Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods: A Synthesis

In developing countries, where a majority of families derive their livelihoods from agriculture, sustainable agriculture cannot be discussed in isolation of sustainable rural livelihoods. Sustainable rural livelihood is a multifaceted concept and refers to maintenance or enhancement of access of rural families to food and income-generating activities on a long-term basis. It encompasses secured ownership of, or access to, resources, assets and income-earning activities to offset risks, ease shocks and meet contingencies. In the Indian context, where average farm-size is very small, and poverty and food-security continue to be preponderant among small landholders, the notion of sustainable agriculture ought to be viewed in the context of need for enhancement of productivity, production and profitability of agriculture and above all, for improvement in the economic conditions of farmers. All these need a careful and in-depth analysis.