A STUDY ON THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR IN KARNATAKA

The present study explores the concept of sustainable agriculture, which refers to farming practices that meet society’s current food and textile needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable agriculture emphasizes the responsible use of natural resources and ecosystem services, integrating environmental health, economic profitability, and social equity into agricultural development.There are various methods to enhance the sustainability of the agricultural sector, including improved resource management, eco-friendly technologies, and conservation practices. Agriculture has historically been one of the primary and traditional occupations in Karnataka. It remains a major source of livelihood for a large segment of the population and continues to be the backbone of the state’s economy.For Karnataka, with its diverse agro-climatic zones and a mix of rain-fed and irrigated areas, achieving sustainability in agriculture is critical for long-term food security and rural development.This study aims to analyze the trends in agricultural growth, productivity, resource use, and policy interventions in Karnataka over recent years. By identifying key patterns and evaluating sustainability indicators, the research intends to provide insights into how the state's agriculture sector can transition toward a more resilient and sustainable future.This study analyses the area, production, and productivity of the agriculture sector in Karnataka and identifies the social factors of the sustainable agriculture sector. The growth in the area and production of different major crops in Karnataka were estimated using the compound growth function and correlation. The necessary secondary data were collected for 6 years from 2015-16 to 2020-21. The research used statistical tools like percentages, compound annual growth rate (CAGR), and correlation, which were analysed through Excel and SPSS 21 statistical software. Growth rates showed a significant positive growth in the area of total cereals, pulses, food grains, oilseeds, and commercial crops showed positive growth.