Agroecology-based Biodiversity Management

Abstract

The Green Revolution helped India to avoid famine and destruction and ensured food security in most developing countries. Currently, India is not only self-suffi cient in food production but also has foodgrain buff er stocks. This agricultural growth revolved around harnessing genetic potential of major food crops developing via high input responsive improved varieties. In the long run, these agricultural technologies, that contributed to food security of an ever-growing population, led to soil degradation, water and air pollution and loss of biodiversity. In order to tackle these negative consequences, agroecology-based agriculture is catching up globally for sustainable development. The agroecology principles are relevant to organic farming, regenerative agriculture, conservation agriculture, nature-based agriculture and several other traditional agri-food systems. Common principle among these traditional agri-food systems is protecting the natural resources including vulnerable bioresources. Using rich crop and landrace/farmer varietal diversity that are nutrient dense, pest resistant and resilient to climate aberrations is a sustainable approach. It is in this context, the need for identifi cation and enhanced use of genetic resources that demand minimal or no chemical inputs yet possess the potential to meet the growing food demand.