First, the farmers must be taught how to maintain high quality soil. The organic matter of the soil can be raised through the incorporation of crop stubble, various composts, rotation crops, and green manure. Erosion must be avoided. This can be done by planting leguminous hedgerows to prevent wind erosion. The discontinuation of deforesting will also allow for less degredation.
Water management is also important.
In areas where irrigation is impossible, farmers must be taught how to utilize rain water more effectively. The capacity of soil to hold water can be increased, the land can be fully occupied during the rainy season and drought resistant crops may be grown all to manage water resources more effectively. Crop diversity is very beneficial in sustainable agriculture. Most farmers realize this fact. Most also agree that systematic breaks in cropping are also beneficial.