Soal latihan ini adalah soal untuk berlatih mengerjakan soal bacaan secara umum, jadi tidak hanya berfokus pada TOEFL.
Bacaan
The world faces an unprecedented challenge: sustaining a growing population while safeguarding our planet’s finite resources. As the global population continues to surge, the demand for food rises exponentially. This escalating need for sustenance places immense pressure on agricultural systems, leading to concerns about food security, environmental degradation, and climate change.
However, amidst these challenges, innovative approaches in sustainable agriculture have emerged as promising solutions. One such innovation is vertical farming, a practice that involves cultivating crops in vertically stacked layers, often within urban environments. Utilizing controlled environments with efficient resource management, vertical farming minimizes water usage, eliminates the need for harmful pesticides, and significantly reduces land requirements. By maximizing space and employing technology such as hydroponics and LED lighting, this method offers higher crop yields while reducing the ecological footprint associated with traditional farming practices.
Furthermore, advancements in precision agriculture have revolutionized farming techniques. Integration of GPS-guided machinery, drones, and sensor technology allows farmers to precisely monitor and manage crops, optimizing resource usage and minimizing waste. These technologies enable targeted irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, resulting in increased productivity while conserving water and minimizing the environmental impact of farming.
Moreover, genetic engineering has introduced crops with enhanced resilience to environmental stressors. Scientists have developed drought-resistant and pest-resistant varieties that thrive in harsh conditions, offering hope for sustainable agriculture in regions susceptible to climate extremes. These genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have the potential to bolster food production without extensive reliance on chemical inputs, contributing to more resilient and sustainable farming practices.
Despite these promising advancements, challenges persist in the widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Economic barriers, limited access to technology, and resistance to embracing new methods hinder the rapid deployment of these innovations on a global scale. Additionally, concerns regarding the long-term impacts of GMOs on ecosystems and human health necessitate rigorous research and ethical considerations in their deployment.
In conclusion, the development and implementation of innovative practices in sustainable agriculture present a beacon of hope in addressing the pressing challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. Embracing these technologies, coupled with robust policies and inclusive strategies, holds the key to ensuring a nourished and thriving global population while safeguarding the planet for future generations.
