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Sustainable agriculture is at the heart of India’s efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-2, which seeks to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture. With over half of its population dependent on agriculture for their livelihood, India’s push for sustainability in this sector is not only crucial for meeting global commitments but also for ensuring economic stability, environmental health, and rural prosperity. Listed below are few key initiatives India has undertaken to transition its agricultural practices towards sustainability, addressing challenges such as climate change, resource management, and equitable access. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) aims at holistic agricultural development by incentivizing states to increase public investment in this sector. Its key objectives include: Ensuring states have flexibility and autonomy in planning and executing agriculture-related projects. Building robust infrastructure to address critical gaps in the sector. Promoting initiatives that reflect national priorities. Maximizing returns for farmers through integrated development of agriculture and allied sectors. By addressing the regional disparities and infrastructure needs in agriculture, RKVY strengthens India’s commitment to achieving sustainable agricultural practices. National Food Security Mission (NFSM) The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme targeted at achieving SDG-2 goals. Its objectives align closely with India’s commitment to ending hunger and promoting food security. NFSM emphasizes increasing the production of essential crops like rice, wheat, and pulses through sustainable practices. By promoting balanced fertilizer use, integrated pest management, and organic farming, NFSM helps achieve long-term sustainability. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), addresses the risks posed by climate change to agriculture. NMSA promotes adaptation and mitigation strategies to ensure food security and equitable resource access. Key initiatives under NMSA include: Encouraging efficient water use through micro-irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation. Promoting organic farming and agroforestry to enhance soil health and carbon sequestration. Supporting the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties. By integrating sustainability into agricultural planning, NMSA ensures that farmers are equipped to face climatic uncertainties while maintaining productivity. Rashtriya Gokul Mission India's indigenous cattle breeds have unique characteristics such as heat tolerance, disease resistance, and the ability to thrive in extreme climatic conditions. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission, implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, focuses on promoting these breeds to strengthen livestock production systems sustainably. By preserving biodiversity and enhancing milk productivity, this mission contributes to sustainable agriculture. National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Climate resilience is critical for sustainable agriculture. The National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) is a flagship program aimed at adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change. Its four modules are: Natural Resource Management: Improving soil and water conservation practices. Improving Crop Production: Developing and disseminating climate-resilient crop varieties. Livestock and Fisheries: Enhancing adaptive capacities of livestock and fisheries to climatic stress. Institutional Interventions: Strengthening local and national institutions to support climate resilience. NICRA’s holistic approach ensures that all aspects of agriculture, from crops to livestock, are prepared for a changing climate. Promoting Horticulture through MIDH India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally. The National Horticulture Mission (NHM), now subsumed under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), promotes the holistic growth of the horticulture sector through region-specific strategies. The mission focuses on increasing productivity, ensuring post-harvest management, and integrating the horticulture value chain. Horticulture not only diversifies agricultural practices but also enhances farmers’ income, making it a crucial pillar of sustainable agriculture. Soil Health Management (SHM) Sustainable soil management is vital for long-term agricultural productivity. The Soil Health Management (SHM) initiative promotes crop-specific and location-specific soil health practices, including: Developing soil fertility maps to guide nutrient management. Encouraging organic farming to restore soil biodiversity. Minimizing soil erosion through sustainable land-use practices. SHM ensures that farmers use resources judiciously while maintaining soil quality, thus enabling sustainable production. National Agricultural Policy and Research India’s National Agricultural Policy emphasizes sustainability as a core principle. The National Agricultural Research System (NARS), led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and state agricultural universities, integrates sustainability into education and research. By shifting the focus from mere productivity to resource-efficient practices, NARS plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s agricultural future. Despite these initiatives, several challenges remain. Climate change continues to threaten crop yields, water resources are under strain, and smallholder farmers often lack access to modern technologies and infrastructure. However, opportunities abound with the increasing adoption of digital agriculture, precision farming, and public-private partnerships. Sustainable agriculture is the cornerstone of achieving SDG-2. By addressing issues of food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability, India is making significant strides toward rural prosperity. Complementary measures such as better market access, financial inclusion for farmers, and gender empowerment can amplify these efforts. India’s success in adopting sustainable agriculture practices offers a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges. As the world looks to achieve the SDGs by 2030, India’s journey underscores the importance of balancing development with environmental stewardship. To conclude, India’s focus on sustainable agriculture not only aligns with its SDG commitments but also ensures a resilient and prosperous future for its farmers and the nation.

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