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.