Sustainable Agriculture: NBSE Class 12 Environment
Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF and guides for Chapter 11 Sustainable Agriculture: NBSE Class 12 Environment (Environmental Education) textbook, which is part of the syllabus of students studying under the Nagaland Board. These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
Summary
The Green Revolution was an effort to grow more food using better seeds, fertilisers, irrigation and farming methods. It happened mostly in developing countries like India, Mexico, Pakistan and the Philippines between the 1960s and 1980s. The aim was to stop hunger by growing more crops like wheat and rice.
In the early 20th century, rich countries had already started using science to improve farming. They used better seeds and chemicals, which increased food production. But poor countries didn’t make the same progress. By the 1960s, many people in Asia were hungry. India had suffered from droughts and food shortages. The US government said the world needed a big effort to solve the food problem. As a result, the Rockfeller and Ford Foundations helped start global research on improving crops.
New seeds for rice and wheat were made using breeding methods. These included semi-dwarf varieties that grew shorter but produced more grain. These seeds needed fertilisers and water to grow well. The term “Green Revolution” was first used in 1968 to describe this success. Scientists like Norman Borlaug and Dr M.S. Swaminathan helped develop and spread these seeds. Swaminathan introduced the Mexican dwarf wheat to India. This was part of a new farming plan.
Before 1967, India tried to grow more food by farming more land. But this was not enough. The Green Revolution changed things by using three ideas: more farmland, two crops a year instead of one, and better seeds. Double cropping needed more water, so big dams were built. New seeds like the K68 wheat variety were also created in India.
The Green Revolution had both good and bad effects. In places like Punjab, wheat and rice production increased. But crops like pulses and oilseeds dropped. Growing the same crops again and again harmed the soil. Farmers used more fertilisers, but over time the soil lacked other nutrients. Pests and diseases increased. Too much water led to waterlogging and salt in the soil, which made land infertile.
Across Asia and Latin America, cereal production doubled. Food became cheaper, and many people avoided hunger. But in Africa, the changes were less successful. Some areas didn’t benefit because of poor roads, high costs and little support.
The Green Revolution helped many people but also caused damage to the environment. The soil, water, and native crops suffered. Poor farmers didn’t always gain as much as rich ones.
Textbook solutions
Short Answer Questions
1. Define sustainable agriculture.
Answer: Sustainable agriculture can be defined as any type of farming practice that helps protect the environment by conserving water and energy and by limiting the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. Its practices stress on the long-term conservation of resources and are designed to balance the human need for food with concerns for the environment. Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals – environmental health, economic profitability and social and economic equity.
2. What is meant by organic farming?
Answer: Organic farming is meant as the growing of crops without the use of synthetic chemicals.
3. What are the advantages of monoculture farming?
Answer: Monoculture farming has its advantages in terms of efficiency and ease of management.
4. Mention any two advantages of sustainable agriculture.
Answer: Two advantages of sustainable agriculture are that it addresses many environmental and social concerns, and it also offers innovative and economically viable opportunities for growers, labourers, consumers, policy makers and many others in the entire food system
Long Answer Questions
1. What is meant by sustainable agriculture? Why is it needed in today’s time?
Answer: Sustainable agriculture can be defined as any type of farming practice that helps protect the environment by conserving water and energy and by limiting the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. Its practices stress on the long-term conservation of resources and are designed to balance the human need for food with concerns for the environment. Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals: environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity.
The need for sustainable agriculture arises because agriculture has changed dramatically, especially since the end of World War II. While food and fibre productivity soared due to new technologies, mechanisation, increased chemical use, specialisation, and government policies that favoured maximising production, these changes have also had significant costs. Prominent among these costs are topsoil depletion, groundwater contamination, the decline of family farms, continued neglect of the living and working conditions of farm labourers, increasing costs of production, and the disintegration of economic and social conditions in rural communities. A growing movement has emerged during the past two decades to question the role of the agricultural establishment in promoting practices that contribute to these social problems. Today, this movement for sustainable agriculture is gaining increasing support and acceptance within mainstream agriculture. Not only does sustainable agriculture address many environmental and social concerns, but it also offers innovative and economically viable opportunities for growers, labourers, consumers, policy makers, and many others in the entire food system.
2. What are the obstacles and threats to sustainable agriculture?
Answer: Despite the potential for a more sustainable agriculture, in which farmers, rural communities, the environment, and national economies could all benefit, there are still many obstacles and threats. Some of them are as follows:
- Many existing power structures are threatened by change, and it may not be possible for all to benefit in the short-term. These threats occur from international to local levels.
- At the international level, markets and trade policies have been tending to depress commodity prices, thereby reducing returns to farmers and economies. In the past ten years alone, commodity prices have fallen on an average by 50 per cent. Agrochemical companies, too, will be seeking to protect their markets against options that imply reduced use of their products.
- At the national level, macro-economic and micro-economic policies that still hinder the development of a more sustainable agriculture have to be targeted and changed.
- In some cases, this will be politically very difficult, particularly when it comes to implementing promised land reforms, which would give farmers the security to invest in sustainable practices.
- The bureaucratic nature of large institutions is a further threat. They face difficulties in trying to work in a way that empowers local communities, as this implies giving up some power.
- The conservative nature of universities and teaching institutions is an obstacle to the needs of a new professionalism for sustainable agriculture. Most are unwilling or simply unable to train agricultural professionals capable of working with and for farmers.
- Finally, farmers themselves face transition costs in the process of adopting sustainable agriculture practices and technologies, and learning new management and learning skills.
3. Write a note on practices of sustainable agriculture.
Answer: Sustainable production practices involve a variety of approaches. Specific strategies must take into account topography, soil characteristics, climate, pests, local availability of inputs, and the individual grower’s goals. Despite the site-specific and individual nature of sustainable agriculture, several general principles can be applied to help growers select appropriate practices. These management practices include:
- Selection of species and varieties that are well suited to the site and to conditions on the farm. If preventive strategies are adopted early, then there would be a reduction in disputes, and it will aid in establishing a sustainable production system. When possible, pest-resistant crops should be selected which are tolerant of existing soil or site conditions. When site selection is an option, factors such as soil type and depth, previous crop history, and location should be taken into account before planting.
- Diversification of crops (including livestock) and cultural practices to enhance the biological and economic stability of the farm. It is seen that diversified farms are usually more economical and ecologically resilient. While monoculture farming has its advantages in terms of efficiency and ease of management, the loss of the crop in any one year could put a farm out of business and/or seriously disrupt the stability of the community dependent on that crop. By growing a variety of crops, farmers spread economic risk and are less susceptible to radical price fluctuations associated with changes in supply and demand. Crop rotation can be used to remove weeds, pathogens, and insect pests. Cover crops can have stabilising effects on the agroecosystem by holding soil and nutrients in place, conserving soil moisture with mowed or standing dead mulches, and by increasing water infiltration rate and soil water holding capacity. Optimum diversity may be obtained by integrating both crops and livestock in the same farming operation.
- Management of the soil to enhance and protect soil quality. A healthy soil is a key component of sustainability; that is, a healthy soil will produce healthy crop plants that have optimum vigour and are less susceptible to pests. In a sustainable system, the soil is viewed as a fragile and living medium that must be protected and nurtured to ensure its long-term productivity and stability. Methods to protect and enhance the productivity of the soil include using cover crops, compost and/or manures, reducing tillage, avoiding traffic on wet soils, and maintaining soil cover with plants and/or mulches.
- Efficient and human use of inputs. Many inputs and practices used by conventional farmers are also used in sustainable agriculture. Sustainable farmers, however, maximise reliance on natural, renewable, and on-farm inputs. The goal is to develop efficient biological systems which do not need high levels of material inputs. Sustainable approaches are those that are the least toxic and least energy-intensive and yet maintain productivity and profitability.
- Consideration of farmer’s goals and life-style choices. Management decisions should reflect not only environmental and broad social considerations but also individual goals and life-style choices. For example, the adoption of some technologies or practices that promise profitability may also require such intensive management that one’s lifestyle actually deteriorates. Management decisions that promote sustainability nourish the environment, the community, and the individual.
4. Discuss the impact of sustainable agriculture.
Answer: Despite the fast improvements in food production, the most difficult challenges are just beginning in the case of sustainable agriculture. During the past half a century, agricultural development policies have been remarkably successful at emphasising external inputs as the means to increase food production. This has produced remarkable growth in global consumption of pesticides, inorganic fertiliser, tractors, and other machines. These external inputs have, however, replaced natural control processes and resources, rendering them more vulnerable.
Pesticides have replaced biological, cultural, and mechanical methods for controlling pests, weeds, and diseases; farmers have substituted inorganic fertilisers for livestock manures, compost, and nitrogen-fixing crops. Information for management decisions now often comes from input suppliers and researchers rather than from local sources, and fossil fuels have replaced locally generated energy sources. The specialisation of agricultural production and the associated decline of the mixed farm has also contributed to this situation, where what were once valued as internal resources have often become waste products.
The basic challenge and, consequently, the impact of sustainable agriculture differ in various agricultural areas.
- In the industrialised agriculture of Europe and North America, the impact is to reduce substantially input use and variable costs in order to maintain profitability. Some fall in yields would be acceptable given current levels of overproduction.
- In the Green Revolution areas, the challenge and impact involve maintaining yields at current levels while reducing environmental damage.
- In the diverse and complex lands, the impact is to increase yields per hectare while not damaging natural resources.
New evidence from farms and communities worldwide shows that sustainable agriculture can be achieved in all these regions.
- In the diverse, complex, and resource-poor lands of the Third World, farmers adopting regenerative technologies have seen impacts such as doubled or trebled crop yields, often with little or no use of external inputs.
- In the high-input and generally irrigated lands, farmers adopting regenerative technologies have maintained yields whilst substantially reducing inputs, which is a significant impact.
- In the industrialised agricultural system, a transition to sustainable agriculture could mean an impact of a fall in per-hectare yield of 10-20% in the short-term, but with the positive impact of better level of financial returns to farmers.
5. What is known about sustainable agriculture in India?
Answer: It is known that sustainable agriculture in India is considered organic farming on a large scale. In India, the Government has been providing green agriculture for a long time, and the Central Government is promoting the production and use of biofertilisers to make green agriculture popular. For this purpose, the Government has initiated a National Project on Development and Use of Biofertilisers. The main objectives of this project are the production and distribution of biofertilisers, developing standards for different biofertilisers and quality control, releasing grants for setting up biofertiliser units, training, and publicity.
Several factors facilitate the greening of Indian agriculture, that is, organic agriculture in India. These include a growing export market for organically produced crops and a price premium for organically produced systems of 10% to 100%. Diverse agroclimate regions across the country provide an environment for a wide range of crops that can meet different market demands. There is increasing awareness and health consciousness, especially among certain sectors of domestic consumers, and availability of comparatively cheap labour for labour-intensive organic agriculture. Furthermore, large numbers of small farmers who do the traditional farming, with very limited capacity to pay for most of the chemical inputs into agriculture, the presence of NGOs as active promoters of organic farming in different agroclimatic regions, increasing involvement of private companies in the field of agricultural extension, trade concentration and other services, and enhanced government attention and support for organic agriculture through various policy initiation and action programmes also contribute.
Though there are positive signs for green agriculture in India, it is not growing at a pace to motivate a larger section of the farming community to opt for organic agriculture. The demand for green agricultural products is a stimulant for the growth of the input market. In other words, if there is demand in the market for organically produced farm products, this will encourage farmers to implement organic farming practices and also to use organic inputs like biofertilisers, bio-pesticides, vermi-compost, green manure, and Farm Yard Manure (FYM).
Some of the major organically produced agricultural crops in India include crops like plantation, spices, pulses, fruits, vegetables, and oilseeds, etc. Main products produced in India by organic farming include commodities such as Tea, Coffee, Rice, and Wheat. Spices include Cardamom, Black pepper, White pepper, Ginger, Turmeric, Vanilla, Tamarind, Clove, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Mace, and Chillies. Pulses are Red gram and Black gram. Fruits encompass Mango, Banana, Pineapple, Passion fruit, Sugarcane, Orange, Cashew nut, and Walnut. Vegetables include Okra, Brinjal, Garlic, Onion, Tomato, and Potato. Oil seeds are Mustard, Sesame, Castor, and Sunflower. Other products include Cotton and Herbal extracts. India is best known as an exporter of organic tea and also has great export potential for many other products. Other organic products for which India has a niche market are spices and fruits.
Think and Answer
Q. How are organic farming and sustainable agriculture partners in providing us safe and clean food and environment scenario in the future?
Answer: Organic farming and sustainable agriculture are deeply interconnected partners, working together to create a future with safe, clean food and a healthy environment. Their partnership stems from shared principles and complementary actions.
Sustainable agriculture is understood to be similar to organic farming—which involves the growth of crops without synthetic chemicals—but often operates on a larger scale. Both approaches strive to establish a long-term, harmonious relationship with the environment by limiting the harmful effects associated with more conventional farming methods.
In our quest for safe and clean food, organic farming plays a direct role by ensuring crops are grown without synthetic chemicals, thus reducing consumer exposure to residues from synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. Sustainable agriculture partners in this by championing practices that limit the use of these synthetic inputs. It is fundamentally designed to balance the human need for food with genuine concerns for environmental well-being, leading to healthier food choices.
For a cleaner environment, their partnership is equally vital. Sustainable agriculture is defined as any farming practice that helps protect the environment through methods like conserving water and energy and, crucially, by limiting synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. A primary goal integrated into sustainable agriculture is fostering “environmental health.” Organic farming directly supports this by eliminating synthetic chemical use, thereby preventing issues such as groundwater contamination and reducing the overall chemical load on ecosystems. Sustainable approaches are inherently “least toxic and least energy intensive,” and management decisions within this framework aim to “nourish the environment.”
Thus, organic farming and sustainable agriculture are partners because organic farming provides a clear, effective set of practices—especially the avoidance of synthetic chemicals—that directly contributes to the broader goals of sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture offers the comprehensive vision for environmental health and food safety, and organic farming is a key practical component that helps turn this vision into reality. Together, they offer a robust pathway to a future where our food production systems are both productive and truly safe for people and the planet.
Project Work & Activity
(a) Organic farming has become popular all over the world and organic products are put on sales counter. But organic produce buyers are very few in numbers. Use Internet, newspapers and magazines as sources to find out about why organic products are not sold? What is the reaction of critics towards the organic product?
Answer: Do it yourself. Here are the instructions:
- Understand the Task: Your goal is to find out two things:
- Why more people are not buying organic food, even if it’s available.
- What are some criticisms or negative opinions about organic food.
- Where to Look: Use the internet (like Google search), and look for articles in online newspapers or magazines.
- How to Search Online:
- For reasons why organic products aren’t sold, try searching for phrases like:
- “Why people don’t buy organic food”
- “Challenges for organic food sales”
- “Problems with selling organic products”
- For criticisms, try searching for phrases like:
- “Criticism of organic food”
- “Arguments against organic farming”
- “Is organic food really better”
- For reasons why organic products aren’t sold, try searching for phrases like:
- What to Look For (Reasons for low sales):
- Cost: Is organic food more expensive? If so, why?
- Availability: Can you find organic food easily in all shops?
- Awareness: Do people know enough about what “organic” means or its benefits?
- Trust: Do people believe that the food labelled “organic” is genuinely organic?
- Appearance: Does organic food sometimes look different (e.g., smaller, not as shiny) and does that affect choices?
- What to Look For (Criticisms):
- Do critics say it’s too expensive for the benefits it offers?
- Do some people think organic farming cannot produce enough food for everyone?
- Are there doubts about whether organic food is much healthier or safer than regular food?
- Are there concerns about “organic” just being a marketing trick?
- Collect and Note Down:
- Read a few different articles or sources.
- Write down the main reasons you find for low sales.
- List the common criticisms you come across. Try to get 2-3 points for each.
(b) Find out about organic farms in India and the organic products which are sold in India.
Answer: Do it yourself. Here are the instructions:
- Understand the Task: Your goal is to learn about:
- Organic farms in India (e.g., where they are, what kind of support they get).
- What organic products are grown and sold in India.
- Where to Look: Again, use the internet. You can also look for information from government agriculture websites if you find them.
- How to Search Online:
- Try searching for phrases like:
- “Organic farming in India”
- “Organic products grown in India”
- “List of organic foods India”
- “States in India known for organic farming”
- “Government schemes for organic farming India”
- Try searching for phrases like:
- What to Look For (Organic Farms in India):
- Which states in India are doing a lot of organic farming?
- Are there government projects or support for organic farmers in India? (Hint: Look for things like “National Project on Development and Use of Biofertilisers”).
- Are these farms mostly small or large?
- What to Look For (Organic Products in India):
- Make a list of organic products available. You might find things like:
- Tea, coffee, rice, wheat
- Spices (like turmeric, pepper, cardamom)
- Pulses (like different kinds of dal)
- Fruits (like mangoes, bananas)
- Vegetables
- Oilseeds (like mustard, sesame)
- Cotton, herbal items
- Find out if these products are mainly sold within India or also exported to other countries. (Hint: India is known for exporting some organic items like tea, spices, and fruits).
- Make a list of organic products available. You might find things like:
- Collect and Note Down:
- Make a list of the organic products you find that are produced in India.
- Write down a few key facts about organic farming in India (e.g., important states, types of products, any government help).
Extras
Additional Questions and Answers
1. What is an agroecosystem?
Answer: An agroecosystem is described as all the organisms, abiotic factors and interactions among them that occur on land used for agriculture and adjacent areas.
18. Examine the threats posed by current market and trade policies to sustainable agriculture and suggest policy changes to mitigate these threats.
Answer: Current market and trade policies pose significant threats to sustainable agriculture. At the international level, markets and trade policies have been tending to depress commodity prices, thereby reducing returns to farmers and economies. For instance, in the past ten years alone, commodity prices have fallen on an average by 50 per cent. Agrochemical companies also seek to protect their markets against options that imply reduced use of their products, which can hinder sustainable practices. At the national level, macro-economic and micro-economic policies that still hinder the development of a more sustainable agriculture are a threat.
To mitigate these threats, it is suggested that these hindering national-level policies have to be targeted and changed. While specific changes are not detailed, the implication is that policies should be reformed to support, rather than depress, commodity prices and to foster the development of sustainable agriculture.
Additional MCQs (Knowledge Based)
1. After World War II, agricultural productivity soared mainly due to which factor?
A. Mechanisation
B. Population decline
C. Land reduction
D. Decreased chemicals
Answer: A. Mechanisation
25. Assertion (A): The number of family-owned and operated farms significantly increased after World War II due to widespread agricultural modernization.
Reason (R): Government policies that favoured maximising agricultural production and encouraged specialisation often provided greater benefits to larger, more industrialised agricultural operations.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
Answer: (d) A is false but R is true.
Get notes of other classes and subjects
Leave a Reply