The pursuit of agricultural productivity has led to practices that are increasingly unsustainable. The world has grappled with the dual challenges of eradicating hunger and preserving the health of our planet. Despite significant efforts, the overuse of synthetic chemicals in agriculture continues to pose a serious threat to both human health and environmental sustainability. Since the inception of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, which include 17 goals and 169 targets, significant attention has been directed towards sustainable agriculture. Among these goals, SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) are particularly crucial for eradicating hunger and sustaining soil health. Despite nearly nine years of efforts, we continue to struggle with the chemicalization of our soil. Agriculture is a fundamental source of sustenance for all living entities on Earth. Without agriculture, there is no food, and without healthy soil, there is no agriculture. In our pursuit to meet the needs of the present population, we have exceeded natural limits by using excessive synthetic chemicals to boost production. These practices have led to soil fertility degradation and the destruction of beneficial microorganisms.
Agriculture is responsible for approximately 37% of human-caused greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and utilizes about 70% of the world’s fresh water for cultivation. Intensive agricultural practices have degraded over 40% of fertile soil, posing a significant threat to future food security. By 2050, the global population is projected to reach 10 billion, necessitating more healthy food production. Currently, 2 million people die annually due to insufficient food, and 80 million people suffer from malnutrition, particularly in low-income countries. The use of chemicals in agriculture not only degrades soil health but also adversely affects human health. It is estimated that one in three people may develop cancer or other chronic diseases due to these practices, placing immense stress on future human health and the environment.
Ground and surface water contamination further exacerbates these issues, contributing to climate change and environmental stress. Nature has its limits, and our unrestrained actions are challenging these boundaries. The Malthusian theory of population, which predicted that population growth will outpace food production, suggests measures such as positive and preventive checks to mitigate these challenges. However, our current practices indicate a disregard for protecting future sustainability.
The health of our soil is of utmost importance for current practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders, as it ensures a healthy and sustainable environment for future generations. Farmers often adopt agricultural practices motivated by the need to secure production for economic empowerment. They typically learn these practices from neighbours or local and regional actors, leading to diverse perspectives and methods. However, it is crucial to educate farmers thoroughly about the long-term consequences of their practices and encourage them to adopt conservation principles to protect soil health.
Comprehensive policies and regulations are needed to enhance production for economic empowerment while simultaneously safeguarding our soil from harmful practices. Seminars and conferences should extend beyond academic discussions and reach farmers in remote areas, enlightening them about sustainable agricultural practices. Educating farmers is essential; it is not enough to simply invent new technologies. Empowering farmers with knowledge about current and future agricultural practices is a significant challenge that must be addressed.
Without healthy soil, sustainable agriculture is impossible. Local and regional mechanisms should be established to advise and educate the farming community on conservative agricultural practices. These practices should be made attractive through incentives and appropriate subsidies. Historically, farmers used livestock manure to enrich the soil, but the adoption of mechanized agriculture has reduced livestock farming and increased soil compaction due to excessive tillage. The scarcity of livestock manure has led farmers to rely on synthetic chemicals, which they believe are necessary for desired production. Additionally, labour scarcity, costs, and time constraints have driven farmers to use herbicides to control weeds. However, these herbicides not only kill weeds but also destroy essential microorganisms that enhance soil fertility. To ensure a sustainable future, it is imperative to implement comprehensive policies and educational initiatives that acknowledge the importance of soil health.
To address these challenges, it is imperative to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices. This includes reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals, promoting organic farming, and investing in research and development of environmentally friendly agricultural technologies. Furthermore, governments and international organizations must implement policies and regulations that support sustainable agriculture and incentivize farmers to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.
In conclusion, sustainable agriculture practices are essential to ensure food security and environmental health for future generations. It is imperative to adopt and promote methods that preserve soil health, reduce chemical usage, and address the pressing issues of hunger and malnutrition. Protecting soil health is essential for sustainable agriculture and the well-being of future generations. It requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to educate and empower farmers, implement effective policies, and promote conservation practices. Only through these measures can we secure a healthy and sustainable future for all.
Srinivas Katherasala, a dedicated scholar and Senior Research Fellow (SRF) in the Department of Social Work at Osmania University, Hyderabad, India, exemplifies a deep commitment to social sciences and sustainable agriculture. His research interests encompass a broad range, including social work research and the complexities of sustainable agricultural practices. Currently, Katherasala is engaged in a comparative study titled “Knowledge of Sustainable Agriculture,” which examines the practices of intensive and conservative farmers in the Komaram Bheem Asifabad District of Telangana State. His academic credentials are impressive, holding qualifications such as the National Eligibility Test (NET), Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), and State Eligibility Test (SET). And has also published research articles and books in top-tier indexed journals, attended national and international conferences, and submitted numerous papers, contributing significantly to scholarly evaluations. Notably, he is a graduate of the Publons Academy, further highlighting his academic dedication. Beyond academia, his work continues to impact the field of sustainable agriculture and social sciences, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to these critical areas