Sustainable Agriculture: What is sustainable agriculture? How is the National Sustainable Agriculture Mission contributing, know in detail

Sustainable Agriculture: Everyone knows that the main basis of agriculture in India is rainfall. It accounts for about 60 percent of the total sown area of ​​the country’s agriculture. At the same time, it is 40 percent of the total food production. Which is the key to the development of rain-based agriculture and meeting the increasing demands of food grains in the country. In view of this, the National Sustainable Agriculture Mission (NMSA) has also been prepared by the Government of India to further accelerate agricultural productivity. Under this, it has been prepared to focus and set coordination on integrated farming, water use, soil health and its management as well as conservation of resources.

We can clearly say that India is the powerhouse of agriculture. Hindustan is the largest producer of dairy as well as spices, many crops like cotton, potatoes, grains, fish, vegetables and fruits. India is leaving behind many developed countries in terms of agriculture. In such a situation, India is rapidly moving on the path of development with sustainable agriculture.

Increasing agricultural development by promoting sustainable use

It is very important that to maintain agricultural productivity, the quality and availability of natural resources like soil and water should be maintained in a better way. Agricultural development can be increased only by promoting the conservation of nature’s invaluable and rare resources as well as their sustainable use.

Increasing agricultural productivity

Everyone knows that the main basis of India’s agriculture is rainfall. The country’s agriculture accounts for about 60 percent of the total sown area. At the same time, it is 40 percent of the total food production. Which is the key to the development of rain-fed agriculture and meeting the increasing demands of food grains in the country. In view of this, the National Sustainable Agriculture Mission (NMSA) has also been prepared by the Government of India to further accelerate agricultural productivity. Under this, it has been prepared to focus and set coordination in integrated farming, water use, soil health and its management as well as conservation of resources.

Keeping pace with changing patterns of agriculture and food chains

To achieve climate-related smart agriculture goals, it is also necessary to increase the consumption pattern along with economic development and sustainable production. Making agriculture and food chains more resilient and in step with the changing weather is also proving useful. National Sustainable Agriculture Mission is also fulfilling these objectives.

Climate Change Council (PMCCC)

National Sustainable Agriculture Mission is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) by the Government of India. In the year 2010, ‘in principle’ approval was given by the Prime Minister to the Climate Change Council (PMCCC). Its objective is to promote sustainable agriculture by preparing a series of adaptation measures for coordination.

Biomass India Initiative

Biomass India Initiative was started in the country for sustainable agriculture, which turns negative climate impact into positive climate product. In which many types of trade fairs, exhibitions and business missions move forward together.

At the same time, to give a new dimension to sustainable agriculture, ‘advanced seeds, animal husbandry, fish farming, pest management, agricultural insurance, farmer credit, including access of crops to the market are included. 

India benefits with Sustainable Agriculture

Protecting the environment

Sustainable agriculture is doing a great job of protecting the environment. It has worked to reduce the serious impact on the ecosystem, soil, water as well as biodiversity. With the help of sustainable agriculture, the problem of water is being solved. Along with this, the quality of the soil is also being improved.

Reducing the use of chemical fertilizers

With sustainable agriculture, the effect of chemical fertilizers is reduced. This helps in planning the quality of the soil. The use of pesticides is avoided. The crop cycle is organized.

Soil health management

Sustainable agriculture includes better management of soil health, management of nutrients, checking the fertility of the soil as well as promoting organic farming methods. Creating land and soil maps and databases based on surveys by scientists on a large scale on the field. Along with this, new methods are also developed through Geographic Information System.

Proper use of water and weed control

With sustainable agriculture, proper management of water in crops is improved. Along with this, weeds are also controlled on the land. In which biological methods of pesticides are also used, so that pollution can be prevented from increasing.

Benefiting farmers through crop rotation

Crop rotation covers about 30 million hectares of land in India. Along with this, it supports about 15 million farmers. Agroforestry, which is currently famous among big farmers, is also trying to benefit small and medium farmers with the help of sustainable agriculture.

 Option

It provides a very important option for sustainable agriculture and traditional input-intensive agriculture. The long-term effects of which include depletion of topsoil, decline in groundwater level and loss of biodiversity.

Objective of National Sustainable Agriculture Mission

Sustainable agriculture not only maintains but also increases the fertility of the soil.

Through sustainable agriculture, nutrients are balanced in crops and made useful.

Maintaining the groundwater level in a better way.

Reducing pollution due to excessive use of chemicals.

Using natural resources in a better way

Functional areas

National Sustainable Agriculture Mission has many work areas, which include research and development, technology, products, infrastructure and capacity building. This mission revolves around 10 different dimensions based on its work. Which includes selection of seeds and sprinkling of water for the promotion of better agricultural practices. Along with this, proper implementation of pests and nutrients and agricultural practices, loans, insurance, market, information and livelihood diversification are also included in it. Risk management, knowledge, research, biotechnology, dryland agriculture are important work areas of this mission.