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Asia-Pacific By Amit Dwivedi
She further said that, 'Sustainable agriculture is very profitable in terms of money and soil conservation in the long run. Without doubt, it can meet the requirements of the country. GEAG tried to study this issue in eastern Uttar Pradesh and found that very few farmers follow the whole set of practices required in sustainable agriculture. However, thousands of farmers across the state use chemical pesticides.' According to The United Nations Population Fund, (UNFPA) report India is projected to be the most populous country in the world by 2050, overtaking China. Its population, now 118.6 crores, is projected to be 165.8 crores in 2050. Increasing population growth is likely to reduce the area under agriculture. The major thrust of the agricultural development programmes in India is on efficient use of scarce natural resources like land, water and solar- energy. This can be achieved only through improved productivity in a cost-effective manner, which alone would result in the welfare of the farmers and agricultural labor. Balanced and integrated use of fertilizers, agricultural credit, institutional support, accelerated investments in agriculture, enhancing the competitiveness of agro-exports, creation of additional irrigation facilities etc. are being given encouragement through various schemes and activities of the Government of India. 'Most people in rural India depend directly or indirectly on farming for their livelihood. Despite this, not enough attention has been given to agriculture to overcome poverty. The agriculture sector has a vital place in the economic development of India. However, very little interest has been shown by the policy makers to strengthen sustainable agriculture in India,' said Dr. Shiraj A. Wajih, President of Sustainable Agriculture Network (SANUP), a network of more than 200 NGOs working in agriculture sector in Uttar Pradesh. SANUP is the only network in Uttar Pradesh which is directly working with the farmers to strengthen their knowledge of sustainable agriculture growth. However, it is a matter of concern that even the government, along with the multinational companies, seems to be aggressively promoting chemical farming in order to make quick profits. This is violating the basic norms of sustainable agriculture and will be counter-productive in the long run.' He further said that, 'the biggest and most important achievement of sustainable agriculture network has been in sustainable agriculture literacy in bringing about a change in farmers thinking and perceptions.' India is a land of agriculture and which needs to be strengthened in a sustain way. The government should make farmer-friendly policies and should encourage farmers to adopt low input cost and high production methods. In this way agriculture will become not only a means of subsistence for the poor but will also become the back-bone of Indian economy. ![]() Women of This Village Suffering from ... Only 5 % Farmers Know about Crop-Insurance ... World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, 2010 Umbilical Cord Blood: Panacea for All Diseases BRGF to Address Regional Imbalances and Bridge ... Agriculture Extension Systems Should Be ... Farmer Field Schools -- a Unique Way to Teach ... Indian Agriculture Is Bouncing Back Women Farmers Fight for Their Rights, Identity Living with Floods Is Their Destiny Land of Agriculture Is Facing Food Crisis Crop Insurance Is the Life Insurance Scheme ... 'Nayana' -- A Unique Mobile Eye Care ... Caring for Children, Adolescents with Diabetes Climate Change Is Impeding Agricultural ... Living on The Outside: The Impact of ... Care for Children and Adolescents Living with ... India to Treat Multi-drug Resistant ... Oxfam Scales Up Response to Bihar Floods Partnerships between Patients and Doctors Will ... "Mayawati Government's Decision Will Improve ... 400 Indian Farmers March to Fight Hunger
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