Harvesting Hope: Journey Toward Regenerative Agriculture
by Himanshi Rohilla
05 June 2024Amidst the reality of climate change and dwindling natural resources, sustainable agriculture has provided a ray of hope for a more promising future. There is a growing move towards sustainable farming in India, a country with a long-standing agricultural tradition. With an emphasis on balancing environmental conservation, economic viability, and social equity, sustainable agriculture is paving the way for a greener and more prosperous India.The field of agriculture has a lion's share in revenue generation and creating job opportunities both in organised and unorganised sector, rural economy and domestic consumption. It is observed that 50% of India's workforce is engaged in the Agriculture sector. In addition, it has 18% share of total GDP of the Indian economy at present.
The use of conventional and innovative farming techniques is an extraordinary aspect of sustainable agriculture in India. Old, traditional practices like organic farming, crop rotation and combination farming are being revived by small farmers throughout the country. By integrating these methods with modern technology, farmers are reducing their reliance on harmful chemicals and promoting biodiversity, resulting in healthier soils and increased crop resilience.
In addition, not only is soil fertility improving but also plays a key role in protecting water and mitigating climatic effects by adopting an agroforestry practice and growing several crops at the same site. The resurgence of traditional knowledge, combined with scientific advancements, has revolutionised the way farmers approach cultivation, leading to increased agricultural productivity and resilience.
Economical agribusiness in India isn&aos;t just about ecological manageability yet in addition about enabling ranchers and advancing social inclusivity. Drives, for example, local area upheld horticulture and rancher maker associations have furnished smallholder ranchers with better market access, fair costs, and open doors for aggregate dealing. By empowering ranchers to have an immediate stake in the store network, these drives are cultivating a feeling of pride and local area driven improvement.
Besides, the emphasis on orientation, comprehensive practices and the joining of ladies into the farming labour force have achieved a positive cultural shift. Ladies cooperation in dynamic cycles and their dynamic association in reasonable cultivating rehearses are improving family salaries as well as encouraging orientation balance and ladies strengthening in country networks.
The Indian government plays the basic part of economical agribusiness in the country's turn of events and has embraced a few drives to advance natural strength and rustic flourishing. Plans like the Public Mission for Feasible Horticulture (NMSA) and the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) are offering monetary help, specialised help, and limit building projects to energise the reception of reasonable cultivating rehearses the nation over.
In spite of progress, there is still a long way to go in terms of universal adoption of sustainably managed agricultural practices. The main obstacles are still lack of access to resources, poor infrastructure and a need for increased awareness and training on sustainable farming techniques. In addition, it is essential that smallholder farmers are supported in their transition from subsistence to sustainability through financing investments and technical advances.
Ensuring the success of sustainable agriculture in India demands strong partnerships among government, research institutions, and the private sector. Establishing accessible credit, robust extension services, and knowledge-sharing platforms is crucial to surmount existing barriers and create an inclusive and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
India's journey toward sustainable agriculture signifies a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, community participation, and environmental stewardship. By recognizing the interdependence between agricultural prosperity and ecological well-being, India is taking significant strides toward building a sustainable and resilient food system that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate and evolving global demands.
With regard to the future, sustainable agriculture will be driven by a common commitment from all interested parties that include policymakers, farmers and consumers. Embracing the ethos of sustainability and fostering a culture of responsible farming practices will not only secure the livelihoods of millions of farmers but will also pave the way for a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous India.
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