Regenerative Agriculture: A Potential Step to Restore Soil Health and Enhance Biodiversity
Agriculture is the foundation of India’s economy for centuries. It helps more than 43 percent of the nation’s workforce and accounts for approximately 18 percent of its GDP. The prevailing agricultural model in India places an undue emphasis on the application of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and water resources. The consequences of this situation include soil degradation, water shortages, and reduced crop yields. Regenerative agriculture presents a viable alternative that not only tackles these issues but also improves ecosystem health, thereby promoting long-term sustainability.
What is Regenerative Agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture represents a farming methodology designed to rejuvenate soil health and promote biodiversity. In contrast to conventional farming, which prioritizes immediate yield maximization, regenerative agriculture emphasizes practices such as minimal soil disturbance, cover cropping, crop rotation, and agroforestry. These techniques not only enhance soil fertility but also bolster the land’s resilience to extreme weather conditions and diminish its reliance on external resources.
Regenerative agriculture does not refer to a singular method; rather, it encompasses a range of sustainable agricultural practices. These practices involve the extensive recycling of agricultural waste and the incorporation of composted materials sourced from outside the farm. On smaller farms and in garden settings, regenerative agriculture draws upon principles from permaculture, agroecology, agroforestry, restoration ecology, keyline design, and holistic management. Additionally, larger agricultural operations are progressively implementing regenerative methods, including “no-till” and “reduced-till” approaches.
As soil health improves, the requirement for external inputs may decrease, while crop productivity is likely to increase due to the enhanced resilience of soils to extreme weather events and a decline in pests and diseases. Regenerative agriculture is crucial in the fight against climate change, as it promotes the extraction of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and its storage in the soil. Beyond reducing carbon emissions, the practice of carbon sequestration is gaining recognition within the agricultural community, encouraging both individuals and organizations to participate actively in initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change.
The foundation for enhanced and more consistent carbon sequestration is rooted in the management of soil organic matter (SOM). Given that SOM is predominantly composed of carbon, any increases in its levels will correspond directly to improvements in carbon sequestration. In contrast to conventional agricultural methods that rely on synthetic inputs and often lead to a reduction in SOM, regenerative farming practices, which incorporate both crop and livestock production, contribute to its enhancement.
Why Regenerative Agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture plays a crucial role in revitalizing soil health, enhancing crop productivity, and minimizing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, it contributes to the development of climate resilience and the improvement of water quality.
Regenerative agriculture is dependent on resources derived from the land and is accessible for participation. Additionally, it offers numerous advantages, which include:
- The landscape design of a farm garden optimally utilizes land by incorporating a variety of both tree and annual crops.
- Minimized reliance on a single crop and a low level of risk.
- Enhanced food security along with diets that are varied, nutritious, and free from chemicals.
- Enhanced water management strategies that reduce the effects of drought and flooding.
- The application of mulch enhances the organic matter content in the soil, which in turn mitigates soil erosion, reduces moisture evaporation, and improves moisture retention.
- Enhanced water infiltration, leading to an increase in groundwater recharge.
- Reduced costs of production since all inputs are sourced from the farmer’s garden or in close proximity to it.
- Emerging markets are becoming available for organic food products.
A growing consensus indicates that regenerative agriculture possesses significant potential to rejuvenate soil health and productivity in degraded areas, while also providing economic advantages to smallholder farmers. This approach enhances water use and efficiency by improving the soil’s health and its capacity to retain nutrients. Research has demonstrated that a 1-percent rise in soil organic matter per 0.4 hectare (ha) can boost water storage capacity by over 75,000 litres. Long-term field experiments conducted worldwide have provided evidence that regenerative agricultural practices can markedly increase soil organic carbon stocks. In alignment with its climate commitments, the Government of India has initiated the promotion of various regenerative agriculture principles through the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture.
Regenerative Agriculture in India
In recent years, the Indian government has started to adopt regenerative agriculture as a solution to the environmental and economic issues associated with traditional farming methods. In 2015, the government initiated the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) program to encourage organic farming practices that are consistent with regenerative principles. Notably, states such as Andhra Pradesh have taken the lead in implementing Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), which has received international acclaim.
In other sectors, entities such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research are actively fostering awareness and providing training to farmers in regenerative practices. A notable example is Diageo, which, through its regenerative agriculture initiative, has collaborated with local organizations to empower smallholder farmers with essential knowledge, best practices, and tools to enhance their agricultural methods. Additionally, numerous startups in India are utilizing technology to support regenerative practices. For example, advancements such as soil sensors and AI-driven tools are assisting farmers in optimizing resource use and monitoring soil health.
Benefits for Small Indian Farmers
Numerous essential advantages exist for small farmers in India who choose to engage in carbon sequestration through regenerative agricultural methods. Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role in rehabilitating degraded soils while utilizing less water, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and lowering expenses associated with fertilizers and chemicals. Improved soil health contributes to greater resilience of farms in the face of droughts and excessive rainfall. Furthermore, this approach can yield supplementary income from the burgeoning voluntary carbon credit markets. A carbon credit represents a certificate that allows for the emission of one ton of greenhouse gases, corresponding to one ton of carbon.
Challenges of Adopting Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture, despite its promising potential, encounters numerous obstacles in India. A significant number of farmers are not well-informed about regenerative practices and the advantages they offer over time. Additionally, there exists a reluctance to embrace change, which further complicates the adoption of these sustainable agricultural methods. For example, farmers who are used to chemical-heavy farming may view regenerative techniques as uncertain and less efficient, particularly if they do not observe immediate outcomes. Other challenges in the implementation of regenerative agriculture in India include:
- Transitioning to regenerative agriculture can present significant initial expenses, particularly for small-scale farmers. The process entails various costs, such as training and acquiring new equipment. Additionally, there is a risk of decreased yields during the transition phase. Consequently, many farmers struggle to manage these financial burdens without external support.
- Although certain government initiatives promote Regenerative Agriculture practices, the nation currently does not possess a cohesive awareness about regenerative agriculture. Furthermore, the existing subsidies tend to prioritize conventional inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, which discourages farmers from transitioning to regenerative approaches.
- Regenerative agriculture necessitates the availability of resources such as a variety of seeds, organic materials for composting, and educational infrastructure. In areas that are remote or lacking in resources, the absence of these support systems poses significant challenges for farmers seeking to implement and maintain these practices.
- Although small-scale regenerative initiatives have demonstrated effectiveness, expanding these practices throughout India’s varied agricultural terrain necessitates substantial collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private organizations, and farming communities.
Future of Regenerative Agriculture in India
The prospects for regenerative agriculture in India are highly encouraging. Currently, over 30 percent of the country’s soil is categorized as degraded. Implementing regenerative practices can significantly restore soil fertility and improve long-term yields. Additionally, these practices can reduce farmers’ reliance on costly chemical inputs, thereby lowering their overall expenses. As India advances towards its sustainability objectives, regenerative agriculture is expected to play a crucial role in national initiatives such as the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). With appropriate investments in education, infrastructure, and policy frameworks, regenerative agriculture has the potential to not only fortify India’s food systems but also serve as a global model for sustainable farming practices.
Sources –
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380544422
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374629218
https://www.eitfood.eu/media/documents/FR_edited_Intro_15_11.pdf