India’s agricultural heartland, a symbol of abundance and sustenance, hides a profound paradox: the very practices that nourish millions also strain the environment. “India must balance the need to feed its growing population with the imperative to safeguard its ecosystems,” emphasises Amitabh Ray, Former-Managing Director of Ericsson Global Services India
“India’s agricultural paradox — feeding the present while securing the future — can indeed be resolved. The path forward lies in embracing sustainability as an opportunity, not a constraint.” Amitabh Ray
With agriculture employing 45.8% of the workforce and contributing 18.3% to GDP, it is both a lifeline and a source of environmental concern, particularly as it accounts for significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The challenge lies in addressing these so-called “survival emissions” while ensuring food security and farmer welfare.
Chemical Fertilizers: A Double-Edged Sword
India’s reliance on chemical fertilizers has revolutionized food production but at a steep environmental cost. As the world’s second-largest fertilizer consumer, India uses around two million tonnes annually. This has helped transform agricultural yields — for example, rice production soared from 1.5 tonnes per hectare in the 1960s to over four tonnes today. However, the unchecked use of fertilizers has degraded nearly 40% of Indian soils, according to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The resulting loss of soil fertility not only impacts productivity but also increases farmers’ dependence on costly inputs, further eroding their already fragile incomes.
This paradox is stark: while policies push for higher production, farmers see diminishing returns. With an average income of just ₹6,426 per month, they are caught in a no-win cycle — sacrificing either long-term sustainability for immediate output or financial stability for environmental stewardship.
Agriculture’s Climate Cost
Agriculture contributes substantially to India’s GHG emissions, particularly through methane from livestock. Methane, a gas 25 times more potent than CO₂ in trapping heat, is a major concern. Cultural reverence for cattle, vital for livelihoods and tradition, complicates the task of reducing emissions. Yet, failing to act on agricultural emissions risks undermining India’s climate goals.
Sustainability as an Opportunity
Amid these challenges, sustainable farming practices offer a beacon of hope. Organic farming, agroecology, and regenerative agriculture are gaining traction. India now has over 4.7 million hectares under organic farming, according to the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL). Regenerative practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage are restoring soil health while sequestering carbon. Studies show these methods can increase soil organic carbon by 0.5 to 1.5 tonnes per hectare annually, contributing to climate mitigation.
Regenerative agriculture could also decarbonize the sector significantly, with the potential to reduce 200-250 million tons of CO₂ annually by 2030. This not only aligns with India’s net-zero goals but also supports rural livelihoods.
AgriTech: Transforming the Sector
The rise of AgriTech in India signals a revolution. With nearly 2,800 startups as of December 2023, the sector is leveraging technology to address age-old farming challenges. From precision farming and supply chain management to drone monitoring and satellite analytics, these innovations are enhancing productivity, reducing input costs, and minimizing uncertainties. AgriTech is bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, helping farmers make data-driven decisions and improving resilience to climate change.
Market Trends: A Shift in Consumer Consciousness
The marketplace is also evolving, with consumers increasingly prioritizing sustainability. A Nielsen Global Sustainability Report highlights that 73% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable brands. This shift presents an opportunity for Indian farmers to differentiate their products and capture value for their commitment to eco-friendly practices. However, this requires systemic support to ensure farmers are compensated.
Resolving the Paradox
Efforts to resolve these paradoxes are underway. The Indian government’s push for regenerative agriculture — targeting two million hectares of natural farming by 2025 — aligns with its broader net-zero strategy. Public-private initiatives like the Araku Valley Coffee Project demonstrate the power of collaboration. In this project, tribal farmers cultivate organic coffee, improving both their incomes and local ecosystems. Such models underscore that sustainable farming is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity.
The role of startups, policymakers, and researchers is equally crucial. From capacity-building initiatives to evidence-based interventions, their contributions are paving the way for an agricultural renaissance.
India’s agricultural paradox — feeding the present while securing the future — can indeed be resolved. The path forward lies in embracing sustainability as an opportunity, not a constraint. With innovative technologies, regenerative practices, and consumer-driven demand for sustainable products, the sector is poised for a green revolution. As we navigate this complex journey, one thing is clear: the seeds of change are being sown across India, promising a more sustainable and equitable future.
