In Focus- Sustainable Agriculture | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• Sustainable agriculture is a complete way of farming that focuses on environmental health, economic profitability, and social fairness.
• It aims to fulfill current food and textile needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
• The core idea is to balance the ecosystem's needs with human agricultural activities.

Importance of Sustainable Agriculture

Environmental Health:

• Preserves natural resources like water and soil by using practices that reduce soil erosion and enhance soil health.
• Decreases pollution by reducing chemical pesticide and fertilizer use.
• Boosts biodiversity by promoting various crops and maintaining diverse animal species.

Economic Profitability:

• Reduces production costs by minimizing the use of expensive inputs such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
• Increases resilience to climate change and opens up new market opportunities for organic products.

Social Equity:

• Strengthens local communities by supporting local food systems and fair labor practices.
• Enhances the livelihoods of farmworkers and small-scale farmers by ensuring fair wages and better working conditions.
• Engages communities in sustainable practices through education and local involvement.

Key Practices in Sustainable Agriculture

Crop Rotation and Diversity:

• Alternating crops enhances soil fertility and disrupts pest and disease cycles.
• Promotes agricultural biodiversity, leading to healthier ecosystems and more stable yields.

Agroforestry:

• Includes trees and shrubs in farming systems to improve soil structure and reduce erosion.
• Enhances farm biodiversity and productivity by creating diverse and resilient agricultural systems.

Conservation Tillage:

• Minimizes soil disturbance, preserves soil structure, and reduces erosion.
• Improves soil organic matter and water infiltration for healthier soils.

Organic Farming:

• Avoids synthetic chemicals and focuses on natural processes to maintain ecological balance.
• Emphasizes preserving biodiversity and enhancing soil health through organic practices.

Water Management:

• Uses efficient irrigation systems to optimize water use and implements water conservation strategies.

Challenges in Implementing Sustainable Agriculture

• High initial costs can discourage farmers from adopting sustainable practices.
• Limited market access for sustainably-produced goods is a challenge.
• Lack of knowledge or training in sustainable practices can hinder implementation.
• Effective extension services and educational programs are essential but often underfunded.
• Government support and policies are crucial for promoting sustainable methods.

Indian Government Initiatives for Sustainable Agriculture

• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture through efficient resource use.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Aims to improve farm water use efficiency through micro-irrigation techniques.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Promotes organic farming and traditional practices with financial assistance and training.
• Soil Health Card Scheme: Provides soil health information to farmers for better soil management.
• National Agroforestry Policy: Promotes tree integration into farming systems for environmental and economic benefits.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Encourages practices to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.

Way Forward

• Develop and implement policies that support sustainable agricultural practices.
• Provide financial incentives, subsidies, and grants for farmers to adopt sustainable methods.
• Enhance extension services to educate farmers about sustainable practices.
• Promote farmer-to-farmer learning and community-based training programs.
• Invest in research for innovative sustainable farming techniques.
• Create and expand markets for sustainably-produced goods.
• Encourage international collaboration for sustainable agriculture.

Conclusion

• Sustainable agriculture is vital for food security, environmental protection, and economic and social well-being.
• By balancing environmental health, economic profitability, and social equity, it offers a comprehensive solution for modern farming challenges.
• Collective efforts from various stakeholders can make sustainable agriculture the norm for a healthier planet.