VAC 121 course for Agricultural Science lecture number 3 is explained in details.

1. Semester : II
Course No. : VAC-121
Credit Hrs. : 3(2+1)
Course Title : Environmental Studies and Disaster Management
Course teacher: Dr. Priyanka V. Shamraj,
Assistant professor of Agrometeorology,
College of Agriculture, Pune

2. Topic: Natural Resources Classification of resources; Forest, water, mineral, food,
energy, land, and soil resources
Introduction
Definition:
oNatural resources are materials or substances occurring in nature that can be used for economic gain.
Importance of study of resources:
oEssential for survival (water, food, air)
oSupport economic development (minerals, fossil fuels)
Maintain ecological balance (forests, soil, biodiversity)

3. Classification of Natural Resources
1. Based on Availability
 Renewable Resources: Can be replenished naturally (e.g., forests, water,
sunlight)
 Non-Renewable Resources: Finite resources that take millions of years to form
(e.g., fossil fuels, minerals)
2. Based on Origin
 Biotic Resources: Derived from living organisms (e.g., forests, animals, crops)
 Abiotic Resources: Non-living resources (e.g., minerals, water, air, soil)
3. Based on Development
 Potential Resources: Not yet utilized (e.g., untapped wind energy)
 Actual Resources: Currently being exploited (e.g., petroleum extraction)

4. Definition: Large areas covered with trees, supporting
diverse ecosystems
Types of Forests:
•Tropical Rainforests – Amazon Rainforest (South America)
•Temperate Forests – Black Forest (Germany)
•Boreal (Taiga) Forests – Siberian Taiga (Russia)
 Forests cover about 31% of Earth's land area
Uses of Forest Resources
 Ecological Functions:
o Oxygen production
o Carbon sequestration (reducing global warming)
o Habitat for biodiversity
 Economic Benefits:
o Timber, paper, rubber, medicinal plants
 Social & Cultural Value:
o Livelihoods for indigenous communities
o Recreation and tourism
Forest Resources

5. Threats to Forests
 Deforestation: Conversion to agriculture,
urbanization
 Illegal Logging: Unsustainable wood
harvesting
 Forest Fires: Natural & human-induced
destruction
 Climate Change: Alters forest ecosystems
Conservation Strategies
 Afforestation & Reforestation: Planting new
trees
 Sustainable Forestry: Controlled logging
 Protected Areas: National parks, wildlife
reserves
 Legislation & Policies: Environmental laws

6. Importance of Water Resources
 Covers 71% of Earth but only 3% is freshwater
 Essential for:
o Drinking, sanitation, and hygiene
o Agriculture (irrigation)
o Industry (cooling, hydroelectric power)
Challenges Facing Water Resources
 Water Scarcity: Overuse and population growth
 Pollution: Industrial waste, plastic contamination
 Climate Change: Droughts, floods, rising sea levels
Water Resources

7. Sustainable Management of Water
 Rainwater Harvesting
 Desalination for Coastal Areas
 Wastewater Recycling
 Government Policies & Global Cooperation: Atal
Bhujal Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee
Yojana (PMKSY)

8.  Types of Minerals:
o Metallic (iron, copper, gold)
o Non-Metallic (salt, limestone, phosphate)
 Uses:
o Industrial production (steel, electronics)
o Construction (cement, glass)
Overuse and Challenges
 Depletion due to over-mining
 Environmental impact: Soil erosion, habitat destruction
 Mining Hazards: Health risks for workers
Sustainable Use of Minerals
 Recycling Metals (aluminum, copper)
 Eco-friendly Mining Practices
 Legislation for Responsible Mining
Mineral Resources

9. Food Resources
Sources of Food Resources
 Agriculture: Crops, livestock
 Fisheries: Marine & freshwater fish
 Food Security Challenges:
o Climate change, soil degradation,
population growth
Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security
 Organic Farming (pesticide-free)
 Vertical Farming & Hydroponics (urban
solutions)
 Reducing Food Waste & Sustainable
Diets

10. Types of Energy Resources
 Renewable: Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass
 Non-renewable: Coal, oil, natural gas
Challenges of Energy Resources
 Fossil Fuels: Pollution, global warming
 Renewables: Initial high costs, efficiency limitations
Solutions for Energy Sustainability
 Switch to Renewable Energy
 Energy Conservation (Efficient appliances, LED bulbs)
 Government Policies on Clean Energy
Energy Resources

11. Importance of Land & Soil Resources
 Agriculture & Food Production
 Urban Development & Infrastructure
 Supports Biodiversity
Degradation & Challenges
 Deforestation → Soil Erosion
 Desertification → Loss of Fertility
 Urbanization → Land Scarcity
Conservation Strategies
 Crop Rotation & Organic Farming
 Afforestation
 Sustainable Land Management Policies
Land & Soil Resources

12. Future of Natural Resources
Human Impact & Future Challenges
 Population Growth → More Demand
 Climate Change → Alters Resource Availability
 Industrialization → Pollution & Waste
Global Conservation Initiatives
 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
 Kyoto Protocol & Paris Agreement
 Environmental Laws & Carbon Footprint Reduction
Role of Individuals & Communities
 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
 Support Sustainable Products & Renewable Energy
Community Awareness & Education