Present a roadmap for improving farm productivity and profitability in perpetuity without ecological harm in India.

The improvement of farm productivity and profitability in perpetuity without ecological harm implies meeting society’s present food and textile needs, without affecting the ability for current or future generations to meet their needs. There are several ways to increase agricultural productivity but in order to ensure no ecological harm, it is important to develop flexible business processes and farming practices.

Methods

• The adoption of sustainable intensification adopts specific agriculture methods for the enhancement of production and improvement of environmental outcomes. For example, the Vertical farming is a concept with so many advantages like year-round production, controlling pests and diseases, resource recycling, and reduction transportation costs.
• Water efficiency can be improved by using natural irrigation methods and suitable techniques like yielding drought-resistant crops, plant transpiration monitoring, and reducing soil evaporation.
• Refraining from soil tillage before plantation and leaving the remaining part of the plant after harvesting reduces the amount of soil water evaporation and thus prevents soil erosion.
• Using compost from domestic waste which is available in the area.
• Steaming of soil can be helpful as a substitute for chemicals for soil sterilization. To increase the quality of soil health, various methods are available that helps to kill pests.
• Proper crop rotation to ensure soil productivity as well as the growth of production.
• Adoption of alternative agricultural practices like rooftop gardens, community gardens, garden sharing, etc.
• Organic farming and regenerative agriculture.

Comment

Farming in India follows a trend of using more chemical fertilizer and artificial methods of agricultural practices. It is responsible for natural resource depletion as well as degradation of soil health. In order to maintain an environmental balance, the roadmap for improving farm productivity and profitability in perpetuity without ecological harm should be followed.

Topics: GS-IV: Ethics and Human Interface