The contemporary agricultural practices have given rise to several ecological issues, casting doubt on the sustainability of certain farming methods that rely heavily on inputs. Given that the earth's resources are finite, it is crucial to use them judiciously and efficiently to achieve a balance between ecology and prosperity. The current priority for farmers, researchers, and policymakers is to pursue sustainable development through sustainable farming systems.

This book will be beneficial for students who are preparing for various competitive examinations, as well as for those members of the general public who have an interest in farming and its development.

Alok Kumar Patra graduated in Agriculture from Chiplima campus of Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology in 1988, obtained M.Sc. (Agriculture) in Agronomy from Institute of Agriculture, Visva Bharati, Santiniketan in 1990 and Ph. D. from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, West Bengal in 1996. He has an MBA degree from IGNOU, New Delhi.

Patra has published more than 90 research papers, 130 popular scientific articles and bulletins, eight books and 35 book chapters. He has 30 years of experience in research and teaching in UG and PG level on agroforestry and agronomy. Presently he is working as Chief Agronomist in the All India Coordinated Research Project on Integrated Farming Systems, OUAT, Bhubaneswar-751 003, India.

1. Farming Systems and Their Types, 2. Farming System Components and Their Maintenance, 3.  Cropping Systems and Their Classification, 4. Efficiency Evaluation of Cropping Systems, 5. Sustainable Agriculture, 6. Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture, 7. Conservation Agriculture,8. Integrated Farming Systems