Pre-reading questions:
- What does sustainable farming mean?
- In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges farmers face when trying to adopt sustainable practices?
Vocabulary:
- promote /pruh-MOHT/
- mitigate /MIT-i-geyt/
- predict /pri-DIKT/
- technological /tek-nuh-LOG-i-kuhl/
- collaboration /kuh-lab-uh-REY-shuhn/
[verb] – to encourage or support something, or to help make something happen
The school organized a campaign to promote healthy eating among students.
[verb] – to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad
Planting trees helps to mitigate the effects of air pollution in urban areas.
[verb] – to say what will happen in the future, based on knowledge or experience
The weather report predicts rain tomorrow, so take an umbrella with you.
[adjective] – relating to or involving technology
Technological advances have made communication much faster and more efficient.
[noun] – the act of working together with someone to produce or achieve something
The collaboration between the two companies resulted in a highly successful product launch.
Article reading:
Adopting sustainable agriculture presents both advantages and obstacles. While these practices improve soil health and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, the initial costs of transitioning may discourage some farmers. However, recent technological advancements, such as precision farming and soil health monitoring tools, offer innovative ways to enhance productivity and reduce environmental harm. Additionally, knowledge-sharing programs and financial support initiatives can help farmers overcome economic barriers. Experts stress the importance of collaboration between governments, agricultural bodies, and farmers to promote sustainable practices and secure the future of food production.
Comprehension questions
- What is sustainable agriculture?
- What are some sustainable farming practices mentioned in the article?
- How can sustainable agriculture help in mitigating climate change?
- What does the report by the FAO predict about sustainable farming methods?
- Why is it urgent to move away from conventional farming methods?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever participated in any activity that helps the environment, like planting trees? If so, what did you do? If not, would you like to participate in one?
- Do you or your family practice any sustainable farming methods, like growing your own vegetables? If so, what do you grow? If not, would you consider starting?
- Do you agree that promoting sustainable agriculture is essential to combating climate change?
- Why do you think some farmers might hesitate to switch to sustainable agriculture even if it helps the environment?
- What are some possible consequences if we continue using conventional farming methods without changes?