Sustainable Agriculture

Syllabus: GS3/Economy 

In News 

• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is  promoting  sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture through efficient water use, soil health management, and resilient farming practices.

Sustainable agriculture 

• It means producing food continuously without harming the environment or ecosystem health.
•  It focuses on maintaining soil productivity and ensuring farmers can sustainably manage resources, inputs, and labor over the long term.

 Significance of Sustainable Agriculture

• Food Security: Ensures long-term productivity while conserving natural resources.
• Climate Resilience: Builds capacity to withstand droughts, floods, and heatwaves.
• Livelihoods: Supports nearly 46% of India’s population dependent on agriculture.
• Environmental Protection: Reduces soil erosion, groundwater depletion, and chemical pollution.
• Global Leadership: India’s promotion of millets (“Shree Anna”) highlights climate-resilient crops.

 Challenges

• Soil Health Decline: Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides has reduced organic carbon levels.
• Water Stress: Excessive groundwater extraction and limited irrigation coverage.
• Small Landholdings: Fragmented farms hinder mechanization and adoption of modern techniques.
• Climate Change: Increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
•  Market & Credit Access: Small farmers struggle with fair prices and institutional credit.

Government Steps

• The Government of India launched the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) in 2014–15 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change to address climate change impacts on agriculture and ensure long-term food and livelihood security.
• From 2018–19, NMSA became a sub-mission under Green Revolution-Krishonnati Yojana, and from 2022–23 it was integrated into Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMRKVY) to strengthen climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.
• NICRA (National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture): Climate-resilient varieties, intercropping, agroforestry, zero-till sowing.

Suggestions 

•  Promote Agroecology: Shift from industrial farming to eco-friendly practices.
• Water-Smart Farming: Expand micro-irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
• Digital Agriculture: Use AI, IoT, and drones for precision input management.
• Diversification: Encourage pulses, oilseeds, and millets to reduce dependence on rice and wheat.
• Farmer Cooperatives: Strengthen FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) for better bargaining power.
• Capacity Building: Training farmers in sustainable practices and climate adaptation.

 Conclusion

• Sustainable agriculture is essential for India’s environmental protection, economic growth, and social well-being. The government has promoted it through policies, subsidies, and technology-based initiatives.
• However, long-term success depends on expanding eco-friendly farming practices, supporting small farmers, and combining modern technology with traditional knowledge.
• A balanced strategy involving policy support, innovation, and community participation is key to achieving productive, resilient, and sustainable agriculture in India.

Source:TH