Indonesia has approximately 60.2 million hectares of land designated for agricultural area.

Though already used a substantial arable area, there is still a tendency to prioritise land extensification, in spite of the fact that said activities could increase greenhouse gases emission and threaten biodiversity.

It is expected that sustainable agriculture model is the answer that able to meet the aforementioned challenges.

Definition and key features of sustainable agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is an integrated model of crops production, able to fulfil food demand in the long haul, while bearing the responsibility in maintaining and improving environment qualities. The implementation of sustainable agriculture is gaining traction, as there is growing urgency to protect natural habitat, conserve watershed, and improving soil and water condition. Other features of sustainable agriculture practice include preservation of soil fertility, prevention of water pollution, and protection of biodiversity.

There are a number of agricultural model already adhered to sustainability principles. Agroecology system is one of those models, in which agricultural area is developed resembling natural ecosystem and creating interlinked cycles of energy, water, and nutrition. Organic agriculture could also be considered in this category, since its practice uses organic fertiliser, next to only using natural processes in pest management.

Considering the growth of world’s population which would subsequently drive the demand on food, it seems that the practice of sustainable agriculture could just be one of the answers to meet such challenge.

The relevance of sustainable agriculture in Indonesia

In Indonesia, the urgency to adopt sustainable agriculture practice is apparent. One could easily observe that agricultural sector faces the daunting challenge of adapting to unpredicted weather condition due to climate change.

Climate change poses significant threat in Indonesia as it has caused rising temperature and the change of weather pattern. These events could threaten food security and the attempt to maintain land productivity. Moreover, the growth of economy and population would provide yet another pressure for the agricultural sector.

The Indonesian government has identified such challenge, and then incorporated the plan for achieving food security into the National Medium Term Development Plan 2020-2024. Agricultural sector is also expected to play its role in economic growth and in the climate change mitigation action.

How sustainable agriculture practice could be implemented

A sustainable management of natural resource is the keystone in adapting to climate change actions, hence it is also applicable to be implemented in the agricultural sector. 

Agricultural sector could start such action with simple interventions. Improving efficiency in water use with regards to cultivation process would be a good start. Choosing the rights soil amendment and using agroforestry model could go in handy as well, as both practices has the ability to contribute in reducing emission and conserving water and soil function.

In addition to intervening in cultivation technique, another crucial feature of sustainable agriculture is the enhancement of farmers’ livelihoods. They play key roles in ensuring food security, yet become one of the most vulnerable groups susceptible to climate and economic instability. Any measures to enhance the resilience of agricultural sector should also go hand in hand with equal attempt to improve the livelihoods of farmers.

At the end of the day, sustainable agriculture should be able to attain efficiency and effectiveness, reduce impacts towards the environment, and actively contribute in global climate actions.