Why Farmers in India and Pakistan Are Shifting to Natural or Regenerative Farming
Why Farmers in India and Pakistan Are Shifting to Natural or Regenerative Farming Global Issues
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Regenerative Farming: A Sustainable Solution for Agriculture
Introduction
Regenerative farming is gaining popularity as a climate solution and a means to ensure food security. This article explores the growing trend of regenerative farming in India and Pakistan, highlighting its potential to benefit the planet’s health and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Farmers Embracing Regenerative Farming
Sultan Ahmed Bhatti, a farmer in Doober Bhattian, Pakistan, switched to regenerative farming nine years ago. His experiment with growing wheat on raised beds proved successful, leading to bumper crops with minimal input costs. Today, Bhatti’s farm attracts researchers, climate experts, and agriculture students who want to learn from his sustainable practices.
Similarly, Samir Bordoloi in Sonapur, India, cultivates various crops using regenerative techniques such as zero tillage, no pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. His farm has transformed from a derelict ground to a flourishing food forest.
Regenerative Farming as a Climate Solution
Experts recognize regenerative farming as a straightforward way to benefit the planet’s health and ensure long-term food security. Francesco Carnevale Zampaolo, program director at SRI-2030, emphasizes the importance of changing agricultural practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sequestration.
Bio-agriculture scientist Dr. Farooq-e-Azam believes that regenerative agriculture holds the key to addressing food insecurity and reducing human-induced land degradation.
Restoring Soil Health
Restoring soil health is a crucial aspect of regenerative farming. Techniques include adding crop residue, composted manure, and natural rock minerals. The specific approaches may vary depending on soil type, weather conditions, and biodiversity.
Challenges and Solutions
Conventional farming practices in India and Pakistan have led to land degradation. Droughts, floods, deforestation, overgrazing, monoculture farming, excessive tillage, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are major causes of land degradation.
However, farmers like Asif Sharif from Pakistan and Dhaniram Chetia from India have successfully adopted regenerative farming techniques. They have found solutions to combat pests and improve soil fertility without relying on harmful chemicals.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
Regenerative farming aligns with several SDGs, including Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 15 (Life on Land). By promoting sustainable agriculture, regenerative farming contributes to food security, climate mitigation, and biodiversity conservation.
The Way Forward
While regenerative farming faces challenges such as lack of government support and poor soil conditions, farmers are experimenting and finding solutions. Government support in terms of modified farm equipment, technical capacity building, and advocacy for sustainable practices can accelerate the adoption of regenerative farming.
Ultimately, regenerative agriculture offers a sustainable path for farmers in India and Pakistan to improve their livelihoods while protecting the environment.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 2.4: Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices such as regenerative farming techniques, reduction in chemical inputs, and diversification of crops.
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Integration of climate change measures in agricultural policies and practices.
- Indicator for SDG 15.3: Restoration of degraded land, improvement in soil health, and reduction in land degradation.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices such as regenerative farming techniques, reduction in chemical inputs, and diversification of crops. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Integration of climate change measures in agricultural policies and practices. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. | Restoration of degraded land, improvement in soil health, and reduction in land degradation. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: globalissues.org
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