Abstract:

In the paper, a review of problems of sustainable development in the context of economic, climatic, and environmental challenges was undertaken with consideration of functions of agriculture. The goal of this paper was to show the evolution of agriculture through more effective natural resources management in view of the current progressive tendencies important for the performance of the primary and secondary functions of agriculture satisfying needs of Green Economy. Based on a critical study of literature, solutions to economic and social problems were shown through evolution in crop and animal cultivation, their protection, genetic selection and irrigation. Achievements in agricultural engineering and Information Technology (IT) application in agriculture were also shown. The mentioned progressive tendencies are in line with the new concept of post-industrial ‘smart’ agriculture ensuring not only cheap, healthy and sufficient food but also healthy for human beings environment. The literature review also found knowledge gaps in know-how to reach the defined goals of Green Economy especially in view of the necessity of the regionalization of global challenge solving and the consideration of some different interests of various groups of stakeholders located in different places, which requires decentralized policies. This will allow better management natural resources to ensure sustainable development with the usage of the scientific achievements of several knowledge domains presented in the paper. The proposed changes in policies will help better stimulate evolution of agriculture to perform current primary and secondary functions of agriculture contributing to Green Economy development.