Best UPSC Academy in Hyderabad
Climate smart farming (CSF), also called Low-carbon farming (LCF) and often referred to locally as Sustainable Agriculture (SA), practices can deliver on all of these three counts. And as the world moves to implement market-based measures to promote GHG mitigation, markets can offer an additional incentive for small-holder farmers to adopt climate smart practices. The primary reason to adopt CSF should be common sense: the farmers should adopt CSF because they see the direct economic benefits that help promote the well-being of their families and communities.
Global Challenges: Identifying climate change and food insecurity as pressing global issues with far-reaching consequences.
Impact on Agriculture: Exploring the detrimental effects of climate change on agriculture, leading to heightened challenges for farmers worldwide.
Holistic Solution: Introducing CSA as a holistic approach that combines adaptation and mitigation strategies to address the complex challenges posed by climate change.
Emphasizing Importance: Stressing the pivotal role of CSA in fortifying resilience, elevating productivity, and curbing greenhouse gas emissions for sustainable agriculture.
Government Initiatives: Citing Indian government initiatives, including the National Adaptation Fund and Soil Health Mission, as proactive steps toward promoting CSA.
Climate Risks: Analyzing the substantial risks climate change poses to agricultural productivity, with India potentially facing a significant 9% decline in crop yield.
Need for Reforms: Discussing the imperative need for significant reforms in the agriculture sector to adapt traditional farming practices in the face of climate change.
Transformative Approach: Emphasizing the requirement for a radical transformation of the agriculture sector, aligning with sustainable development goals to effectively combat climate change.
Holistic Approach: Exploring the three pillars of CSA, focusing on productivity, adaptation, and mitigation.
Precision Farming: Highlighting the importance of precision farming as a component of CSA in optimizing agricultural methods.
Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Describing CSA’s role in building resilience against climate change, ensuring agricultural sustainability.
Agroforestry and Carbon Sequestration: Identifying specific CSA measures, including agroforestry, for environmental benefits and carbon sequestration.
Paris Agreement: Linking CSA to global initiatives such as the Paris Agreement, reinforcing the commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Global Efforts: Noting community-supported agriculture efforts worldwide as tangible examples of CSA in action.
Specific Measures: Citing studies from the northwest Indo-Gangetic Plain, showcasing the tangible benefits of CSA, particularly in wheat production.
Government Support: Referring to government initiatives in India, such as the Soil Health Card Scheme, as concrete steps supporting CSA.
International Frameworks: Connecting CSA to international frameworks like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, underlining its global relevance.
Climate Impact: Highlighting the potential 9% decline in crop yield in India due to climate change, underscoring the urgency of CSA adoption.
GHG Emissions: Noting agriculture’s significant share (17%) in greenhouse gas emissions in 2018, emphasizing the need for mitigation through CSA.
Economic Autonomy: Pointing out the economic autonomy gained by farmers through CSA implementation, showcasing its positive socio-economic impact.
Government Initiatives: Providing data on government spending on initiatives like the National Adaptation Fund, indicating a commitment to supporting CSA.
Urgency of Action: Emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change’s impact on agriculture and the need for a comprehensive approach like CSA.
Positive Outcomes: Discussing the positive outcomes of CSA, including economic autonomy for farmers and benefits to biodiversity conservation.
Localized Responses: Highlighting the importance of localized responses to climate change and the role of CSA in meeting international obligations.
Investment in Capacity-Building:
Recommending continued investment in capacity-building programs for CSA to empower farmers with knowledge and resources.
Knowledge Dissemination:
Emphasizing the importance of providing practical tools and knowledge for the widespread adoption of CSA practices.
Triple Goals:
Stating the role of CSA in ensuring food security, empowering farmers, and protecting ecosystems, presenting a comprehensive approach.
Unique Juncture in India:
Recognizing the unique juncture in India where CSA adoption is essential due to climate vulnerability and the agricultural sector’s significant contribution to the nation’s economy.