Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development

Sustainable agriculture is a type of agriculture that focuses on producing long-term crops and livestock while having minimal effects on the environment. This type of agriculture tries to find a good balance between the need for food production and the preservation of the ecological system within the environment. In addition to producing food, there are several overall goals associated with sustainable agriculture, including conserving water, reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and promoting biodiversity in crops grown and the ecosystem. Sustainable agriculture also focuses on maintaining economic stability of farms and helping farmers improve their techniques and quality of life.

There are many farming strategies that are used that help make agriculture more sustainable. Some of the most common techniques include growing plants that can create their own nutrients to reduce the use of fertilizers and rotating crops in fields, which minimizes pesticide use because the crops are changing frequently. Another common technique is mixing crops, which reduces the risk of a disease destroying a whole crop and decreases the need for pesticides and herbicides. Sustainable farmers also utilize water management systems, such as drip irrigation, that waste less water.

Objectives of Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development

This Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development diploma course designed to equip the trainee with relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable him/her to work in agricultural establishment and related industries.

The course aims to impart competences required to safely operate and effectively supervise a sustainable agricultural production process and enhance rural development.

At the end of the course, the trainee should be able to:

• Acquire knowledge ,skills and attitudes that will enable him/her to venture into wage and self-employment in sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development.
• Apply the principle of planning and management for sustainable agricultural production.
• Acquire necessary academic background for further training in sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development.
• Prepare the trainees so that they can enter the world of work with confidence for either salaried employment or self-employment