ABSTRACT
India is broadly an agricultural economy – the livelihood of almost half of its population depends on it. As the country is growing, there is a lot of pressure on the agricultural sector. In the effort to meet the needs of an increasing population, the use of mechanized farming along with chemical fertilizers and pesticides was profuse. After a certain period, it increases the yield but affects the quality of the food produced, and the soil becomes infertile. It also affects the ecosystem, and many useful organisms for agriculture are affected. Pesticides and fertilizers used for agriculture also lead to polluted water and air. Deforestation carried out to increase agricultural cultivation has led to global warming. Cultivating non-seasonal crops, fruits, and vegetables has also led to an increase in the use of fertilizers. To meet the ever-increasing demand, fruits and vegetables are transferred across the country and around the world, thereby increasing the carbon footprint. Food cultivation in the country is currently overstressed as the quantity of food being prepared is affecting the land and its future sustainability. As the world population increases, the challenge is to provide food for everyone in a way that is feasible. Sustainable development and integration of social, environmental, and economic outcomes must be taken into consideration while making policy decisions. For sustainable food production and consumption, supply and demand have to be smarter and more efficient, and food loss and waste have to be restricted.
