Year: 2015 | Month: December | Volume 2 | Issue 2
Agroecology and the Status of Organic Farming in India
Vivek Sharma
DOI:N/A
Abstract:
The global food system is at a crossroads. It is working against a backdrop of population growth, increased pressure on natural resources including soils and water, the loss of biodiversity, and the uncertainties associated with climate change. A transition is needed to more sustainable food systems– food systems that produce more, with more socio-economic benefits and with less environmental consequences. Agroecology is based on applying ecological concepts and principles to optimize interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment while taking into consideration the social aspects that need to be addressed for a sustainable and fair food system. By building synergies, agroecology can support food production and food security and nutrition while restoring the ecosystem services and biodiversity that are essential for sustainable agriculture. Agroecology can play an important role in building resilience and adapting to climate change. Agroecology is based on context-specific design and organization, of crops, livestock, farms and landscapes. It works with solutions that conserve above and below ground biodiversity as well as cultural and knowledge diversity. Organic agriculture, through its systemic approach and avoidance of agro-chemicals, prevents natural resource degradation and the loss of land and productive potential
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