|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Govt strengthens sustainable agriculture practices through targeted schemes
|
|
Monday, 17 August, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Our Bureau, Mumbai
|
The Government of India is strengthening sustainable agriculture practices across the country through a range of schemes focused on balanced nutrient management, efficient water use, conservation agriculture, organic and natural farming, agroforestry and climate-resilient technologies, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
As agriculture is a State subject, the Centre is supplementing the efforts of State and Union Territory governments through various programmes aimed at improving resource efficiency and ensuring the long-term sustainability of farming.
Under the Soil Health & Fertility Scheme, States are supported in promoting Integrated Nutrient Management through judicious fertiliser use. So far, 26.18 crore Soil Health Cards have been generated, helping farmers improve fertiliser-use efficiency and adopt balanced nutrient application.
The Government is also implementing the Per Drop More Crop scheme to improve water-use efficiency through micro-irrigation and fertigation. Under the initiative, 114.60 lakh hectares have been brought under micro-irrigation, benefiting around 100 lakh farmers. Fertigation enables water-soluble fertilisers to be delivered directly to the root zone, improving the precision of nutrient application.
Organic farming is being promoted through the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). Farmers receive assistance of ?15,000 per hectare through Direct Benefit Transfer under the two programmes. PKVY has covered 18.93 lakh hectares, benefiting 33.63 lakh farmers, while MOVCDNER has brought 2.36 lakh hectares under organic farming and benefited 2.74 lakh farmers.
The Government is also encouraging agroforestry by integrating trees with crops and supporting nursery development. Financial assistance of ?16 lakh is available for establishing large nurseries on one hectare, ?10 lakh for small nurseries on 0.5 hectare and up to ?5 lakh per existing nursery for raising saplings. Over the past three years, 826 nurseries have been established and around 1,062.18 lakh saplings raised.
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2024, seeks to promote scientifically backed agro-ecological farming practices to improve sustainability, climate resilience and food safety. Under the mission, 11.81 lakh hectares have been covered across 24,031 clusters, benefiting 24.69 lakh farmers. Farmers receive an incentive of Rs 4,000 per acre for two years to undertake natural farming, prepare natural farming inputs or purchase inputs from Bio-input Resource Centres.
Crop diversification is also being promoted through initiatives such as the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds (NMEO-OS), National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
To strengthen irrigation and water conservation, the Government is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), which aims to expand assured irrigation, improve on-farm water-use efficiency and promote sustainable water management. Under the Har Khet Ko Pani component, the Surface Minor Irrigation and Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies schemes are being implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Water conservation activities are also being prioritised under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission – Gramin (VB-G RAM-G) through Natural Resource Management works.
According to NITI Aayog's evaluation of various schemes, 62.46 per cent of farmers under Per Drop More Crop reported a substantial increase in water-use efficiency or crop yield, while 70.28 per cent of farmers under the Rainfed Area Development Scheme reported a substantial improvement in farm productivity. Further, 63.78 per cent of farmers adopting Soil Health Card recommendations reported improved fertiliser-use efficiency or crop yield.
The evaluation also found that 68.5 per cent of farmers reported improved soil health through the use of natural inputs, while 75.85 per cent of farmers under organic farming reported significant improvements in soil fertility, lower chemical input costs or better produce quality. Under the National Mission on Natural Farming, 90.1% of farmers reported reduced input costs compared with the use of chemical fertilisers.
The evaluation highlighted MIDH's contribution to farm profitability, livelihood diversification and long-term capacity building in horticulture. Strategic interventions under edible oil initiatives could raise domestic edible oil availability to 16 million tonnes by 2030 and 26.7 million tonnes by 2047, strengthening India's self-sufficiency in oilseeds.
The Central Ground Water Board's pre-monsoon 2026 assessment also indicated that groundwater conditions remain largely stable across the country. Of the 9,085 monitoring wells assessed, 87.8%, or 7,977 wells, were categorised as normal.
The Government said the adoption of sustainable farming practices varies according to agro-climatic conditions, irrigation infrastructure and local resources. Despite challenges from biotic and abiotic stresses, agricultural production has continued to grow over the past decade. Foodgrain production increased from 252.03 million tonnes in 2014–15 to a record 357.73 million tonnes in 2024–25, while horticulture production rose from 280.98 million tonnes to 370.73 million tonnes during the same period.
The Government said continued investments in efficient irrigation, water conservation, resource management and climate-resilient technologies are aimed at integrating environmental sustainability with economic viability and strengthening the resilience and long-term growth of India's agricultural sector.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|