PAPER ID:IJIM/V.II(X)/243-248/42
AUTHOR: Dr. Narinder Kumar
TITLE: THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE:A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUTURE
ABSTRACT: Sustainable agriculture has emerged as a critical approach to address the growing challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, and global food security. As the need for resilient agricultural systems becomes more urgent, this paper explores the core principles of sustainable agriculture and presents a conceptual framework for its future application. The paper emphasizes the three pillars of sustainability: environmental health, economic viability, and social equity, which are fundamental to creating agricultural systems that are both productive and ecologically balanced. Environmental sustainability focuses on practices that preserve natural resources, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate climate change impacts. Economic sustainability ensures that farming remains profitable while supporting long-term viability for farmers, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Social sustainability highlights the importance of equitable access to resources, fair labor conditions, and community empowerment. The paper further investigates the integration of traditional knowledge with modern agricultural technologies and practices, illustrating how such synergies can improve resilience and foster sustainable food systems. Additionally, the role of innovation, policy frameworks, and community-driven solutions in advancing sustainable agriculture is explored. Ultimately, the paper outlines a vision for a sustainable agricultural future that can meet the growing demands for food while ensuring environmental preservation and social justice.
KEYWORDS:: Sustainable agriculture, environmental sustainability, economic viability, social equity, resilience, innovation, climate change, agroecology, food security, community engagement.