The cultivation of plants and animals, known as agriculture or farming, was a significant factor in the emergence of sedentary human civilization. Sustainable development is a guiding principle for achieving human development objectives while preserving the capacity of natural systems to supply the natural resources and ecosystem services that are essential to the economy and society.
A state of society where living circumstances and resources are utilised to meet human needs without compromising the integrity and stability of the natural system is the desired outcome. The Brundtland Report of 1987 defined sustainable development as “development that meets the demands of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” As the idea of sustainable development evolved, it shifted its emphasis more toward the protection of the environment for future generations as well as the economic and social progress of society.
The natural environment’s resilience, diversity, and productivity are environmental sustainability issues. As a result of the fact that natural resources are obtained from the environment, the quality of the air, water, and climate are of particular concern.
Sustainable farming satisfies the requirements of both present and future generations
To maintain environmental sustainability, society must devise methods of balancing the population’s requirements with the protection of the planet’s life support systems such as employing renewable energy, sustainable materials, and wise water management.
While ensuring profitability, environmental health, and social and economic equality, sustainable farming satisfies the requirements of both present and future generations. To maintain soil fertility, stop water pollution, and save biodiversity, it favours methods that mimic nature. Additionally, it is a means of advancing international goals like the Sustainable Development Goals and the End to Hunger campaign.
Hydroponics.
Hydroponics is a cropping method that grows plants without the use of soil in a nutrient-rich water solution. Furthermore, the nutrients can be derived from a variety of sources, including fish waste, and the utilised water can be collected and repurposed (a technique known as aquaponics.
Benefits of Sustainable Farming.
- Contributes to Environmental Conservation
- Saves Energy for the Future
- Public Health Safety
- Prevents Pollution
- Prevents Air Pollution
- Prevents Soil Erosion
- Biodiversity
The Future of Farming: Hydronics
An attempt from the Indian Students of Narsee Monjee Institute.
On Saturday, August 20, at the New Zealand High Commission in Delhi, the University of Auckland’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Business Case Team Competition winners were revealed. A team from Mumbai’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies took first place in this to advance hydroponic farming and sustainable farming via conscious living. To provide clients and markets with wholesome and fresh salad greens the same day as it is collected, their approach concentrated on establishing small-scale greenhouses in apartment buildings.
Twenty teams from universities and colleges across India collectively filed business cases targeting at least one of the 17 SDGs in their locality, offering unique, cutting-edge, and workable ways to effect transformational change.
David Pine, the High Commissioner of New Zealand to India, stated that the University of Auckland’s SDGs Business Case Team competition’s finalists and winners should be celebrated in person because New Zealand recently reopened its borders to overseas students following Covid-19 limitations.“I have been impressed by the calibre of this year’s submissions and their innovative approach to addressing some of the biggest challenges of our time, “ he said.“Our students and future leaders need to be incorporating sustainable development in all of their thinking; there are worldwide implications if that doesn’t start now.
UoA International Manager Ryan Gamon, NZ High Commissioner in India David Pine and NMIMS Academic Advisor Anushka Dhanwani, with members of the winning team: Naisha Aswani, Tanushka Panjwani and Vedant Agarwal, and UoA Senior Recruitment Advisor for South Asia Vinita Desai
Members of the three top teams, which also consisted of representatives from the University of Delhi’s Sri Venkateswara College and the SRM Institute of Science and Technology in Kattankulathur, Chennai, were offered positions in the University of Auckland’s virtual micro-internship programme with a New Zealand company. Each member of the winning Narsee Monjee Institute team also was given a scholarship worth NZ$5,500 toward a university programme of study.
Dr Erik Lithander, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Engagement at the University of Auckland, congratulated the students.“We salute the commitment of all the student teams for finding creative, innovative, and viable solutions to bring about transformative change in people’s lives and the world,” he said.
”This is a particularly important area for the University of Auckland, which puts sustainability at the heart of what we do and champions positive social impact through our research, teaching and learning, operating practices, partnerships, and capacity building.”
Twenty teams from different universities and colleges across India
The university has announced a wide range of new scholarships for Indian students, some of which are worth up to NZ$20,000. High-achieving Indian students have access to more than 200 scholarships worth about NZ$1.5 million in 2023.
There are 115 scholarships available twice a year, and they are distributed on a biannual basis. Five scholarships up to $20,000, ten up to $10,000, and one hundred up to $5,000 will be made available in each cycle. Both undergraduate and graduate students may apply for the University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship starting on October 10.
According to Ainslie Moore, director of international relations, this investment was significant for the University of Auckland.“We believe these scholarships are mutually beneficial, and we look forward to welcoming these top Indian students to Auckland. Our international students add diversity and richness to our campuses and play a major role in research and the wider New Zealand workforce.”
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