Conservation Agriculture; A system for sustainable food production


Conservation Agriculture (CA), defined as minimal soil disturbance (no-till) and permanent soil
cover (mulch) combined with rotations, is more sustainable cultivation system for the future than
those practiced these-days. Present tillage system is responsible for the degradation of natural
resources and soils. CA can improve agriculture through improvement in water infiltration and
reducing erosion, improving soil surface aggregates, reducing compaction through promotion of
biological tillage, increasing surface soil organic matter and carbon content, moderating soil
temperature, and suppressing weeds. CA also helps reduce cost of production, saves time, increase
diversity, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Availability of suitable equipment is a major
constraint to successful CA. National promotional program for this technology is needed in
present Nepalese context.