Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Sustainable Agriculture Practices in India

1. Context and Importance

• Growing concerns regarding soil health, groundwater depletion, climate change, and long-term sustainability of agricultural production systems necessitate the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.

2. Government Initiatives and Policies

• The government supports state and union territory efforts through various schemes aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, including:
  • Nutrient management, efficient water use, conservation agriculture, integrated farming systems, agroforestry, organic farming, and climate-resilient agricultural technologies.

3. Key Government Schemes

• Soil Health and Fertility Scheme:

  • Promotes integrated nutrient management and efficient fertilizer use.
  • Over 261.8 million Soil Health Cards have been issued.

• Per Drop More Crop Scheme:

  • Aims to enhance water use efficiency through micro-irrigation.
  • Covers 11.46 million hectares, benefiting approximately 10 million farmers.

• Traditional Agricultural Development Scheme (PKVY):

  • Promotes organic farming in Northeast India.
  • Provides ₹15,000 per hectare to farmers via direct benefit transfer.
  • Covers 1.893 million hectares, benefiting 3.363 million farmers.

• National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):

  • Approved on November 25, 2024, it promotes sustainable, climate-adaptive agriculture.
  • Covers 118,100 hectares, benefiting 2.469 million farmers.

• Agroforestry Scheme:

  • Encourages integration of trees with crops, providing financial support for establishing nurseries.

4. Financial Assistance for Nurseries

• Large nurseries (1 hectare): ₹1.6 million
• Small nurseries (0.5 hectare): ₹1 million
• Existing nurseries: Up to ₹500,000 for plant cultivation.
• Established 826 nurseries in the last three years, producing approximately 1.0618 billion plants.

5. Economic Indicators and Outcomes

• Food Production Growth:
  • Food grain production increased from 252.03 million tons in 2014-15 to a projected 357.73 million tons by 2024-25.
  • Horticultural production rose from 280.98 million tons to 370.73 million tons in the same period.

6. Evaluation and Impact

• Reports indicate:
  • 62.46% of farmers under the Per Drop More Crop scheme reported improvements in water use efficiency.
  • 70.28% of farmers reported enhanced agricultural productivity under rainfed area development schemes.
  • 90.1% of farmers under the NMNF experienced reduced input costs compared to chemical fertilizers.

7. Judicial and Administrative Framework

• Agriculture is a state subject, and the central government aids states in implementing these sustainable practices.
• The government's focus is on integrating economic viability with sustainability to enhance resilience, competitiveness, and long-term growth in agriculture.

8. Challenges and Future Directions

• Adoption levels of sustainable practices vary based on local agricultural climate, irrigation infrastructure, and resource endowments.
• The government aims to strengthen sustainable agriculture through improved irrigation, water conservation, efficient resource management, and climate-adaptive interventions.

9. Groundwater Status

• As per the Central Ground Water Board, groundwater levels are stable, with 87.8% of monitored wells falling within the normal range, indicating effective water management practices.

Conclusion

The Indian government's multifaceted approach towards sustainable agriculture through various schemes and policies aims to enhance food security, resource conservation, and farmer welfare while addressing the impacts of climate change.