In 2023, India submitted its Third National Communication (TNC) report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The report highlights significant trends, government interventions, and mitigation measures in the agricultural sector to combat climate change. Here’s an overview of India’s journey toward sustainable agriculture and emission reduction.
India’s Agricultural Emissions: A Declining Share
Agriculture has historically contributed a significant portion of India’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the sector’s share in total emissions has seen a remarkable decline over the years:
- 2000: 23% of total emissions
- 2010: 18%
- 2019: 13.44%
Despite total agricultural emissions reaching 420.97 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2019, efficiency improvements have led to a reduction in emissions per ton of output. However, emissions per hectare have increased, driven by higher fertilizer use to meet growing food demands.
Key Government Interventions
To promote sustainable farming practices, India has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing emissions while maintaining agricultural productivity:
- Organic and Biofertilizers
Encouraging the use of organic inputs and biofertilizers to reduce chemical dependence. - Crop Diversification and Legume Integration
Promoting crop rotation with legumes to improve soil health and reduce nitrogen demand. - Micro-Irrigation Systems
Supporting precision irrigation methods, such as drip and sprinkler systems, to optimize water usage. - Neem-Coated Urea
Introduced to slow the release of nitrogen and reduce nitrous oxide emissions by approximately 5%.
Advancing Sustainable Rice Cultivation
Rice cultivation is a major contributor to methane emissions. To address this, innovative practices have been adopted:
- Aerobic Rice Cultivation with Micro-Irrigation: Reduces water usage and methane emissions.
- Direct Seeded Rice (DSR): Eliminates puddling, conserving water and reducing emissions.
- System of Rice Intensification (SRI): Uses less water and fewer inputs while improving yields.
Emerging Fields in Sustainable Agriculture
1. Carbon Farming and Carbon Credits
Carbon farming is gaining traction, allowing farmers to adopt practices that sequester carbon in soils, earning credits in global carbon markets.
2. Agri-Tech Startups
Innovative startups are developing mobile apps and IoT-based solutions to help farmers monitor soil health, weather conditions, and irrigation needs in real-time.
3. Agroforestry Integration
Encouraging the planting of trees alongside crops provides shade, improves biodiversity, and contributes to carbon sequestration.
4. Climate-Resilient Crops
Development of drought-resistant and heat-tolerant crop varieties is helping farmers adapt to erratic weather patterns while maintaining yields.
Mitigation Measures for a Greener Future
India’s agricultural policies focus on holistic solutions to mitigate emissions while enhancing resilience against climate challenges:
- Vermicomposting and Biogas Production
Recycling crop residues to produce organic fertilizers and energy. - Soil Health Cards and Leaf Color Charts
Facilitating precise fertilizer application based on soil and crop needs. - Zero-Till Wheat Farming
Prevents terminal heat stress and minimizes soil disturbance. - Integrated Farming Systems
Combines crop, livestock, and other enterprises to diversify income and reduce risks.
The Way Forward
India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture is evident in its declining share of agricultural emissions and the introduction of innovative practices. By focusing on efficiency, precision, and environmentally friendly methods, the country is setting a benchmark in balancing agricultural productivity with ecological responsibility.
Summary of Comprehensive Agricultural Emissions Reduction Strategies
