of climate change

Agroforestry and conservation agriculture are two examples of sustainable agriculture practices that may rise in demand in the future since they can help to increase the resilience of farming systems to climate change. These practices can help to reduce the impact of extreme weather events and improve the ability of farms to adapt to changing conditions.

Read also: Top 3 countries with the best agricultural technology

Conventional agriculture vs. sustainable agriculture

Conventional agriculture is a type of farming that has been practiced for centuries. It is based on using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to increase yields. This agriculture is also heavily reliant on monoculture, or the growing of a single crop.?

On the other hand, sustainable agriculture is a type of agriculture that is mindful of the long-term impact of farming practices on the environment. Sustainable agriculture seeks to reduce the harmful effects of farming on the environment by using more environmentally friendly methods. These practices include crop rotation, the use of organic fertilizer, and the promotion of biodiversity. Moreover, here are the differences between conventional and sustainable agriculture in some points. They also become considerations on why sustainable agriculture is important.?

Sustainable agriculture practices in the urban landscape

In urban areas, many space constraints make it difficult for traditional farming to happen. A sustainable alternative is allowing vertical farming opportunities in abandoned warehouses or unused city property. This agriculture uses fewer resources and produces more food than traditional farming methods due to the controlled environment. If you live in an urban area but worry about the landscape, here are four sustainable agriculture practices you can do in the metropolitan area.?

1. Community gardens: Community gardens are a popular way to grow fresh produce in an urban environment. They can be managed by a group of individuals or an organization and are often located on public or privately owned land.
2. Container gardening: Container gardening is a way to grow plants in containers, such as pots, barrels, or buckets. It is a popular method of urban agriculture because it requires little space and can be done on balconies, rooftops, or other small areas.
3. Vertical farming: Vertical farming uses hydroponics or other soil-less growing methods to grow plants in stacked layers. It is a space-efficient way to grow fresh produce in an urban environment.
4. Rooftop farming: Rooftop farming is a way to grow plants on the roof of a building. It can be a space-efficient way to grow fresh produce in an urban environment and help reduce the urban heat island effect.

To sum up

As the world's population grows, it is becoming increasingly essential to practice sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture is a type of agriculture that doesn't damage the environment or use resources excessively. Sustainable agriculture is important because it can meet future food demands while preserving the environment. Additionally, you can practice sustainable agriculture easily in urban areas. To explore more articles about sustainable agriculture, agricultural technology, and drones, visit www.avirtech.co/blog and subscribe to our Linkedin Newsletter.?