SURJAN'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: MINI REVIEW

Abstract

Small farmholders face many problems in developing countries, such as variations in cultivation crops, availability of water due to climate change, and less information on cultivation technology. In several Asian countries, crop cultivation in swamp areas faces the problem of water drainage systems that cause plant stress if there is no cultivation technology. One of the technologies farmers can adopt, particularly in swamp areas, is Surjan. This technology was created by building raised beds and sunken beds alternately. Therefore, an intercropping system can be used in Surjan to increase agricultural land productivity by cultivating various plants in one area. Besides, the farmers can meet various nutritional needs from various crops that can enhance biodiversity. Also, the farmers may reduce losses in agricultural yield. Cultivating plants using Surjan is essential to deal with climate change and extreme weather, such as floods and drought.