Question

Read the following text carefully:
Climate change and sustainability of environment are two pressing issues that have captured global attention. In recent years, the world has witnessed a surge in extreme weather events including severe droughts, cloud bursts, floods, land slides, receding coastlines and the alarming melting of arctic ice and Himalayan Glaciers. Wildfires have become more frequent and intense. In this context, sustainable agriculture emerges as a crucial solution. This refers to those farming practices that meet today's requirements while preserving resources for the future generation. This means adopting methods that protect the environment, reduce dependence on chemical inputs, efficiently using water and land and ensuring socio-economic equity for farmers. On one hand sustainable agricultural practices are necessary, on the other, they are often more expensive to implement compared to conventional methods. Sustainable practices like organic farming, climate-smart technologies, modern irrigation systems may seem costly upfront, but they offer long-term benefits by improving productivity, and environmental stewardship. Without accessible and affordable financing options, the much needed shift to sustainable farming practices will remain a distant dream for many. Therefore, sustainable finance should not only promote eco-friendly practices but also ensure that financial resources are available to the farmers who need it.
Source: url{https://website.vbi.org.in/web/rbi/-/speeches- interview/financing-for-sustainable-agriculture (adopted and modified)
On the basis of the given text and common understanding, answer the following questions:

• (a) Define Sustainable Agriculture.
• (b) "Sustainable Agriculture practices, like organic farming may seem costly initially, but offer long term benefits." Discuss the long term benefits these practices can offer.
• (c) State any two strategies to promote sustainable development in a developing country like India.

Hint:

Sustainable agriculture is not just about protecting the environment; it's also about improving the long-term livelihoods of farmers and ensuring food security for future generations.

Answer 1

(a) Sustainable Agriculture: Sustainable agriculture refers to farming practices that meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It focuses on using resources efficiently, maintaining environmental health, and promoting socio-economic equity for farmers. (b) Long-term Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture: Sustainable agriculture offers several long-term benefits:
1. Improved Soil Health: Practices such as organic farming and crop rotation help maintain soil fertility, preventing soil degradation over time.
2. Reduced Environmental Impact: By minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, sustainable agriculture helps reduce pollution and promotes biodiversity.
3. Increased Productivity: Over time, the adoption of sustainable practices, like efficient water use and climate-smart technologies, leads to higher yields and improved resilience to climate change. (c) Strategies to Promote Sustainable Development in India: 1. Government Support and Subsidies for Sustainable Farming: The government can provide financial support and incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming and water-efficient technologies. 2. Awareness and Education Programs: Organizing campaigns and training programs to educate farmers about the benefits of sustainable farming and the long-term advantages it offers can help promote its widespread adoption.