Regenerative Agriculture, Soil Degradation, Zero-budget natural farming and National Project on Organic Farming are crucial topics for sustainable farming. This article throws light on the significance of Regenerative Agriculture and its implementation in India. The farming techniques used by the farmers in Madhya Pradesh are particularly highlighted as they significantly reduce irrigation needs and conserve water as well as energy.
Background: The Green Revolution and Soil Degradation
The Green revolution of the 1960s saved India from starvation but it also led to India becoming the world’s biggest extractor of groundwater. A report by UN’s World Water Development reveals that India withdraws more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year, with 90% of the water used for agriculture. Soil in India suffers from severe deficiency of organic carbon and micronutrients. This is a considerable concern as agriculture remains a significant source of food for the country’s undernourished population of 224.5 million and an essential contributor to the economy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for agricultural practices that work along with nature instead of against it.
What is Regenerative Agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is a holistic farming method which aims to improve soil health, food quality, biodiversity, water quality and air quality. It achieves this by minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, practicing conservation tillage, diversifying crops, introducing livestock, and using cover crops. The method looks at minimizing soil distribution, diversifying crops which replenishes nutrients and disrupts pest and disease lifecycles, retaining soil cover and integrating livestock into farming systems.
Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative Agriculture benefits the ecosystem by improving soil health which in turn is beneficial for water storage, transmission, filtering and reducing agricultural run-off. It also supports water conservation and energy conservation by improving water-use efficiency and minimizing irrigation needs.
Indian Efforts to Promote Regenerative Agriculture
India has taken several steps to promote the practice of Regenerative Agriculture. The National Project on Organic Farming is a prime example, which is the country’s longest-running project focused on promoting organic farming practices. Other efforts include Systematic Rice Intensification, Zero-Budget Natural Farming, and initiatives by organizations like Samaj Pragati Sahyog which promote natural methods for pest control and other farming practices.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions (PYQ)
The article further discusses questions related to permaculture farming and its difference from conventional chemical farming, which have been part of previous year question papers in the UPSC civil services examination. These questions focus on topics like monocultural practices, soil salinity, adaptability of farming techniques in semi-arid regions and the role of mulching in different types of farming.
Conclusion
Regenerative agriculture is a sustainable solution for the ongoing environmental challenges that are linked with intensive farming practices. It not only improves soil health but also helps in conserving the water and energy resources. The farmers of India, supported by various initiatives by the government and research institutions, are gradually adopting these practices to create a greener and sustainable agricultural ecosystem. At the same time, this topic has due significance for students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, as a strong understanding of sustainable farming techniques, including regenerative agriculture, can provide a solid foundation for related questions.
