Sustainable agriculture: future hope for developing countries

Nene, Y L (1996) Sustainable agriculture: future hope for developing countries. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology, 18 (2). pp. 133-140. ISSN 0706-0661

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Abstract

Aided by a political resolve, the dedication of their scientists, and strong international support, many developing countries made remarkable progress in achieving self-sufficiency in food and natural fiber during the last two decades. However, increasing population and commercialization of agriculture in these countries have put enormous pressure on the resources needed for a sustained growth in agricultural production. Limited arable lands are being overexploited reducing their productivity. Erosion-prone marginal lands are being brought under cultivation. Faulty irrigation practices, coupled with poor drainage, have made many areas less productive than before. Several time-tested stable cropping systems have been given up in favor of new, unstable systems to obtain higher yields per unit area. Indiscriminate use of fertilizers and pesticides has led to serious unforeseen problems adversely affecting the stability of crops. In spite of these setbacks, there is hope of achieving sustainable growth in agricultural production. This can be done by improving land and water management practices; discovering stable, high-productivity farming systems including crops and livestock; evolving better, environment-friendly crop health management practices', using new biotechnology tools; supporting international agricultural research centers sponsored by the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research; involving nongovernmental organizations and government agencies in efforts to educate and support farmers; and most important of all, implementing innovative programs to reduce population growth rates with the total commitment of the concerned governments.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Food production, Sustainable agriculture, CGIAR, Agriculture Research
Subjects:	Others > Sustainable Agriculture Others > Agricultural Research
Depositing User:	Mr Ramesh K
Date Deposited:	19 Jan 2017 11:01
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2017 11:01
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/9861
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07060669609500637
Projects:	UNSPECIFIED
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Acknowledgement:	The R. Glenn Anderson Lecture, sponsored jointly by the Canadian Phytopathological Society and the American Phytopathological Society, was established to recognize the contributions made by R. Glenn Anderson to the security of the world's food supply. The second of these lectures was presented by Dr. Y.L. Nene during the plenary session devoted to sustainable agriculture at the 6th International Congress of Plant Pathology held at Montreal, 28 July-6 August 1993.Assistance received from C. Johansen, J.G. Ryan, Ma, Cynthia Bantilan. S.M. Virmani, P.V. Shenoi, Jugu Abraham, V.K. Sheila, G.J. Michael, and Sue D. Hall in the preparation of this manuscript is gratefully acknowledged.
Links:	Google Scholar

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