- Article by Pratistha Sharma –
Scholar B. Sc (Hons.) Agriculture
Farming is not a Job, it’s a way of life. Across the globe, Approx 50% of people are engaged in agriculture, with many more involved in small-scale farming, nurseries, and kitchen gardening. In countries like India, agriculture employs around 65% of the population and contributes 29% of the GDP. Despite its critical role, modern agriculture faces substantial challenges. While technological advancements have increased productivity, they have also led to declining profit margins and significant environmental damage. Conventional farming practices, reliant on chemical inputs and intensive land use, contribute to soil degradation, water pollution, and adverse health effects. This underscores the urgent need for a more sustainable approach to agriculture.
To address these issues, sustainable farming practices like Permaculture have emerged. Developed by Bill Mollison, Permaculture offers an alternative to industrial agriculture by promoting a more traditional and natural approach. Mollison, along with David Holmgren, coined the term in 1978, combining “permanent” and “agriculture” to represent a sustainable, long-term farming practice. Permaculture is an eco-friendly, low-cost farming system that focuses on environmental care and building a healthier society.
Permaculture draws from traditional and agroecological knowledge, it aims to create a self-sustaining agricultural system that integrates biodiversity and mimics natural patterns. Its core principles are:
- Earth Care: Farming in a way that preserves and nurtures the earth’s ecosystems.
- People Care: Encouraging cooperation and community well-being, rather than competition.
- Fair Share: Ensuring equitable distribution of resources, using them wisely so that they last for future generations.
This holistic system not only involves agriculture but also touches on ecology, architecture, finance, and land management. One of its key techniques is the construction of permanent ridges, which improves soil fertility by reducing tillage and fostering beneficial bacterial growth. These ridges support practices like multi-layer farming, agroforestry, and regenerative agriculture, while reducing pesticide use and improving soil health.
Starting a permaculture farm requires careful planning, including mapping the land, understanding the climate, developing water resources, and improving soil quality. Mollison believed that if even 10% of the population adopted small-scale sustainable farming, it would be enough to support everyone.
In essence, permaculture promotes a sustainable future by balancing environmental stewardship with human needs, fostering a harmonious relationship between nature and society.
Disclaimer : The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely her / his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of INVC NEWS
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