Sustainable agriculture is a method of farming that aims to produce food and livestock while minimizing its environmental impact. It aims to balance the need for food production with the preservation of the environment.
Sustainable Agriculture Practices
- Crop rotation
- Planting different crops in the same space in a specific order over several years. This helps preserve soil nutrients, reduce erosion, and prevent pests and diseases.
- Cover crops
- Planting crops like clover, rye, or hairy vetch during off-seasons to protect soil health. These crops prevent erosion, replenish nutrients, and keep weeds in check.
- Perennial crops
- These crops keep the soil covered year-round, which helps maintain living roots and soil health.
- Reduced or no-till methods
- These methods involve inserting seeds directly into undisturbed soil, which can reduce erosion and improve soil health.
- Integrated pest management (IPM)
- This uses a multiple methods, including mechanical and biological controls, to keep pest populations under control.
- Organic farming
- This uses biofertilizers and biopesticides to produce unpolluted crops.
- Biologics shift:
- More adoption of biopesticides, biostimulants, and agricultural microbiomes.
- Biopesticides:
- Utilizing bacteria and fungi for pest control and crop loss mitigation and eco-friendly alternatives.
- Biostimulants:
- Improving crop health and resistance, yield increases, and improved productivity in areas prone to drought and flood.
- Biodynamic farming
- This technique is based on the principles of natural law, which state that the natural order of things should be maintained in farming.
- Agroecology
- This method uses the ecological processes of an area to inform farming practices.
- Soil health restoration
- Application of agricultural microbiomes to revitalize soil health and enhance nutrient processes.
- Precision Agriculture
- Integration of technology such as sensors, drones, and data analytics for efficient and cost-effective biological solutions.
- Government and Research Support
- Continuous research, development, and government backing through it;s Government schemes for greener farming practices.
Schemes to Promote Sustainable Agriculture
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
- A centrally-sponsored program that aims to promote organic farming through a combination of modern science and traditional wisdom. PKVY provides financial assistance for training, capacity building, data management, and more. It also helps farmers develop unique brands for their organic produce.
- Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region
- Provides financial assistance for the creation of Farmers Producer Organizations, training, and more.
- Bhartiya Prakratik Krishi Padhati (BPKP)
- A sub-scheme of PKVY that promotes traditional indigenous practices, such as Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF). BPKP is based on on-farm biomass recycling and reduces the need for external inputs.
