Trapti Moonat, Prashasti Yadav
Meeting the food needs of a growing global population is a significant challenge. The United Nations data projects that the production of food from plants and animals needs an increase by 70% by 2050 compared to 2009 levels. However, 90% of deforestation and over one-third of global carbon emissions are already brought about by modern farming practices. Conventional methods of increasing food production are likely to deepen environmental deterioration. One way that can simultaneously preserve natural resources and mitigate climate change is sustainable farming.
Agriculture and Its Economic Role
With over a billion workers and an annual food production of over $1.3 trillion, agriculture is the largest industry in the world. Since it accounts for over half of the planet’s viable land, it is essential to safeguarding biodiversity. Agriculture can contribute to habitat restoration, watershed protection, and soil and water quality improvement when it is managed sustainably. However, unsustainable practices-especially in developing nations-continue to harm ecosystems and threaten livelihoods.
Environmental Impact of Conventional Farming
Deforestation is one of the main environmental issues that agriculture brings. Agriculture covers more than half of the vegetated land on Earth. The environment has been harmed by this. Farmland expansion into forests and wildlands disrupts ecosystems, releases carbon that has been stored, and reduces biodiversity. Furthermore, fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture pollute freshwater and marine environments, making it a major source of pollution. While pesticides can have long-term consequences on the health of humans and animals, fertilizer runoff contributes to algae blooms and the deterioration of coral reefs.
Another problem is water scarcity, considering agriculture is the biggest user of this essential resource on Earth, using over 69% of the freshwater supply. Water-intensive crops and ineffective irrigation deplete freshwater supplies, jeopardizing the world’s water security. Water availability has been further challenged by climate change, which also makes droughts harsher and changes the timing of precipitation.
Sustainable Farming Approaches
Sustainable farming practices can play an important role to overcome these issues. By integrating conservation techniques with modern technology, the agricultural sector can increase productivity while reducing environmental impact. One key strategy is improving resource efficiency. Precision agriculture-enabled by digital connectivity-allows farmers to monitor soil health, optimize irrigation, and apply fertilizers and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy. The McKinsey Center for Advanced Connectivity estimates that connected agriculture could add $500 billion to the global GDP by 2030, reflecting a 7–9% increase over current expectations. For instance, Integrated Farm Management (IFM) is an extremely popular term when it comes to sustainable agriculture. By integrating soil health management, efficient water use, crop diversification, natural pest control, and responsible resource utilization, IFM minimizes negative environmental impacts and improves long-term farm productivity. It also boosts yields and strengthens climate resilience.
Another solution is shifting toward controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Techniques such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and aquaponics allow food production in controlled settings, reducing land use and water consumption. These methods can achieve higher yields with fewer inputs, making them well-suited for urban and resource-scarce environments. Similarly, net and poly houses protect crops from pests and extreme weather, minimizing the need for chemical interventions.
India serves as a case study of how sustainable agriculture may increase economic growth and improve food security. India is an important producer of pulses, rice, and wheat as well as being the world’s top producer of milk and spices. According to NITI Aayog, the nation achieved a 5% growth rate in the farm sector between 2016–17 and 2022–23 by focusing on agricultural development. Climate-resilient seeds, online marketplaces, and better irrigation are among the initiatives that are helping farmers maximize their harvests while limiting their impact on the environment. Government initiatives like PM-KISAN, Soil Health Card Scheme, and e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) have enhanced farmers’ financial stability and market access.
Technology-driven approaches are bettering farming operations. Market research and land identification based on soil quality, water availability, and proximity to markets are helping farmers make informed decisions. The adoption of best-suited seeds and agri-inputs, combined with efficient procurement of equipment, ensures better productivity. Developing 365-day crop calendars and turnkey implementation models from sowing to harvest further streamline farming processes.
Additionally, market linkages are essential for sustainable agriculture. A fair price for farmers is ensured by traceability systems and quality certificates, which further increase trust among customers. Small-scale farmers and purchasers are connected by digital platforms, which lowers food waste and supply chain inefficiencies.
Sustainable farming is an environmental and social imperative. Three-quarters of the world’s population living below the poverty line rely on farming for their livelihood. However, subsidies and global market dynamics often lead to overproduction, driving down prices and forcing small farmers into unsustainable practices. Supporting fair trade policies, investing in rural infrastructure, and providing access to financial services can help farmers adopt sustainable methods without compromising their incomes. For instance, smaller/decentralised cold storages reduce post-harvest losses, support small farmers, and improve market access. They ensure localized storage of perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy, ensuring better price, reduced wastage and enhanced food quality, strengthening India’s agricultural value chain.
As the global population nears 9.7 billion by 2050, moving to sustainable farming is a must for making sure food security, economic stability, and environmental resilience for generations ahead.
