Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review for Optimizing Food Production and Environmental Conservation

D. R. K. Saikanth

Department of Agricultural Extension, CoA, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU, India.

Supriya

Department of Agronomy, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana-132001, India.

Bal Veer Singh *

Department of Agronomy, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, UP, India.

Avinash Kumar Rai

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ghazipur, Directorate of Extension, Aacharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture & Amp, Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, UP, India.

Sita Ram Bana

Plant Pathology, SRF ICAR Extension Division, New Delhi, India.

Dhruvendra Singh Sachan

Department of Agronomy, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, UP, India.

Barinderjit Singh

Department of Food Science and Technology, I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala-144603, Punjab, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Advances in sustainable agriculture are essential for simultaneously optimizing food production and preserving the environment. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth study of the current state and future possibilities of sustainable farming practices. With the ever-increasing global population, ensuring food security has become a paramount issue. Conventional farming techniques, though effective for mass food production, pose serious threats to environmental sustainability due to excessive resource utilization, pollution, and degradation of biodiversity. Sustainable agriculture promotes practices that are environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially equitable. This involves the application of advanced technologies, including precision farming, genetically modified crops for higher yield and disease resistance, and integrating renewable energy sources in farming practices. Importantly, the study also emphasizes agroecological practices which include crop rotation, organic farming, and agroforestry that contribute to enhancing soil fertility, reducing synthetic pesticide use, and promoting biodiversity. Additionally, sustainable agriculture supports the use of local resources and traditional knowledge to maintain ecological balance while ensuring food production. This review also highlights the crucial role of policy support and education in promoting sustainable farming. Farmer training and public awareness campaigns can increase understanding and acceptance of sustainable practices, leading to wider adoption. Overall, this review suggests that the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices is not just a choice but a necessity for ensuring food security and environmental conservation in the future.

Keywords: Sustainable agriculture, precision farming, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, drones and satellite imagery


How to Cite

Saikanth, D. R. K., Supriya, Bal Veer Singh, Avinash Kumar Rai, Sita Ram Bana, Dhruvendra Singh Sachan, and Barinderjit Singh. 2023. “Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review for Optimizing Food Production and Environmental Conservation”. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science 35 (16):417-25. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2023/v35i163169.