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Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in India

Key Government Initiatives and Their Impact

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in India

  • 08 Sep, 2023
  • 446

Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture prioritizes practices that ensure the long-term health of our environment, society, and economy. In India, the government has launched various policies and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable farming methods while boosting farmers' incomes. These initiatives underscore the commitment to creating a resilient agricultural sector.

Key Government Policies and Initiatives

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

This initiative focuses on providing irrigation facilities and promoting efficient water usage in agriculture. By enhancing irrigation practices, PMKSY aims to increase crop productivity and ensure sustainable water management.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

PKVY encourages organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices. It aims to minimize chemical usage and improve soil health, supporting farmers in adopting eco-friendly methods.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

The RKVY enhances public investment in agriculture and allied sectors. This initiative supports sustainable growth and rural development, enabling farmers to thrive.

Soil Health Card Scheme

This scheme provides farmers with crucial information about soil nutrient status. By offering recommendations for balanced fertilizer use, it aims to improve overall soil health and productivity.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

NMSA promotes climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices. It emphasizes soil health, water efficiency, and crop diversification, ensuring that agricultural practices adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

PMFBY provides insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in the event of crop failures caused by natural disasters. This reduces income risks and contributes to financial stability.

E-NAM (Electronic National Agriculture Market)

The E-NAM platform facilitates online trading of agricultural produce, helping farmers achieve better price realization by expanding their market access.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

This scheme offers farmers easy and timely access to credit for agricultural activities. It promotes efficient resource utilization and empowers farmers financially.

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)

KVKs extend training and knowledge dissemination to farmers, encouraging the adoption of modern and sustainable agricultural practices for better productivity.

Agriculture Export Policy

This policy aims to enhance agricultural exports and improve farmers' incomes through value addition and better market access.

Sustainable Farming Practices and Organic Certification Incentives

Incentives encourage farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices and achieve organic certification, enabling them to command premium prices for their produce.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

PM-KISAN provides direct income support to small and marginal farmers, thereby improving their financial stability and livelihood.

Promotion of Agro-Processing Industries

This initiative encourages value addition in agriculture, reduces post-harvest losses, and creates additional income opportunities for farmers.

National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)

NMOOP aims to boost oilseed production and reduce import dependence, benefitting oilseed farmers significantly.

Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)

AHIDF provides financial support to modernize and strengthen animal husbandry infrastructure, benefiting livestock farmers and enhancing productivity.

Conclusion

The Indian government's policies and initiatives in sustainable agriculture are integral to enhancing farmers' income, ensuring food security, and fostering eco-friendly farming practices. These efforts are designed to achieve long-term agricultural sustainability while improving the livelihoods of farmers across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is sustainable agriculture?
Answer: Sustainable agriculture refers to farming practices that maintain environmental health, economic profitability, and social equity for the long-term benefit of future generations.

Q2. How does PMKSY benefit farmers?
Answer: PMKSY provides farmers with irrigation facilities and promotes efficient water usage, leading to increased crop productivity and sustainable farming practices.

Q3. What is the role of the Soil Health Card Scheme?
Answer: This scheme offers farmers vital information on soil nutrient status and balanced fertilizer recommendations, enhancing soil health and crop yields.

Q4. How does PMFBY support farmers during crop failures?
Answer: PMFBY provides insurance coverage, reducing financial risks for farmers in cases of crop loss due to natural calamities, thus ensuring economic stability.

Q5. What incentives are available for organic farming in India?
Answer: Incentives encourage farmers to adopt organic farming practices and achieve certification, allowing them to access premium prices for their organic produce.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary goal of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)?
A) To promote organic farming
B) To provide irrigation facilities
C) To enhance animal husbandry
D) To increase post-harvest income
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which scheme provides direct income support to small farmers?
A) PM-KISAN
B) PKVY
C) RKVY
D) NMSA
Correct Answer: A

Question 3: What does the Soil Health Card Scheme primarily aim to improve?
A) Crop insurance
B) Soil nutrient management
C) Market access for farmers
D) Animal husbandry methods
Correct Answer: B

 

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