Define sustainable agriculture and give two examples of practices.

• A. Agriculture that maintains productivity while conserving resources; examples: integrated pest management and crop rotation.
• B. Agriculture that prioritizes maximum short-term yield with high chemical input; examples: monoculture and chemical spraying.
• C. Agriculture that uses only organic fertilizers; examples: composting and mulch.
• D. Agriculture that eliminates all crops every year; examples: fallowing and land abandonment.

Answer: (A)

Sustainable agriculture is about producing food in a way that preserves the resources needed for future farming while still keeping farm productivity. It focuses on long-term viability, balancing economic viability with environmental health and social aspects. Integrated pest management reduces reliance on chemical pesticides by using pest monitoring, biological controls, resistant crop varieties, and targeted interventions, so pests are kept under control with fewer harmful side effects. Crop rotation helps maintain soil fertility and structure, slows the buildup of pests and diseases, and can lower the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Together, these practices support steady yields and resilient ecosystems, which is why this option best fits the idea of sustainability. In contrast, pursuing maximum short-term yield with heavy chemical inputs tends to degrade soil and pollute water; relying only on organic fertilizers isn’t by itself enough to manage pests and soil nutrients; and repeatedly leaving land fallow or abandoning it reduces production and isn’t a practical long-term farming strategy.