Soil Degradation in India: The Need for Regenerative Agriculture

The Crisis of Soil Degradation

Soil degradation in India is a pressing concern, with over 29% of the country’s agricultural land—about 96.4 million hectares—currently affected. This degradation not only threatens food security but also poses significant risks to India’s environmental and economic sustainability. With the global commitment to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices has become imperative.

What Causes Soil Degradation?

Key factors contributing to soil degradation include over-reliance on chemical fertilisers, unsustainable farming practices, deforestation, and overgrazing. These activities disrupt soil structure, reduce organic matter, and deplete essential nutrients, leaving the land less fertile and more susceptible to erosion.

Regenerative Agriculture: A Path to Restoration

Regenerative agriculture offers a practical solution to address soil degradation. By focusing on enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and water retention, it aims to restore degraded lands while supporting farmers' livelihoods.

Key Practices in Regenerative Agriculture

No-Till Farming: Reduces soil disturbance, improving soil structure and moisture retention.

Cover Cropping: Protects soil from erosion, enhances nutrient cycling, and improves organic matter.

Agroforestry: Integrates trees with crops, offering shade, reducing erosion, and boosting biodiversity.

Crop Rotation: Alternates crops to improve soil fertility and reduce pests and diseases.

Also Read: Sustainable Farming Practices: Adapting to Modern Challenges in Agriculture

Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture

1. Enhanced Soil Health

These practices rebuild soil organic matter and improve soil fertility, making land more productive over time.

2. Climate Change Mitigation

Regenerative agriculture plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Studies show that smallholder farmers can sequester 1 to 4 tons of CO2 per hectare annually, contributing to climate resilience. This can also open avenues for farmers to earn from carbon credits, valued between ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per ton.

3. Improved Water Efficiency

By enhancing water retention and reducing runoff, these methods support efficient water use, crucial for drought-prone regions.

4. Economic Resilience

Healthier soils lead to better yields and reduce dependence on expensive chemical inputs, improving farmers' long-term profitability.

Current Initiatives Driving Change

Several organisations and programs are actively promoting regenerative agriculture in India:

Regenagri

Has brought 1.25 million acres of farmland under regenerative practices.

Sai Sustainable Agro and Krishi Janai PBC

Work with farmers to integrate sustainable techniques and improve awareness.

These initiatives are critical in scaling the adoption of regenerative agriculture and demonstrating its potential to transform India’s agricultural landscape.

Challenges to Adoption

Despite its benefits, the adoption of regenerative agriculture faces several barriers:

• Many farmers remain unaware of these practices and their long-term benefits.
• Transitioning from conventional methods requires training, financial support, and access to tools.
• Stronger policy measures and incentives are needed to encourage widespread adoption.
• Traditional farming practices are deeply ingrained, and farmers may hesitate to shift without tangible short-term benefits.

The Way Forward

To combat soil degradation and secure a sustainable future, a multi-pronged approach is essential:

Awareness Campaigns: Educate farmers about regenerative practices through workshops and demonstrations.

Financial Incentives: Provide subsidies, low-interest loans, and support for carbon credit programs.

Policy Support: Develop robust policies that integrate regenerative agriculture into national agricultural strategies.

Capacity Building: Train farmers and extension workers to implement and sustain these practices effectively.

India’s agricultural future depends on our ability to restore soil health and promote sustainable practices. Regenerative agriculture offers a promising path forward, but its success requires collective effort from farmers, policymakers, and organisations. By adopting these methods, we can not only revitalise our degraded lands but also ensure a resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem for generations to come.