The government of India is working on a comprehensive strategy to improve the sustainability and productivity of the agriculture sector by 2047, the year when the country will celebrate its 100th year of independence. The strategy involves reducing the use of water and fertilisers, enhancing the soil quality by using organic products, diversifying the crops and scaling up agroecology in India.
Reducing water and fertiliser usage
One of the major challenges facing the Indian farmers is the inefficient and excessive application of water and fertilisers, which degrades the soil health and affects the crop yield. To address this issue, the government has launched the Soil Health Card scheme in 2015, which provides personalised fertiliser recommendations to every farmer based on the soil test results. The scheme has distributed over 150 million cards to farmers across India, with the aim of encouraging judicious use of fertilisers and water. The Soil Health Card contains information on 12 parameters of soil quality, such as pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, boron, sulfur and electrical conductivity. Based on these parameters, the card also indicates the optimal dosage of fertilisers and soil amendments required for each crop. The scheme is expected to help farmers save costs on fertilisers, increase crop yield and income, and reduce environmental pollution.
Enhancing soil quality
Another aspect of the strategy is to enhance the soil quality by using organic products, such as compost, biofertilisers, vermicompost and green manure. These products can improve the soil structure, fertility, water retention and microbial activity, as well as reduce the dependence on chemical inputs. The government is also promoting natural farming and organic farming practices, which are based on agroecological principles and do not use any synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. These practices can help preserve the soil biodiversity, restore soil health and prevent soil erosion.
Diversifying crops
The government is also encouraging farmers to diversify their crops and adopt crop rotation and intercropping systems, which can enhance the soil biodiversity, resilience and nutrient cycling. The government is also focusing on increasing the production of high value crops, such as millets, pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables, which have higher nutritional value and market demand. The government is also supporting farmers to grow climate resilient crops, which can withstand extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. These measures can help farmers reduce risks from crop failures, improve food security and nutrition, and access new markets.
Scaling up agroecology
The overarching goal of the strategy is to scale up agroecology in India, which is a holistic approach to farming that integrates ecological, social and economic aspects. Agroecology aims to create sustainable food systems that are based on local knowledge, innovation and participation. Agroecology can also help India achieve its targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as ending hunger and poverty, ensuring food security and nutrition, promoting health and well-being, combating climate change and conserving biodiversity.
The government is expected to lay out a roadmap for implementing this strategy in the coming months, as it prepares for its Vision 2047. The strategy is expected to improve the farm output and income, as well as address the twin problems of a growing population that needs to be fed through higher and sustainable agricultural production while mitigating the impact of existing farm techniques on climate and soil health.