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114 Agriculture Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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Agriculture plays a vital role in the development and sustainability of societies around the world. From crop cultivation to animal husbandry, agriculture encompasses a wide range of practices that affect our food production, environment, and economy. If you're looking for essay topics related to agriculture, we've compiled a comprehensive list of 114 ideas and examples to inspire your writing.

• The impact of climate change on agriculture: challenges and adaptation strategies.
• The role of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in modern agriculture.
• Organic farming: benefits, challenges, and future prospects.
• The use of pesticides in agriculture: balancing productivity and environmental concerns.
• Agricultural subsidies: their impact on farmers and the economy.
• The importance of soil health for sustainable agriculture.
• Precision farming: the integration of technology in agricultural practices.
• The role of women in agriculture: empowerment and gender equality.
• Urban agriculture: promoting food security in cities.
• The impact of globalization on agriculture: opportunities and threats.
• The role of agricultural education in shaping the future of farming.
• Food waste in agriculture: causes, consequences, and solutions.
• Sustainable livestock production: balancing meat consumption and environmental impact.
• The role of small-scale farmers in global food production.
• The ethics of animal welfare in modern farming practices.
• Agricultural trade policies: implications for developing countries.
• The impact of deforestation on agricultural practices.
• The role of agricultural biotechnology in feeding a growing population.
• The challenges and benefits of aquaculture in meeting global seafood demand.
• The impact of agricultural practices on water resources.
• The role of agricultural cooperatives in supporting small-scale farmers.
• The future of vertical farming: opportunities and limitations.
• The impact of agricultural pollution on human health.
• Agroforestry: integrating trees into agricultural landscapes.
• The role of agricultural extension services in rural development.
• The potential of hydroponics in urban agriculture.
• The impact of industrial agriculture on biodiversity.
• The role of agricultural research and development in innovation.
• The influence of social media on consumer perceptions of agriculture.
• The challenges and opportunities of agricultural mechanization in developing countries.
• The role of agricultural insurance in mitigating risks for farmers.
• The impact of land tenure systems on agricultural productivity.
• The role of agricultural cooperatives in sustainable development.
• The potential of vertical farming to reduce food miles and carbon footprint.
• The impact of agricultural subsidies on food prices for consumers.
• The role of urban agriculture in community development.
• The importance of seed banks in preserving agricultural biodiversity.
• The impact of agricultural practices on pollinators and ecosystem services.
• The role of agricultural drones in precision farming.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to regenerative agriculture.
• The impact of agricultural practices on soil erosion.
• The role of agricultural education in fostering entrepreneurship.
• The potential of agricultural waste management in bioenergy production.
• The impact of agricultural practices on rural livelihoods.
• The role of agricultural cooperatives in improving market access for small-scale farmers.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to organic dairy farming.
• The impact of climate-smart agriculture on resilience and adaptation.
• The role of agricultural biotechnology in improving crop yields.
• The potential of agroecology in sustainable farming.
• The impact of agricultural practices on air quality.
• The role of agricultural research in addressing food security challenges.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to sustainable palm oil production.
• The impact of agricultural practices on wildlife conservation.
• The role of agricultural cooperatives in promoting fair trade.
• The potential of precision livestock farming in improving animal welfare.
• The impact of agricultural practices on rural migration patterns.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to organic vegetable farming.
• The role of agricultural biotechnology in addressing malnutrition.
• The potential of urban rooftop gardens in enhancing food security.
• The impact of agricultural practices on groundwater contamination.
• The role of agricultural entrepreneurship in rural development.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to agroforestry systems.
• The impact of agricultural practices on food safety.
• The role of agricultural cooperatives in empowering marginalized communities.
• The potential of hydroponics in space agriculture.
• The impact of agricultural practices on indigenous food systems.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to sustainable cotton production.
• The role of agricultural biotechnology in reducing post-harvest losses.
• The potential of vertical farming in food deserts.
• The impact of agricultural practices on rural poverty alleviation.
• The role of agricultural cooperatives in promoting climate-smart agriculture.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to organic wine production.
• The impact of agricultural practices on soil degradation.
• The role of agricultural education in promoting sustainable farming practices.
• The potential of aquaponics in sustainable food production.
• The impact of agricultural practices on food sovereignty.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to sustainable coffee farming.
• The role of agricultural biotechnology in reducing pesticide use.
• The potential of urban agriculture in reducing food waste.
• The impact of agricultural practices on indigenous land rights.
• The role of agricultural cooperatives in promoting gender equality.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to organic beekeeping.
• The impact of agricultural practices on rural resilience.
• The role of agricultural extension services in promoting climate resilience.
• The potential of rooftop farming in urban sustainability.
• The impact of agricultural practices on food culture.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to sustainable cocoa production.
• The role of agricultural biotechnology in improving nutritional quality.
• The potential of vertical farming in disaster-prone areas.
• The impact of agricultural practices on food sovereignty in indigenous communities.
• The role of agricultural cooperatives in promoting sustainable seafood.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to organic tea production.
• The impact of agricultural practices on rural social capital.
• The role of agricultural extension services in promoting sustainable water management.
• The potential of hydroponics in space exploration.
• The impact of agricultural practices on food justice.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to sustainable sugar production.
• The role of agricultural biotechnology in reducing food waste.
• The potential of urban agriculture in promoting social cohesion.
• The impact of agricultural practices on land rights in developing countries.
• The role of agricultural cooperatives in promoting sustainable palm oil.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to organic cotton farming.
• The impact of agricultural practices on rural cultural heritage.
• The role of agricultural extension services in promoting sustainable energy use.
• The potential of aquaponics in sustainable urban development.
• The impact of agricultural practices on food sovereignty in marginalized communities.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to sustainable chocolate production.
• The role of agricultural biotechnology in improving drought tolerance.
• The potential of vertical farming in post-disaster recovery.
• The impact of agricultural practices on food security in conflict zones.
• The role of agricultural cooperatives in promoting sustainable timber production.
• The challenges and benefits of transitioning to organic coffee farming.
• The impact of agricultural practices on rural cultural landscapes.
• The role of agricultural extension services in promoting sustainable waste management.

These essay topic ideas cover a wide range of aspects related to agriculture, providing a plethora of opportunities for research and critical analysis. Whether you're interested in environmental sustainability, social justice, or technological innovation, there is a topic here that will inspire your writing and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of agriculture.

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The Importance Of Agriculture And Animal Husbandry Essay Examples

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Business , Services papers , Animals , Workplace , Finance , Agriculture , Poverty , Development

Published: 12/31/2019

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Agriculture is the creation of feed, food, and other products by methodical growing and harvesting of plants, animals, as well as, other forms of life. It plays a significant function in human civilization. Until the industrial insurgency, agriculture functioned as the mode of revenue for most people in different countries. The techniques of agriculture have continued to change with the advancement in global population.

On the other hand, animal husbandry is rapidly changing the financial system of several countries, therefore, contributing significantly in their economy. Livestock provides improved financial stability to the poor population. It generates immense employment prospects in livestock production. Global consumption of milk and meat continues to grow and, especially, in developing countries.

For the world’s poorest nations, the key to transitioning to a faster growing and more diversified economy is being able to reduce poverty. Agriculture has allowed such countries to make the first steps on to the prosperity ladder. It is almost impossible to achieve poverty reduction without primarily increasing agricultural productivity, (Valdés, & Bresciani, 2007).

In starting agriculture and animal husbandry in a small country, various agencies and government ministries should be involved in offering rural services. Some of these services involve those that would directly serve the would- be farmers, and those believed to be of national strategic importance. These services include those that support agricultural production like finances, marketing, extension services and transportation of the farm inputs. They also include those that offer general well being and sustenance of the population, such as, retail establishments, social services and clinics.

Provision of services is traditionally the liability of the government and other institutions, such as banks. Costs of starting up a farm are of key importance, and, therefore, financial institutions should chip in to offer credit facilities and enable the farmers to meet all expenses required in setting up their agricultural units. Services that directly encourage agricultural production and animal husbandry are connected to particular desires of individual farmers, as well as, their farms. Farmers would wish to have access to credit, agricultural implements, extension services, fertilizers, seeds and steady markets for their produce.

For a country to set up agricultural unit and animal husbandry, the development strategies must aim at realizing the connection between growths in the wider economy, and increasing of the agricultural productivity. Thus, some principles should be followed:-

Reflecting the stage of the country’s development – it is justifiable for a government to provide clear precedence to agriculture when devoting public money, then play a proactive role to facilitate and stimulate agricultural development to a more diversified economic growth.

Focus on market opportunities and demands because for poor countries like in Africa, domestic food markets are the most rapid developing sources of demand for agriculture.

Giving priority to strategies devised to conquer the most considerable obstacles to increased employment and productivity. In small countries, this may mean having to focus on small scale, and labor intensive farming.

Fill agricultural finance gap – a major obstacle to most poor farmers in small countries is limited access to finance, and especially short term seasonal credit. Financial providers are frequently reluctant to meet farmers’ credit needs, forcing them to seek alternative ways.

Conducting agricultural research – this involves availing technology and knowledge to farmers, in order to have access to any agricultural or animal husbandry information that could benefit them.

Access to land should be improved – in most countries, land remains inequitable, which reduce agriculture’s contribution to poverty drop. Starting farming or animal husbandry also calls for an assessment of the population, and the type of agricultural or other activities undertaken in the region. In most poor states, critical challenges include access roads, water, marketing of the farmers’ inputs, and also credit facilities. Providing available markets for farmer’s products ensures that there is no waste of products, in addition to improving their lives, economically. Failure to have a ready market can result to putting pressure on the peasant farmers, through offering low prices for the products and goods harvested.

There is economic importance in providing means to start agriculture and animal husbandry, because an increase in agricultural productivity increases the sum of disposable income, and especially, in rural areas. Credit facilities for farmers help them to have access to agricultural items like seeds, fertilizer and also farm implements. Once they borrow from the financial institutions, they are required to pay progressively at reduced interest rates, once they sell their produce. Farming also generates more agricultural employment opportunities, therefore, reducing the relocation from rural to urban regions, (Wanmali, & Zamchiya, 1992).

Agriculture and animal husbandry are essential to a country’s efforts to minimize global poverty. Agriculture’s significance to poverty cutback goes beyond its direct influence on farmers’ earnings. It is evident that improving agriculture and animal husbandry benefits millions of people in a country through cheap and plentiful food, higher incomes, employment and other developments.

Valdés, A., & Bresciani, F. (2007). Beyond food production: The role of agriculture in poverty reduction. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Wanmali, S., & Zamchiya, J. M. (1992). Service provision and its impact on agricultural and rural development in Zimbabwe: A case study of Gazaland District. Washington, D.C: Dept. of Physical Planning, Ministry of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, Government of Zimbabwe, International Food Policy Research Institute.

Kjeldsen-Kragh, S. (2007). The role of agriculture in economic development: The lessons of history. Copenhagen: Copenhagen Business School Pr.

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The production of animal agriculture essay.

1 Introduction Animal agriculture is defined as the practice of breeding animals for the production of animal product purposes (MacLachlan, 2016). Animal agriculture is a continuous expanding industry globally. The quest for intensification in livestock farming has thundered ahead with little regard for sustainability and overall efficiency (Eisler, 2014). Because of this little regard of sustainability; there have been many issues and problems which have been risen due to the mass production of animal farming locally in Australia and also world–wide. The two major issues that are continuous problem; is water usage and waste and also deforestation. The agriculture sector is the largest user of fresh water resources. In 2000, animal agriculture accounted for seventy percent of water use of water use and ninety–three per cent of water depletion worldwide (Kirby M. , 2013). Water is a necessity resource that needs to be used in farming, from growing grain for feed and for animals to drink. It takes roughly 9084 litres of water to produce one pound of beef meat (Kirby, 2015). Two acres of rain forest are cleared each minute to raise cattle or the crops to feed them (Simon, 2015). Agriculture is estimated to be the direct driver for around 80% of deforestation worldwide (Wageningen University and Research Centre, 2014). 2 Water Consumption Water consumption is a major issue in animal agriculture, it is an abused resource in animal farming and needs to be considered as a

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Effects of agriculture on the environment essay.

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Importance of Animals in Agricultural Sustainability and Food Security

Lawrence p reynolds, meghan c wulster-radcliffe, debra k aaron, teresa a davis.

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To whom correspondence should be addressed: E-mail: [email protected] .

The authors reported no funding received for this study.

Received 2015 Feb 10; Revised 2015 Mar 2; Accepted 2015 Apr 21; Issue date 2015 Jul.

A conservative projection shows the world's population growing by 32% (to 9.5 billion) by 2050 and 53% (to 11 billion) by 2100 compared with its current level of 7.2 billion. Because most arable land worldwide is already in use, and water and energy also are limiting, increased production of food will require a substantial increase in efficiency. In this article, we highlight the importance of animals to achieving food security in terms of their valuable contributions to agricultural sustainability, especially in developing countries, and the high nutritional value of animal products in the diet.

Keywords: food security, agricultural sustainability, human nutrition, animals, animal products

In a recent editorial in Science , Donald Kennedy discussed the critical need for increased funding for agricultural research because of the challenges associated with feeding the world's rapidly expanding population and correctly identified food security as the main global challenge of the 21st century ( 1 – 4 ). As Dr. Kennedy's editorial correctly pointed out, the challenge of feeding a population of >9 billion is daunting, and because arable land and clean water resources are already limited, it will only be possible through the application of agricultural innovations and increased efficiency of food production. However, he failed to mention the important role of animals, and we would therefore like to expand on that issue and several other critical issues.

Food security is defined by the WHO as “… [ready] access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life” ( 4 ). Although the focus of discussions about food security is usually the developing world, where most of population growth is expected to occur, food security is equally important for the developed world. Globally, food insecurity currently affects nearly a billion people, including 20 million children aged <5 y who experience severe malnutrition, and is one of the “…major causes of death and disability worldwide” ( 5 ). Similarly, in the developed world food security remains problematic; in the United States, for example, nearly 15% of households are food insecure ( 6 ).

Hunger is principally caused by poverty, which currently affects ∼15.8% (21.8% for children aged <18 y) of the population in the United States and represents the highest poverty rate since 1993 ( 6 ). Thus, 48.8 million US citizens live in poverty, which is nearly twice the total population of the 10 largest US cities [25.2 million ( 7 )]! In addition, 2.3 million American households, representing 2.8 million children, live in extreme poverty, meaning their income is ≤$2/d per person, which is the same definition used by the World Bank for the developing world ( 8 )!

Food insecurity affects especially children because “[u]ndernutrition and malnutrition in childhood interfere with physical and mental development, thus compromising whole lives. Assuring adequate nutrition from an early age on is therefore a prerequisite for a society's prosperity” ( 5 ). In addition, because three-fourths of the poor in the developing world still live in rural areas, and most of these are smallholder farmers, growth in the agricultural sector may be the most effective way to reduce poverty ( 9 ).

The Role of Animals and Animal Products

Importantly, although often overlooked, meat, milk, eggs, and other animal products, including fish and other seafoods, will play an important role in achieving food security for several reasons.

First, animal products are an important source of high-quality, balanced, and highly bioavailable protein and numerous critical micronutrients, including iron, zinc, and vitamins B-12 and A, many of which are deficient in a large portion of the world's population ( 10 – 12 ). Thus, moderate consumption of animal-sourced foods plays an important role in achieving a nutritionally balanced diet, especially in the developing world ( 11 – 13 ).

Second, because they are recognized as high-quality foods, global demand for animal products is almost certain to continue to increase dramatically ( 10 , 13 – 16 ). The drivers of the increased demand for animal products include not only population growth but also increased affluence, especially in the developing world, where most of the increase in population will occur ( 3 ).

Third, farm animals are critical to a sustainable agricultural system and especially for smallholders who comprise most of the world's farmers ( 12 – 16 ). Farm animals contribute not only a source of high-quality food that improves nutritional status but also additional resources such as manure for fertilizer, on-farm power, and other by-products, and, in addition, provide economic diversification and risk distribution ( 12 , 13 , 16 – 18 ). Moreover, increased efficiencies in the past several decades through genetic selection and improved management technologies has saved a large amount of resources, including water and land, and have substantially reduced the carbon footprint of animal production ( 16 , 18 , 19 ).

Fourth, ruminants such as buffalo, cattle, goats, and sheep, efficiently convert the forages from grasslands into high-quality animal products, and grazing also can promote the health and biodiversity of grasslands if managed appropriately ( 16 , 19 – 23 ). This is important because grassland pastures cover >25% of the Earth's land surface and, despite being home to nearly a billion people, comprise primarily marginally or non-arable land ( 24 , 25 ).

However, sustainable farm animal production will also require a more complete understanding of their impact on the environment. For example, a report by the FAO of the UN estimated that livestock, and especially ruminants, contribute as much as 18% of greenhouse gas emissions ( 26 ), but others have suggested that this is a gross overestimate and that the actual value may be as low as 3% ( 27 ). Regardless, as farm animal production continues to increase, we need to be concerned with not only greenhouse gases but also the impact of farm animals on soil, water, and biodiversity ( 26 , 28 ). We also need to better understand the specific role of animal products in the diet in the global increase in noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, because noncommunicable diseases are now responsible for more deaths worldwide than all other causes ( 29 , 30 ). In this regard, recent reports from the National Research Council and from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Department of Health and Human Services, argue strongly for renewed focus, including additional research, on these controversial and critical issues ( 15 , 31 ).

Solving the problems and overcoming the obstacles to sustainable food security, although daunting, are not options, because food security is critical not only to national security but also to global stability ( 32 ). Feeding the world's rapidly expanding population can therefore rightly be viewed as the main global challenge of the 21st century. Animals will play an important role in meeting this challenge.

Acknowledgments

LPR prepared the manuscript and has primary responsibility for final content; MCW-R, DKA, and TAD edited the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Home — Essay Samples — Science — Agriculture

Essays on Agriculture

The importance of writing an essay on agriculture cannot be overstated. Agriculture is the backbone of our society, providing us with the food and resources we need to survive. By writing an essay on agriculture, you can help raise awareness about the importance of sustainable farming practices, the impact of climate change on food production, and the need for technological advancements in the agricultural industry.

When writing an essay on agriculture, it's important to first do thorough research on the topic. This may involve reading academic journals, interviewing experts in the field, and gathering data on current agricultural practices and trends. This research will provide you with the necessary information to make strong arguments and support your claims.

Additionally, it's important to consider the audience for your essay. Are you writing for a general audience or for a specific group of people, such as policymakers or farmers? Tailoring your writing to your audience will help ensure that your essay is relevant and impactful.

Another important tip for writing an essay on agriculture is to use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon and technical terms that may be difficult for the average reader to understand. Instead, focus on communicating your ideas in a straightforward manner that is accessible to a wide range of readers.

Finally, don't forget to include evidence to support your arguments. This may include statistics, case studies, and expert opinions. Providing evidence will help strengthen your essay and make it more persuasive.

The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today. Write an essay exploring the various ways in which climate change is affecting agriculture, including changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and the spread of pests and diseases. Discuss potential strategies for adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change on agriculture.

The Role of Technology in Modern Agriculture Advances in technology have revolutionized the way we produce food. In this essay, discuss the impact of technology on agriculture, including the use of precision farming techniques, drones and other aerial technologies, and the development of genetically modified organisms. Explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of these technological advancements on the agricultural industry.

Sustainable Agriculture Practices Sustainability is a growing concern in agriculture, as farmers and policymakers seek to minimize the environmental impact of food production. Write an essay discussing sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming, crop rotation, and integrated pest management. Explore the potential benefits of these practices for both the environment and the long-term viability of the agricultural industry.

The Importance of Soil Health in Agriculture Healthy soil is essential for productive and sustainable agriculture. In this essay, explore the role of soil health in agriculture, including the importance of soil conservation, the impact of soil degradation on crop yields, and the potential benefits of regenerative agriculture practices. Discuss potential strategies for improving and maintaining soil health on farms.

The Future of Agriculture: Urban Farming and Vertical Agriculture As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food is increasing, leading to new innovations in agricultural practices. Write an essay discussing the potential of urban farming and vertical agriculture to address food security and sustainability challenges. Explore the benefits and drawbacks of these alternative farming methods and their potential impact on the agricultural industry.

The Economics of Agriculture: Farm Subsidies and Trade Policies The agricultural industry is heavily influenced by government policies and international trade agreements. In this essay, explore the economic factors that shape agriculture, including the role of farm subsidies, tariffs, and trade barriers. Discuss the potential impact of these policies on farmers, consumers, and the global food supply.

The Ethical Considerations of Animal Agriculture The treatment of animals in the agricultural industry is a topic of growing concern. Write an essay exploring the ethical considerations of animal agriculture, including the use of factory farming practices, the treatment of livestock, and the impact of animal agriculture on the environment and public health. Discuss potential strategies for promoting ethical and sustainable practices in animal agriculture.

The Impact of Biotechnology on Agriculture Biotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural industry, from the development of genetically modified crops to the use of biotechnology in food processing and preservation. In this essay, explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of biotechnology in agriculture, including its impact on food security, environmental sustainability, and public health.

The Role of Women in Agriculture Women play a crucial role in agriculture, from farm labor and management to entrepreneurship and leadership. Write an essay discussing the contributions of women to the agricultural industry, including the challenges and opportunities they face. Explore potential strategies for promoting gender equality and empowering women in agriculture.

The Future of Agriculture: Sustainable Food Systems As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, food security, and environmental degradation, there is growing interest in developing sustainable food systems. In this essay, discuss the potential of sustainable food systems to address these challenges, including the role of regenerative agriculture, local food movements, and alternative food distribution models. Explore the potential benefits of sustainable food systems for both the environment and human health.

In , agriculture is a complex and multifaceted industry that intersects with numerous social, economic, and environmental issues. These essay topics provide a starting point for exploring the many dimensions of agriculture, from the impact of climate change and technological advancements to the ethical considerations of food production and the potential of sustainable food systems. By delving into these topics, students and researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the agricultural industry and contribute to the development of innovative solutions for a more sustainable and equitable food system.

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Essay on Sustainable Agriculture

Introduction: what is sustainable agriculture, importance of sustainable agriculture, population growth, per capita food consumption, sustainable agriculture and technology, green politics, conclusion of sustainable agriculture.

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Sustainable agriculture has dominated the sociological understanding of the rural world largely. Following the enthusiasm around the concept as a means of eradication of poverty and turning the economy to a “resource-efficient, low carbon Green Economy”. Global population, and consequently consumption has increased.

However, technological development has matched the demand for food in terms of food production, but the distribution of food is not evenly distributed. This has brought forth the question of the possibility of supplying adequate food to the ever-growing global population.

Further, the challenges posed by depleting non-renewable sources of energy, rising costs, and climate change have brought the issue related to sustainability of food production and the related social and economic impact of the food production into forefront. This paper outlines the meaning and technology related to sustainable agriculture and tries to gauge its impact as a possible solution to the impending food crisis.

Sustainable agriculture is a process of farming using eco-friendly methods understanding and maintaining the relationship between the organisms and environment. In this process of agriculture and animal husbandry are combined to form a simultaneous process and practice. In other words, sustainable agriculture is an amalgamation of three main elements viz. ecological health, profitability, and propagating equality.

The concept of sustainability rests on the principle of not wasting any resources that may become useful to the future generations. Therefore, the main idea of sustainability rests on stewardship of individual and natural resources. Before understanding the technology involved in sustainable agriculture, it is important to know why we need it in the first place.

The rise in population growth and urbanization of people has led to a dietary change of the world population, which now rests more on animal protein. Therefore understanding the demographic changes in the world population has become an important parameter to judge the future demand for food.

As population growth rate is the key variable that affects the demand for food, therefore understanding the number of people increasing worldwide is important. According to the UNDP results, the annual population growth rate had declined from 2.2% in 1962 to 1.1% in 2010, however, this increase to indicate an increase of 75 million people.

However, this increase in population is not equitably distributed as some areas such as Africa, Latin America, and Asia face a growth rate of 2% while others such as the erstwhile Soviet bloc countries have a negative rate.

According to the UNDP predictions, population worldwide is expected to increase to 9 billion in 2050 from the present 7 billion. Therefore, the uncertain growth in population is expected to affect food demand and therefore food production.

Undernourishment is a prevalent problem in the developing world, wherein almost 20% of the developing world that is more than 5 billion people is undernourished.

Further, in emerging economies, food consumption is increasing with increased preference for animal protein such as meat, dairy products, and eggs. Therefore, the growth of consumption of animal protein has increased the necessity of grazing of livestock, therefore, increasing further pressure on the food supply.

It is believed that the increase in the demand for food due to the increase in global population and changes in dietary habits of the population. In the past, the demand for food and the rate of production has remained at par, but the unequal distribution of food has led to the major problem in food supply and starvation in various parts of the world.

Another problem that food production in the future faces is the constraint of non-renewable natural resources. The most critical resources, which are becoming scant for the future generations are –

• Land : Availability of land globally to cultivate food has grown marginally due to the increase in global population. The availability of land available per person to grow food has declined from 1.30 hectares in 1967 to 0.72 hectares in 2007. Therefore, a clear dearth in agricultural land is a deterrent to future agriculture.
• Water : The world comprises of 70% freshwater resources, available from rivers and groundwater. Deficiency of freshwater has been growing as usage of water has increased more than twice the rate of population growth. As water is required for irrigation purposes, water availability to is not equally distributed around the world. Therefore, reduced water supply would limit the per capita production of food.
• Energy : Globally, the scarcity of the non-renewable resources of energy is another concern. The global demand for energy is expected to double by 2050, consequently increasing energy prices. Therefore, food production for the future will have to devise a technology based on renewable sources of energy.

The question of sustainability in agriculture arose due to some pressing issues that have limited the utilization of erstwhile processes and technologies for food production. However, it should be noted that sustainable agriculture does not prescribe any set rule or technology for the production process, rather shows a way towards sustainability.

Sustainable agriculture uses best management practices by adhering to target-oriented cultivation. The agriculture process looks at disease-oriented hybrid, pest control through use of biological insecticides and low usage of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Usually, insect-specific pest control is used, which is biological in nature.

Water given to the crops is through micro-sprinklers which help is directly watering the roots of the plants, and not flooding the field completely. The idea is to manage the agricultural land for both plants and animal husbandry.

For instance, in many southwestern parts of Florida’s citrus orchards, areas meant for water retention and forest areas become a natural habitat for birds and other animals. The process uses integrated pest management that helps in reducing the amount of pesticide used in cultivation.

Sustainable agriculture adopts green technology as a means of reducing wastage of non-renewable energy and increase production. In this respect, the sustainable agricultural technology is linked to the overall developmental objective of the nation and is directly related to solving socio-economic problems of the nation.

The UN report states, “The productivity increases in possible through environment-friendly and profitable technologies.” In order to understand the technology better, one must realize that the soil’s health is crucial for cultivation of crops.

Soil is not just another ingredient for cultivation like pesticides or fertilizers; rather, it is a complex and fragile medium that must be nurtured to ensure higher productivity. Therefore, the health of the soil can be maintained using eco-friendly methods:

Healthy soil, essential to agriculture, is a complex, living medium. The loose but coherent structure of good soil holds moisture and invites airflow. Ants (a) and earthworms (b) mix the soil naturally. Rhizobium bacteria (c) living in the root nodules of legumes (such as soybeans) create fixed nitrogen, an essential plant nutrient.

Other soil microorganisms, including fungi (d), actinomycetes (e), and bacteria (f), decompose organic matter, thereby releasing more nutrients. Microorganisms also produce substances that help soil particles adhere to one another. To remain healthy, soil must be fed organic materials such as various manures and crop residues.

This is nothing but a broader term to denote environment-friendly solutions to agricultural production. Therefore, the technology-related issue of sustainable agriculture is that it should use such technology that allows usage of renewable sources of energy and is not deterrent to the overall environment.

The politics around sustainable agriculture lies in the usage of the renewable sources of energy and disciplining of the current consumption rates. The politics related to the sustainable agriculture is also related to the politics of sustainable consumption.

Though there is a growing concern over depleting food for the future and other resources, there is hardly any measure imposed by the governments of developed and emerging economies to sustain the consumption pattern of the population.

The advocates of green politics believe that a radical change of the conventional agricultural process is required for bringing forth sustainable agriculture. Green politics lobbies for an integrated farming system that can be the only way to usher in sustainable agricultural program.

Sustainable agriculture is the way to maintain a parity between the increasing pressure of food demand and food production in the future. As population growth, change in income demographics, and food preferences change, there are changes in the demand of food of the future population.

Further, changes in climate and increasing concern regarding the depletion of non-renewable sources of energy has forced policymakers and scientists to device another way to sustain the available resources as well as continue meeting the increased demand of food.

Sustainable agriculture is the method through which these problems can be overlooked, bringing forth a new integrated form of agriculture that looks at food production in a holistic way.

Batie, S. S., ‘Sustainable Development: Challenges to Profession of Agricultural Economics’, American Journal of Agricultural Economics, vol. 71, no. 5, 1989: 1083-1101.

Dobson, A., The Politics of Nature: Explorations in Green Political Theory, Psychology Press, London, 1993.

Leaver, J. D., ‘Global food supply: a challenge for sustainable agriculture’, Nutrition Bulletin, vol. 36 , 2011: 416-421.

Martens, S., & G. Spaargaren, ‘The politics of sustainable consumption: the case of the Netherlands’, Sustainability: Science, Practice, & Policy, vol.1 no. 1, 2005: 29-42.

Morris, C., & M. Winter, ‘Integrated farming systems: the third way for European agriculture?’, Land Use Policy, vol. 16, no. 4, 1999: 193–205.

Reganold, J. P., R. I. Papendick, & J. F. Parr, ‘Sustainable Agriculture’, Scientific American , 1990: 112-120.

Townsend, C., ‘ Technology for Sustainable Agriculture. ‘ Florida Gulf Coast University, 1998. Web.

United Nations, ‘ Green technology for sustainable agriculture development ‘, United Nations Asian And Pacific Centre For Agricultural Engineering And Machinery, 2010. Web.

—, ‘ Sustainable agriculture key to green growth, poverty reduction – UN officials ‘, United Nations, 2011. Web.

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