Regenerative agriculture is a transformative farming approach designed to enhance soil fertility, sequester atmospheric CO2, increase biodiversity, and improve water and energy management. This method encompasses practices like minimal soil disturbance, diverse crop rotations, and organic material usage. The primary aim is to restore soil health and ecosystem balance, making agriculture more sustainable and resilient.
Soil degradation refers to the deterioration of soil quality due to factors such as erosion, loss of organic matter, and contamination. In India, approximately 29% of the land area is affected by soil degradation, which impacts agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. The loss of fertile topsoil and soil organic carbon (SOC) results in decreased crop yields, increased water scarcity, and heightened vulnerability to climate change.
Regenerative agriculture addresses soil degradation by enhancing soil organic matter and improving soil structure. Techniques such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic composting amplify SOC levels, boost water retention, and minimize erosion. This approach not only rejuvenates degraded soils but also enhances crop yields and reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Soil organic carbon (SOC) represents the carbon stored within soil organic matter, playing a crucial role in soil fertility, nutrient availability, water retention, and overall soil structure. SOC is vital in the carbon cycle and climate regulation as soils can absorb carbon from the atmosphere, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Regenerative agriculture offers numerous economic advantages for smallholder farmers, including:
Carbon credits are certificates representing the reduction of one ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In regenerative agriculture, farmers can earn carbon credits by sequestering carbon in their soil through sustainable practices. These credits can then be traded in voluntary carbon markets, providing an additional income stream for farmers.
The adoption of regenerative agriculture in India faces several challenges, including:
The Indian government supports regenerative agriculture through initiatives like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, promoting practices that improve soil health and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, policies such as the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana provide financial and technical assistance for organic and sustainable farming practices.
Globally, regenerative agriculture holds the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering carbon in soils. It can also enhance biodiversity, improve water use efficiency, and increase food security. By adopting regenerative practices, the global agriculture sector could potentially sequester 100-200 gigatons of CO2 by the end of the century, substantially contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
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