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Strategies and models for agricultural sustainability in developing Asian countries.
1M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Third Cross Street, Taramani, Chennai-600 113, India. pckesavan@mssrf.res.in
Summary
The traditional green revolution
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Rural Development
Background:
- The Green Revolution's productivity gains are declining due to unsustainable intensive agriculture.
- Soil health, freshwater, and agrobiodiversity are degraded.
- Land diversion and lack of rural livelihoods exacerbate food insecurity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose the "evergreen revolution" as a sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture.
- To introduce the "biovillage paradigm" integrating eco-friendly agriculture with eco-enterprises.
- To address food security and rural livelihoods through sustainable practices.
Main Methods:
- Promoting eco-friendly agriculture and on/non-farm eco-enterprises.
- Implementing sustainable natural resource management.
- Utilizing ICT-based Village Knowledge Centres for information dissemination.
Main Results:
- The biovillage paradigm aims for perpetual productivity and ecological balance.
- Integration of agriculture with eco-enterprises creates employment and income.
- ICT enables demand-driven information for sustainable practices.
Conclusions:
- The evergreen revolution and biovillage paradigm offer a holistic approach to food security and rural livelihoods.
- Sustainable management of natural resources is key to long-term agricultural success.
- Empowering rural communities through knowledge and eco-enterprises is crucial.
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