Gist of Kurukshetra July 2023 Issue: Sustainable Agriculture Development

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Millets: Future of Sustainable Agriculture
2. Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture Development
3. Climate Sustainable Agriculture
4. Contribution of Women to Sustainable Agriculture Development
5. Paving the Way for Sustainable Growth
6. Dryland Farming
7. Organic Farming: Status and potential
8. Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges and Way Forward

1. Millets: Future of Sustainable Agriculture

Millets are a type of small-seeded grass that is also known as nutri-cereals or dry-land cereals. They have the potential to improve nutritional balance, reduce dependence on water-intensive crops like rice, and ensure food security for all.

Overview of millet cultivation in India

• India is the world’s leading producer of millet, accounting for 19% of global production and 20% of the world’s millet-growing area.
• The three most popular varieties of millet produced in India are pearl millet (bajra), sorghum (jowar), and finger millet (ragi).
• The top 10 millet-producing states in India are Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These 10 states account for 98% of millet production in India.
• Of these states, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh account for 83% share of millet production. 
• The recent drive for the promotion of millet is due to nutritional values, environment-friendly cropping patterns, and its remunerative potential. 

Nutritional value of millets

• Most millets have a high content of proteins, fibres, vitamins, and essential minerals. They are also an attractive gluten-free substitute for cereals and have the benefits of low absorption of fats and low glycemic indices. This makes them a good source of nutrition for people of all ages.

Image: Nutritional profile of millets and cereals

Source: Kurukshetra

Environmental Sustainability

• Adaptability: Millets are versatile crops that can be grown in a variety of conditions. They are drought-resistant and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
• Mixed cropping: Millets can be grown in mixed cropping systems, which helps to improve soil fertility and reduce pest pressure.
• Irrigation: Millets require less irrigation than other cereals, such as rice and wheat. This makes them a good choice for farmers in areas with limited water resources. Eg: Paddy requires a temperature above 25 degrees with an annual rainfall of above 100 cm whereas jowar can be grown even in areas with less than 20 cm of annual rainfall.
• Cropping duration: Millets have a shorter cropping duration than other cereals thereby making them ideal for adopting crop rotation. 

Initiatives for promoting millet production and consumption:

Production:

• Millets are supported under the Minimum Support Price scheme of the government which ensures that farmers receive a fair price for their crops and reduces risks in growing millet. 
• Return over cost for the crops covered under MSP is higher for millets when compared to other crops like paddy.  

Image: Minimum support price for millets

• The total production of millets in India has increased from 137 lakh tons in 2018-19 to 160 lakh tons in 2021-22. The total area under cultivation has also increased during this period.

Consumption:

• The government of India is promoting the consumption of millet through various programs, such as the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-POSHAN), Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), One District One Product (ODOP) scheme and Sub-mission on Nutri-Cereals under National Food Security Mission.
• The Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) will be established in Hyderabad to conduct research on millets and to share best practices with other countries.
• Awareness campaigns like publishing commemorative coins and stamps on millet, nutritional programmes by the Food Corporation of India, etc. are being conducted to raise awareness about the benefits of millet to consumers.

Conclusion:

• To boost the export of Indian millets, they should comply with the sanitary and phytosanitary standards of the West. Additionally, a robust supply and value chain from pre-production to processing and marketing needs to be established.
• The renewed emphasis on millets has the potential to create positive externalities such as improved nutrition for citizens, environmental sustainability, retention of soil fertility, and better incomes for cultivators.

2. Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture Development

Introduction: 

• Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy employing 42.1% of the Indian population. However, traditional agricultural practices in India are unsustainable and negatively affect the environment and human health. 
• Sustainable agricultural practices (which focus on soil, environment and community’s long-term health) are required to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in India. 

Role of Technology in Developing Sustainable Agriculture:

• Technology can help in reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, improves water management, and increases yields, benefits soil, bio-conservation and carbon sequestration.
• Precision Farming: It involves sensors, GPS mapping and data analytics to monitor and optimize crop performance. 
• Agroforestry: Agroforestry is a land-use integrated management system that combines trees and shrubs with crops and livestock to create a more sustainable and productive farming system. 
• Vertical Farming: It cultivates crops in stacked controlled conditions. 
• Hydroponics: It involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water without soil. This approach can allow for year-round crop production. 
• Renewable Energy: Renewable energy can be used to power farming operations. This approach can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. 
• Robotics and Automation: These can help reduce labour costs, improve crop yields.

Gaps in Adopting Sustainable Agriculture:

• Lack of Awareness and Knowledge: Many farmers do not know the benefits of sustainable agriculture or implement it effectively. 
• Limited Access to Finance: Sustainable agriculture requires significant investments in infrastructure and technology. This is difficult for tiny and marginal farmers. 
• Inadequate Policy and Regulatory Framework: Lack of support through policy and the regulatory framework.
  • For example, the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture receives only 0.8% of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MOAFW) budget.
• Limited Research and Development: There is a need for more research and development in sustainable agriculture practices that are appropriate for the Indian context.  
• Lack of Infrastructure and Technical Support: Inadequate infrastructure, such as rural roads, storage facilities, and cold chains, is a significant challenge for the agriculture sector in India.
• Low Productivity: Agriculture in India is characterized by low productivity.
• Fragmented Landholdings: With the average landholding size being small, it becomes difficult to adopt modern farming techniques.  
• Lack of Market Access: The lack of access to markets is a significant challenge for farmers in India. 
• Climate Change: Climate change poses significant challenges in terms of water availability, pest and disease management, and crop yields. 
  • The changing weather patterns, including erratic rainfall and rising temperatures, affect crop productivity and increase farmers’ vulnerability.

Initiatives:

• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) 
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
• Integrated Watershed Management Programme 
• Initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture practices: 
  • National Food Security Mission, 
  • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
  • Soil Health Card Scheme 

Agri Tech Start-up Case Studies:

• AgriApp Technologies: It works to make the farmers ready for high-efficiency technology-enabled agriculture production and marketing.
• Khetee promotes agroecological farming through the agroforestry model.
• Pudhuvai Green Gas: It produces organic waste agro-raw materials and bio-fertilisers. 

Conclusion:

Farmers can develop sustainable farming systems that promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability by adopting advanced technologies. However, it must be implemented with other sustainable farming practices to achieve sustainable farming systems.

3. Climate Sustainable Agriculture

Introduction:

• Agriculture faces formidable challenges due to climate change and population growth.
• There is a need for sustainable agriculture to address food security and environmental concerns.

Challenges in Agriculture:

• Food production needs to increase by 70% by 2050 for global food security.
• Rising temperatures decrease crop yields: maize (-7.4%), wheat (-6.0%), rice (-6.2%), soybeans (-3.1%).
• Climate change causes annual agriculture losses of US$ 9-10 billion, with potential cereal grain reductions of 20-40%.
• Agriculture, forestry, and land-use changes contribute 25% of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA):

• Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) aims to achieve sustainable agriculture by addressing climate change and environmental concerns.
• CSA focuses on three main outcomes: increased productivity, enhanced resilience, and reduced emissions.
• Breeding resilient crop varieties is crucial to combat climate change impacts on agriculture.
• Climate-smart crops should tackle various challenges like pests, frosts, and extreme weather events.
• Efficient production and distribution are necessary to make climate-smart crop varieties accessible to farmers.

To effectively implement a climate-smart agriculture strategy, there are some components that are recommended by FAO:

• Develop climate-resistant crop varieties and involve farmers in decision-making.
• Diversify crops and organisms to promote farm resilience and profitability.
• Holistically combat climate change effects on pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Prioritize water resource management to address increasing water scarcity.
• Protect soil through integrated landscape planning and sustainable management practices.
• Enhance productivity and reduce emissions through appropriate machinery and precision farming.

Know more about the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the linked article.

Initiatives by the Government of India:

• National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA): Launched in 2011 with an outlay of Rs. 350 crore with the aim to enhance the resilience of Indian agriculture to climate change. Focuses on research and development of climate-resilient technologies and practices.
• Sub-Mission on Agro-forestry: Launched in 2016-17 with the objective of planting trees on farm bunds and aims to bring sustainability in agriculture and mitigate the impact of climate change.
• National Livestock Mission: Launched in 2014-15 with a focus on livestock development through sustainable approach and aims to protect the natural environment, conserve animal biodiversity, and ensure farmers’ livelihood. Know more about the National Livestock Mission in the link.
• National Water Mission (NWM): Launched to ensure Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) for conserving water sources and minimizing wastage. Aims to optimize Water Use Efficiency (WUE) by 20% including the agriculture sector. Read more about the National Water Mission in the link.

Other Initiatives:

• Biotech-KISAN Hubs: Established under the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-2020. Aims to provide farmers with access to modern agricultural technologies and practices.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Launched in 2016 to provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in case of crop loss due to natural calamities. Aims to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce the burden of risk on farmers. Know more about the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in the link.

Conclusion

• Sustainable agriculture is crucial for addressing food security and environmental concerns and it requires a comprehensive overhaul of the entire production cycle.
• India’s government has evaluated climate change’s impact on agriculture, implementing interventions and contingency plans. Fertilizer policies and agro-forestry promote sustainable practices, reducing emissions and improving adaptation.

4. Contribution of Women to Sustainable Agriculture Development

Introduction

• The agriculture sector in India employs 45.6 percent of the workforce and contributes 17.32 percent to gross value added. 
• Recognizing the importance of gender dividend (contribution of women) in agriculture is crucial as it could boost agri productivity by 2.5% and increase farm yields by 20 to 30 percent.

The Importance of Women in Agriculture and Allied Services 

• With the ‘feminisation of agriculture,’ women’s roles have been growing as they work as paid workers, unpaid workers (on family owned land) and as managers in agricultural production and post harvest operations. 
• Women also play a crucial role in land and water management, collecting water, firewood, and fodder, which are essential for agriculture.
• They undertake a wide range of activities related to livestock production, vegetable cultivation, fish processing, dairy production, etc.

Challenges Faced by Rural Women in Agriculture 

• Lack of recognition: Women’s roles as primary producers are often overlooked, and are treated merely as consumers of social services. 
  • This perpetuates a cycle of drudgery, limited skill development, and exclusion from decision-making processes.
• Skill development: Limited avenues for skill development lead to women being relegated to low-skilled, time-consuming, and monotonous farm activities. 
  • The increasing mechanization of agriculture threatens their participation unless they are provided with opportunities to acquire new skills, such as operating machinery.
• Land ownership and records: Women own only 13.9 percent of operational holdings, reflecting a gender disparity in land ownership and prevailing land fragmentation practices.
  • Though the Hindu Succession Act, 2005 allows daughters equal rights in ancestral property, the same is not true for agricultural land. 
• Poor credit access: Lack of asset ownership makes credit facilities inaccessible to women. 
  • Rural financial institutions hesitate to serve female clients due to stringent requirements and their limited borrowing experience.
• Inequality in market access: Gender discrimination restricts women’s mobility, limiting their access to marketplaces and hindering economic opportunities.

Government Initiatives to empower female farmers

• The SHG-Bank linkage program by NABARD has relaxed collateral requirements for availing loan 
• The Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana 
• Encouraging women’s leadership roles in farmer producer organizations 
• Skill development programs under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 
• Financial inclusion schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana 

Way Forward 

• Enhancing access to credit, entrepreneurship opportunities, and recognition.
• Formation of women Farmer Producer Organizations under the central government’s 10000 FPOs scheme and ensuring access to resources and land records can enhance their participation. 
• In situations where state governments have not made modifications to tenancy laws, alternative approaches can be adopted. For instance, one effective solution implemented by Andhra Pradesh is the issuance of a Loan Eligibility Card (LEC) by the state government.
• Direct access to information on improved agricultural practices and market links, particularly through digital platforms.

Conclusion

Government initiatives, skill development programs, and financial inclusion schemes have made progress, but further efforts are needed. By empowering women farmers, we can unlock their potential, increase agricultural productivity, and create a more equitable society.

5. Paving the Way for Sustainable Growth

Introduction: 

• Agriculture remains a vital component of India’s economy, supporting over half of the workforce. Although its contribution to GDP (64.64% in 1950-51 to 17.92% in 2021-22) and employment have declined, it remains significant compared to the global average. 

Trends in Agriculture Production: 

• The major commercial crops in India are cotton,  jute, tea, rubber,  sugarcane,  oil seeds, etc.  
• Among commercial crops, potatoes witness the highest annual compound growth rate of 5.0 percent followed by rubber which is 3.97% and cotton which is 3.33% from 2020-21 to 2021-22. 

Image: Trends in Agriculture Production (Qty in million tonnes)

Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics

Trends in Horticulture Production: 

• Over the past two decades, the horticulture sector in India has seen remarkable growth. 
• Horticulture production reached 342.33 million tonnes in 2021-22, up from 145.79 million tonnes in 2001-02. 
• The production of horticulture crops has exceeded foodgrain production since 2012-13. 
• India is now the second-largest global producer of fruits and vegetables, trailing only China. 
• Additionally, it holds the top positions in spice production, consumption, and exportation.

Image: Horticulture Vis-a-vis Foodgrain Production in India (Quantity in Million Tonnes)

Source: Agriculture Statistics at a Glance 2022

Trends in Livestock Production: 

• Livestock plays a crucial role accounting for nearly 30% of India’s agriculture and allied services output. 
• India has been the world’s largest milk producer for the past two decades. 
• The poultry sector has also witnessed remarkable growth, with egg production showcasing an impressive annual compound growth rate of 6.18%. 
• The aquaculture and fishery sector contribute 7% to the overall output, with India ranking second globally in fish production at 7.58%. 
  • The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana promotes sustainable development in the fishery sector to bring about the blue revolution. 

Trends in Agricultural Trade: 

• India’s export portfolio encompasses a diverse range of products such as rice, pulses, fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, tobacco, spices, sugar and molasses, cashew, raw cotton, fish meat, and processed food. 
• Notably, agriculture exports have been growing steadily at a rate of 14.27% per year in 2022-23. 
• India has emerged as the 7th largest exporter of agricultural products globally. 

Image: Trends in Agricultural Trade

Source: Agriculture Statistics at a Glance

• India’s agriculture and allied products find major export markets in countries such as Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Netherlands, Thailand, UK, USA, and UAE. 
• Despite its immense agricultural potential, India’s agriculture exports currently account for 2.5% of global agri trade and less than 1.7% of world total exports. 
• To enhance its agricultural export share, the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) was launched. 
• Additionally, to promote horticulture products, several centres for perishable cargoes and post-harvest storage facilities have been established with assistance from APEDA.

Conclusion: 

Agriculture, the largest employment sector, requires modern technology adoption, accessible credit, affordable interest rates, and timely government intervention in marketing for fair market conditions. These measures will enhance productivity, livelihoods, and food security.

6. Dryland Farming

Introduction:

• Dryland farming is a challenging practice that requires understanding local climate and soil conditions, selecting suitable crops, and utilizing appropriate technologies. This article explores the significance of dryland farming in India, the constraints faced, and the potential for sustainable food security.

Dryland Farming:

• Differentiating Dry Farming, Dryland Farming, and Rainfed Farming:
  • Dry farming: Practiced in areas with an annual rainfall of less than 750 mm and a crop growing season under 200 days.
  • Dryland farming: Cultivation in regions with rainfall ranging from 750 mm to 1150 mm, including semi-arid areas.
  • Rainfed farming: Crop cultivation without irrigation in areas receiving rainfall around 1150 mm, mainly in humid and sub-humid regions.
• Major Crops in Dryland Agriculture
  • Millets, oilseeds, pulses, maize, cereals, and cotton are important crops.
  • Millets are drought-resistant, climate-resilient, and eco-friendly crops.
  • Oilseeds and pulses play a significant role in rainfed regions, contributing to vegetable oil production and soil health.
• Supporting Schemes:

• • Per Drop More Crop, Soil Health Card, and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana contribute to dryland agriculture improvement.

Importance of Dryland Farming:

• Diverse Agro-climatic Zones: India’s unique geographical location results in varied climatic conditions and cropping patterns across the country.
• Addressing Climate Change: Dryland farming helps address climate change and ensures sustainable food security.

Challenges Associated with Dryland Farming

• Rainfall Dependency: Dryland farming relies on natural rainfall, making it vulnerable to erratic and uncertain rainfall patterns.
• Soil and Nutrient Constraints: Dryland areas often have poor or degraded soils with low water-holding capacities and nutrient deficiencies.
• Vulnerability to Drought: Dryland areas are susceptible to drought and declining groundwater levels.
• Small Land Holdings: Dryland farming is challenging due to fragmented and small land holdings.

Strategies for Sustainable Dryland Farming:

• Integrated Farming: Dryland farmers can increase productivity by adopting integrated farming models with multiple crops.
• Crop Selection: Maximizing productivity in dryland conditions requires selecting suitable crops adapted to the environment.
• Technology Adoption: Utilizing drip irrigation, water harvesting, and precision farming improves water-use efficiency and yields.
• Soil Conservation: Mitigate erosion and retain soil moisture through practices like contour ploughing, terracing, and mulching.
• Capacity Building: Empower farmers through training and knowledge transfer on dryland farming techniques.
• Market Support: Strengthen market infrastructure and value chains to enhance profitability and market access.
• Research and Development: Continued efforts are needed to develop crop varieties and technologies for dryland farming.

Way Forward:

• CRIDA (Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture) has developed ‘The Vision 2050’.
• Emphasis on location-specific research, rainwater harvesting, and soil health management.
• Integrated farming modules for risk-proofing small and marginal farmers.
• Exploiting cutting-edge technologies like remote sensing and GIS for resource characterization.
• Development of nanotechnology-based products for dryland agriculture.
• Implementing energy efficiency, precision agriculture, and renewable energy sources in dryland regions.

Conclusion:

• Dryland farming, despite its challenges, holds immense potential for sustainable agriculture in India. By understanding the local conditions, adopting appropriate practices, and providing necessary support, dryland farmers can overcome constraints and achieve bountiful crop production, contributing to food security and rural development.

7. Organic Farming: Status and potential

The National Standards of Organic Production (NSOP) defines organic agriculture as a system of farm design and management to create an ecosystem that can achieve sustainable productivity without the use of artificial off-farm inputs such as chemical fertilisers and pesticides. It is a climate-friendly practice that reduces the use of synthetics in farming and promotes low external input usage, recycling, and reuse.

Overview of organic farming:

• According to the 2021 FiBL survey, organic farming is practised in 187 countries, with Australia (35.69 m hectares), Argentina (3.63 m hectares), and Spain (2.35 m hectares) having the most organic agricultural land.
• India is home to 30% of the world’s organic producers but only 2% of the country’s total net sown area is under organic farming.
• Madhya Pradesh leads in organic agricultural land in India, with 0.76 million hectares under organic cultivation, accounting for 27% of the total organic farming area.
• Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra contribute to half of the area under organic farming in India.
• Sikkim stands as the first complete organic state in India, converting all of its cultivable lands under organic certification.

Need for organic farming:

Image: Need for Organic Farming

Export of organic food from India: 

• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is the nodal agency that promotes the export of agricultural and processed food products, including organic products.
• Key export destinations for Indian organic products include the USA, the European Union, Canada, the UK, Turkey, Australia, Switzerland, Ecuador, and Japan.
• India’s primary organic product exports consist of soya meal (61%), oilseeds (12.58%), cereals and millets (12.71%), sugar (4.77%), and plantation crops (2.16%).

Image: Organic agricultural products export

Source: Kurukshetra

Government initiatives to promote organic farming:

• The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region offer comprehensive support to farmers, covering production, processing, certification, marketing, and post-harvest management.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
  • Under PKVY, farmers receive Rs. 50,000/ha for 3 years to establish Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), obtain organic inputs, and undergo training, guidance, and certification. 
  • Additionally, Rs. 20 lakh/cluster of 1000 ha is provided for value addition and infrastructure development.
  • Since 2015-16, 11.85 lakh ha of land has been brought under organic farming, with a target of another 6 lakh hectares by 2026.
  • Know more: Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
• Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the Northeastern Region (MOVCD-NER)
  • MOVCD-NER provides farmers with Rs. 46,575 per hectare for 3 years to establish FPOs, obtain organic inputs, and undergo training, guidance, and certification. 
  • Additionally, need-based assistance is also provided for establishing integrated processing units, collection and grading units, pack houses, and refrigerated vehicles.
  • Since 2015-16, an area of 1.73 lakh hectares of land has been converted to organic farming through this mission.
• Organic certification scheme:

• • National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) Certification System: It ensures compliance with organic standards by reviewing the entire production, processing, handling, storage, and transport through an independent organization.
  • The Participatory Guarantee System, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, certifies organic products, guaranteeing that production adheres to laid-down quality standards.
• The dedicated web portal, www.jaivikkheti.in, has been established to help farmers secure better prices for their organic produce.

8. Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges and Way Forward

Introduction:

Sustainable agriculture is a much-needed alternative to conventional input-intensive agriculture, which in the long term degrades the topsoil, results in declining groundwater levels, and reduces biodiversity. 

Three Pillars of Sustainable Agriculture: 

• Economy: This ensures the growth and profitability of the business for the farmers through the efficient use of viable resources. 
• Society: This pillar ensures enough food for the world’s growing population and fair employment and compensation opportunities for the local community. 
• Environment: This pillar ensures the environment’s protection through ecologically sound farming practices and less use of replenishable resources.

Major Sustainable Agriculture Practices: 

• Crop Rotation and Crop Diversity: Monoculture degrades the soil and is susceptible to pests. Planting a variety of crops has many benefits, including improved pest control.
• Water and Energy-efficient Irrigation Techniques
• Reducing Tillage:  No-till or reduced-fill methods involve inserting seeds directly into undisturbed soil, which can reduce erosion and improve soil health. 
• Integrating Livestock and Crops: Livestock can feed on the by-products of the farms and crops can receive abundantly rich natural fertiliser and manure.  
• Adopting Agroforestry: Planting trees along with the crops conserves the soil cover and local water resources but also provides an additional source of income to the farmers.
• Grow the Cover Crops: By sowing cover crops off-season, farmers can protect their fields from soil erosion and soil degradation. This acts as green manure for the crops.
• Integrated Pest Management: It aims at long-term protection of crop cover on farms by mitigating pest attacks.  

Sustainable Agriculture in India

• Most Sustainable Agriculture Practices (SAPs) are being adopted by less than five million (or four percent) of all Indian farmers. 
• Crop rotation is the most popular in India, covering around 30 million hectares (Mha) of land and approximately 15 million farmers. 
• Agroforestry, mainly popular among large cultivators, and rainwater harvesting have relatively high coverage of 25 Mha and 20-27 Mha, respectively. 
• Organic farming currently covers only 2% of India’s net sown area of 140 Mha. 
• Natural farming is India’s fastest-growing sustainable agricultural practice and has been adopted by around 800,000 farmers. 
• Integrated pest management (IPM) has achieved a coverage area of 5 Mha after decades of sustained promotion. 
• The impact and coverage of practices like floating farming, permaculture, etc. is insignificant.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture

• Aims to enhance agricultural productivity, especially in rainfed areas focusing on integrated farming, water use efficiency, soil health management, and synergising resource conservation. 

Main Objectives:

• To make agriculture more productive, sustainable, remunerative, and climate-resilient  
• To adopt comprehensive soil health management practices  
• To optimise utilisation of water resources through efficient water management to expand coverage for achieving ‘More Crop Per Drop’, 
• To develop the capacity of farmers & stakeholders

Major Components:

• Rainfed Area Development (RAD): It develops an area-based approach for the conservation of natural resources, and regulates soil nutrients. Common resources are developed like a bank for grains, fodder, shredders for biomass, and a combined marketing initiative.
• On-Farm Water Management (OFWM): For optimum utilisaton of water by promoting advanced on-farm water conservation equipment and technologies. 
• Soil Health Management: It promotes sustainable practices that preserve the health of soil based on a specific location and the type of crops.

Major Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture:

• • The budgetary allocation to NMSA is less. It is only 0.8 per cent of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare’s total budget. 
  • SAP are knowledge-intensive techniques which require knowledge exchange among the farmers. 
  • Capacity building among the different types of farmers. 
  • SAPS are labour-intensive and difficult to adopt by medium to large farmers. 

Gist of Kurukshetra July 2023 Issue: Sustainable Agriculture Development:- Download PDF Here