‘Intensive agricultural systems must be re-aligned to long-term sustainability’ – The Hindu

Report on the 89th Annual Convention of the Indian Society of Soil Science: Aligning Agricultural Practices with Sustainable Development Goals

Urgent Call for Sustainable Agricultural Transformation to Meet SDG 2 and SDG 15

At the 89th Annual Convention of the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS), a primary focus was placed on the critical need to realign intensive agricultural systems towards long-term sustainability. This aligns directly with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

• A.K. Patra, Vice-Chancellor of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, identified agriculture as the most vulnerable component of the food system, necessitating immediate scientific intervention to ensure food security and promote sustainable agriculture (SDG 2).
• Prof. Patra highlighted land degradation and biodiversity loss as pressing global challenges. He stressed that achieving sustainability requires a concerted effort to conserve soil, enhance productivity, and promote agricultural systems that protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15).

Technological Innovations and Policy Integration for Climate Action and Resource Efficiency

The convention underscored the role of technology and innovation in building climate-resilient agricultural systems, a key component of SDG 13 (Climate Action), and in promoting efficient resource use, contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

M. Raveendran, Director of Research at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), detailed emerging technologies for sustainable soil management:

1. The use of sensors for nutrient optimization and hand-held devices for nutrient diagnostics.
2. The deployment of portable instruments to quantify soil microbial activity.
3. The integration of AI tools, drone imaging, and satellite-based systems for real-time monitoring of soil parameters.

Emphasis was also placed on improving nutrient use efficiency through next-generation inputs, which supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production):

• Third-generation fertilizers
• Water-soluble fertilizers
• Nano-fertilizers
• Biofertilizers

Fostering Responsible Consumption and Collaborative Partnerships for the Goals

The event highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and responsible consumption patterns to achieve the SDGs.

• The collective commitment of the soil science community was underscored, emphasizing the need for strong collaborations among researchers, policymakers, and farmers, which is central to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
• B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, introduced the Gandhian concept of “Cap on Consumption (COC),” advocating for a model of consuming less to contribute more, directly supporting the principles of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

National Initiatives and Future Directions

Experts at the convention deliberated on the impact of key national missions aimed at advancing sustainable agriculture and climate action in India. These initiatives are practical applications of the principles outlined in the SDGs.

• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
• National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
• Initiatives for reducing methane emissions through carbon credit-linked programmes, contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   • SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The article’s central theme is the need to realign intensive agricultural systems for long-term sustainability, enhance productivity, and ensure the food system’s resilience. This directly connects to ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.
   • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The mention of the “Cap on Consumption (COC) formula” by B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, which encourages consuming less, directly addresses sustainable consumption patterns.
   • SDG 13: Climate Action: The article highlights the importance of climate resilience in agriculture and mentions specific initiatives for “reducing methane emissions through carbon credit-linked programmes,” which is a direct action against climate change.
   • SDG 15: Life on Land: The article explicitly identifies “land degradation” and “biodiversity loss” as pressing global challenges. It calls for “conserving soil” and promoting sustainable agricultural systems to combat these issues, which is the core of SDG 15.
   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The discussion on scientific intervention and the integration of advanced technologies like “AI tools, drone imaging, and satellite-based systems,” as well as “next-generation inputs” like nano-fertilizers, points to the role of innovation in making agriculture sustainable.
   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article underscores the importance of “strong collaborations among researchers, policymakers, and farmers.” The event itself, jointly organized by the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), exemplifies such a partnership.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   • Target 2.4: “By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production… and that progressively improve land and soil quality.” The article’s call to realign “intensive agricultural systems to long-term sustainability” and the focus on “sustainable soil management and climate resilience” directly align with this target.
   • Target 15.3: “By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil… and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.” The article’s identification of “land degradation” as a key challenge and the call for “conserving soil” are central to this target.
   • Target 13.1: “Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.” The national focus on “climate resilience” in agriculture, as mentioned by M. Raveendran, is a direct effort towards achieving this target.
   • Target 9.5: “Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries… encouraging innovation.” The detailed description of emerging technologies like “sensors for nutrient optimization,” “AI tools,” “drone imaging,” and “nano-fertilizers” reflects an effort to upgrade technological capabilities in the agricultural sector.
   • Target 12.2: “By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.” The Gandhian thought of a “Cap on Consumption (COC) formula” to “contribute more and consuming less” is a principle aimed at the efficient and sustainable use of resources.
   • Target 17.16: “Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources…” The article highlights the “collective commitment of the Soil Science community” and the need for “strong collaborations among researchers, policymakers, and farmers,” which are forms of multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   • Implied Indicators for Target 2.4 and 15.3: While not stating official UN indicators, the article implies methods for measurement. The use of “sensors for nutrient optimization, hand held devices for nutrient diagnostics, and portable instruments capable of quantifying soil microbial activity” are tools to generate data on soil health and nutrient use efficiency. “Real-time monitoring of soil parameters” using satellite and drone imaging can serve as a proxy indicator for the health and sustainability of agricultural land.
   • Direct Indicator for Target 13.1: The article explicitly mentions “reducing methane emissions” as a goal. The volume of methane emission reduction from agriculture would be a direct indicator of progress. The mention of “carbon credit-linked programmes” implies a system for quantifying and verifying these reductions.
   • Implied Indicators for Target 9.5: The adoption and integration rate of new technologies can be used as an indicator. This includes the use of “AI tools, drone imaging, and satellite-based systems” in agriculture, as well as the market penetration of “third-generation fertilizers, water-soluble fertilizers, nano-fertilizers, and biofertilizers.”
   • Qualitative Indicators for Target 17.16: The existence and effectiveness of national programs like the “National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)” and “National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)” serve as qualitative indicators of partnerships and policy implementation. The number of collaborative projects between researchers, policymakers, and farmers could also be a measurable indicator.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: thehindu.com