Give a brief note on the following: (i) Sustainable agriculture (ii) Acid Rain

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Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Sustainable agriculture is climate-resilient farming that conserves soil and water, promoted by the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and Soil Health Cards. Acid rain forms when sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from industry and vehicles mix with rain, lowering soil pH and damaging crops, aquatic life and the Taj Mahal.

**Introduction**

Sustainable agriculture and acid rain critically impact India’s environment and agriculture, requiring integrated policy responses.

**Institutional Frameworks Supporting Sustainable Agriculture and Pollution Control**

1. **National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture⟦3⟧⟦2⟧⟦1⟧**: Implements climate-resilient practices through Rainfed Area Development and Per Drop More Crop, benefiting farmers in ==Andhra Pradesh== and drought-prone areas.  
2. **Soil Health Card Scheme**: Over 25 crore cards issued, enabling balanced fertiliser use to reduce soil degradation and pollution.  
3. **Pollution Control Regulations**: BS-VI standards and real-time air quality monitoring address emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, key acid rain precursors.  
4. **State-Level Integration**: ==Andhra Pradesh== combines national schemes with local extension services to promote sustainable farming and monitor acid rain impacts.

**Challenges in Implementation and Environmental Outcomes**

1. **Adoption Barriers**: Excessive fertiliser and pesticide use persists, especially in drought-prone ==Rayalaseema==, undermining sustainability goals.  
2. **Acid Rain Impact**: Lowers soil pH, harms crops, aquatic ecosystems, and monuments like the Taj Mahal, and causes heavy metal leaching into water.  
3. **Enforcement Gaps**: Weak emission standard enforcement and low public awareness limit acid rain mitigation, especially in northern industrial belts.  
4. **Climate Change Effects**: Altered rainfall and temperature extremes exacerbate challenges, highlighting the need for climate-resilient agroforestry practices⟦4⟧ such as those in drought-prone Karur.

**Conclusion**

Enhancing climate-resilient agriculture under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and enforcing pollution controls are vital for India’s ecological and agricultural sustainability, supporting SDG 13 and SDG 15.

Give a brief note on the following: (i) Sustainable agriculture (ii) Acid Rain

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