Understanding Regenerative Agriculture in India

FAQs on Regenerative Agriculture in India

1. What is regenerative agriculture and how is it different from conventional or organic farming?

Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach to farming that focuses on restoring soil health, increasing biodiversity, improving water cycles, and enhancing overall ecosystem resilience. Unlike conventional farming—which relies on heavy use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and deep ploughing—regenerative farming emphasises:

• Minimal soil disturbance (low or no tillage)
• Use of cover crops to prevent erosion
• Crop rotation for nutrient cycling
• Composting and bio-fertilisers
• Integration of livestock and agroforestry

While organic farming avoids chemical inputs, regenerative farming goes further by actively improving degraded land and helping combat climate change through carbon sequestration and better water conservation.

2. Why is regenerative farming urgently needed in India?

India faces a mix of environmental, economic, and agricultural challenges:

• Soil degradation: Over 30% of India’s land is degraded due to excessive chemical use, monoculture, and erosion.
• Water crisis: Agriculture consumes about 91% of India’s freshwater, accelerating groundwater depletion.
• Climate variability: Erratic rainfall, droughts, and floods frequently disrupt crop output.
• Greenhouse gas emissions: Agriculture contributes over 22% of India’s emissions, mainly from rice cultivation and livestock.

Regenerative farming helps tackle these issues by improving soil organic carbon, boosting water retention, and reducing dependence on synthetic inputs.

3. What examples of regenerative farming practices are emerging in India?

Some successful examples and pilots include:

• Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF): A large-scale initiative involving lakhs of farmers adopting regenerative methods.
• Satara, Maharashtra: Farmers using intercropping, mulching, and drip irrigation to build resilience.
• Punjab and Haryana: Pilot projects introducing cover cropping and direct-seeded rice to cut methane emissions.
• AI-driven soil monitoring: Startups like BharatAgri and CropIn are helping farmers make data-backed soil health decisions.

4. What does the 2025 Union Budget say about regenerative agriculture?

The 2025 Union Budget shows a growing policy shift toward sustainable and climate-resilient farming:

• PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: Focuses on 100 low-performing districts to improve credit, irrigation, and diversification.
• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: Allocates ₹1,000 crore for assured procurement of tur, urad, and masoor.
• New Urea Plant in Assam: Enhances domestic fertiliser availability.
• Seed and climate initiatives: 109 high-yield and climate-resilient seed varieties are being promoted.

While not directly titled as “regenerative,” these policies support its goals of diversification and resilience-building.

5. What are the key benefits of regenerative agriculture for small farmers?

With 86% of India’s farmers being smallholders, regenerative agriculture provides several advantages:

• Lower input costs: Reduced reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
• Higher long-term yields: Healthier soils ensure sustainable productivity.
• Improved water security: Efficient use of water during dry spells.
• Carbon credit opportunities: Farmers can earn by sequestering carbon in soil.
• Better food quality: Safer, more nutritious crops for consumers.

6. What are the main challenges in scaling regenerative agriculture in India?

• Policy misalignment: Current subsidies still favour chemical fertilisers and intensive farming.
• Initial transition costs: Requires new knowledge and patience before benefits appear.
• Knowledge gap: Many farmers lack training materials in local languages.
• Weak infrastructure: Limited storage, transport, and market access for diverse crops.
• Monitoring challenges: Measuring soil carbon and ecosystem health is resource-intensive.

7. How does regenerative agriculture support India’s climate goals and food security?

Regenerative agriculture aligns with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by:

• Capturing atmospheric carbon through soil-based sequestration.
• Reducing methane emissions via alternate wetting and drying in rice cultivation.
• Promoting water-efficient and climate-resilient crops.
• Enhancing food security through healthier soils and consistent yields.

8. Are there government or private partnerships supporting regenerative agriculture?

Yes, multiple collaborations are promoting regenerative agriculture in India:

• State Governments: Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh lead in natural and regenerative farming efforts.
• Private sector and CSR: Companies like ITC, Mahindra, and Tata Trusts fund pilot projects and farmer training.
• Startups: Ecozen, Fasal, and DeHaat provide agri-tech tools and climate-smart solutions.
• International agencies: FAO, GIZ, and The Nature Conservancy support large-scale programs.

9. What can be done to accelerate adoption of regenerative farming in India?

• Redirect subsidies toward bio-fertilisers and compost.
• Expand farmer training via Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and NGOs.
• Ensure public procurement for millets, pulses, and cover crops.
• Build carbon credit readiness with soil measurement tools.
• Encourage local innovations like community composting and seed banks.
• Raise public awareness about the benefits of regenerative farming.

10. What is the future outlook for regenerative agriculture in India?

With growing awareness of soil degradation and climate challenges, regenerative agriculture is gaining national attention. India is at a turning point where:

• Government, private, and community initiatives are aligning.
• Markets for sustainable produce and carbon credits are expanding.
• Climate adaptation is becoming central to food production.

Scaling regenerative agriculture can help India achieve sustainable growth, environmental balance, and farmer prosperity.

“The soil is not just the foundation of our food systems; it is the foundation of our future. A nation that heals its land, secures its people.”