On October 29 and 30, 2019 the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will be hosting the Fourth Annual Agriculture Research Conference at the Guyana School of Agriculture, East Coast Demerara.
Our current and future research agenda must continue to give priority to strategies for sustainable and economic development. It is therefore necessary that our researchers and extension personnel become fully acquainted with sustainable agricultural development.
According to the Brundtland report titled ‘Our Common Future, Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs”. In simple terms, Sustainable Development is economic development that is conducted without the depletion of natural resources. Some examples of sustainable development include the utilisation of solar and wind energies, practicing crop rotation and the creation of green spaces.
It is within this background that this Research Conference is being commenced under the theme “Paving the way for Sustainable Development through Innovative and Adaptive Research”.
PRESENTATION CATEGORIES:
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are an urgent call for action by all countries-developed and developing-in a global partnership. There SDGs related to agriculture are Goal 2: Hunger and Goal 3: climate action.
Sustainable Soil Management Practices Sustainable soil management is fundamental to effective soil functions, particularly in intensive production systems where optimal plant growth is required to deliver maximal crop yield and quality. It is also recognised that sustainable management of agricultural soils is necessary to enhance food and nutrition security as well as to meet the demands of present and future generations.
Agricultural research, both innovative and adaptive, is crucial in ensuring Sustainable Agricultural Development. Agriculture often places significant pressure on natural resources and the environment. Sustainable Agricultural practices are intended to protect the environment, expand the earth’s natural base, and maintain and improve soil fertility. Agricultural research is one of the main factors contributing to shifts in agricultural production systems and changes in the rural world. In particular, it is helping to improve productivity, to increase agricultural incomes and to change agricultural practices. Various assessments have shown that it is one of the most effective investments for both the rural and urban populace by protecting the environment, preserving landscapes and creating rural jobs.
Improving Production/Productivity This is to enhance food and nutrition security, promoting increased exports as well as satisfying the demands for the agro-processing sector.
Climate Smart Practices Climate Smart Practices include the use of shaded cultivations, hydroponics, utilisation of raised beds, water use efficiency, climate smart housing and green-house gas reduction practices, etc.
Over the decades several key sustainable farming practices have emerged. These include:
Rotation of crops and embracing diversity; Planting of row crops; Reducing and eliminating tillage; Applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques; Integrating crops and livestock; Adopting agroforestry systems; and Utilisation of composts/vermicomposts.
Integrated Pest Management Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a process utilised to solve pest problems while minimising risks to people and the environment. The methods used in IPM include cultural and biological control. Adoption of IPM strategies benefit economically due to sustained development, increased productivity and reduced pest damage.
The further development of agriculture in Guyana requires the full implementation of agricultural health and food safety systems that would provide the necessary safeguards and assurances about the nature and wholesomeness of our agricultural produce. As our agriculture sectors continues to expand, we need to be cognisant of local and international market demands, rapid pace of globalisation, and the increased pressures placed on food production systems. The various and increasing risks/challenges associated with rapid food production have also increased exponentially, hence the need for effective planning, production and processing systems that will cushion these challenges and risks.
