Revitalizing Agriculture for Sustainable India

Exam-Focused Notes on Regenerative Agriculture in India

Overview

• Regenerative Agriculture: A holistic approach focusing on restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and improving resilience against climate pressures.
• Current Adoption: As of March 2026, natural farming clusters have expanded over 8.80 lakh hectares involving 18.19 lakh farmers.

Government Schemes and Policies

1. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):

   • Launched in 2024 to support farmers transitioning to natural farming.
   • Provides ₹4,000 per acre over two years as output-based incentives.
   • Plans to establish 10,000 bio-input resource centers to facilitate access to bio-inputs.

2. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMKVY):

   • Launched in 2015 to promote organic farming.
   • Offers ₹31,500 per hectare over three years for organic farmers.
   • Coverage of 16.90 lakh hectares by October 2025.

3. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC):

   • Implemented since 2015-16 to enhance water use efficiency through micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler systems).
   • Covers approximately 109 lakh hectares by May 2026 with ₹26,325 crore central assistance.

4. Rainfed Area Development (RAD) Program:

   • Launched in 2014-15 to promote integrated farming systems (IFS).
   • Provides ₹30,000 per family for adopting IFS with additional training funds.

5. Soil Health Card Scheme:

   • Introduced in 2015 to provide scientific soil health assessments.
   • Over 25.89 crore Soil Health Cards issued by March 2026.

Economic Indicators

• Agricultural Growth Rate: Recorded a decade-high growth rate of 4.45% from FY 2016 to FY 2025.
• Investment in Agriculture: Central assistance of ₹2,251.98 crore for IFS adoption.

Environmental Impact

• Soil Restoration: Regenerative practices enhance soil structure and long-term fertility, leading to sustainable productivity.
• Biodiversity Enhancement: Supports pollinators and beneficial insects, strengthening ecosystem balance.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Regenerative practices absorb more carbon than emitted, aiding in reduction of agricultural emissions.

Key Principles of Regenerative Agriculture

• Minimal Soil Disturbance: Protects soil structure and health.
• Diversity Promotion: Involves cover cropping, intercropping, and agroforestry.
• Organic Inputs: Emphasizes the use of natural fertilizers and pest management techniques.

Technological Innovations

• Micro-Irrigation Systems: Improve water efficiency and crop resilience.
• Soil Nutrient Management: Focus on optimizing nitrogen use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

International Context

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): Aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) aimed at enhancing climate resilience and adaptation capacity in agriculture.

Challenges and Concerns

• Soil Degradation: Intensive farming and chemical overuse have led to declining soil fertility and productivity.
• Climate Vulnerability: Farmers face risks from erratic weather patterns affecting crop yields.

Future Directions

• Adoption of Regenerative Practices: Continued government support and farmer education are essential for widespread adoption.
• Focus on Sustainability: Transitioning to regenerative agriculture can lead to environmentally sustainable and economically viable farming systems.

Conclusion

Regenerative agriculture presents a strategic pathway for enhancing agricultural productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability. Government initiatives and farmer participation are crucial for its success, ultimately contributing to a resilient agricultural future in India.