Explain the concept of sustainable agriculture. What are its key objectives and common practices in India?
In short
Sustainable agriculture is farming that maintains productivity and farm incomes while conserving soil, water and biodiversity and building climate resilience for long-term food security. Common Indian practices include crop rotation, micro-irrigation, integrated pest management, organic and natural farming and agroforestry, backed by NMSA, Soil Health Cards and PMKSY.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 262 words
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture1 (NMSA)
Launched in 2014, it focuses on enhancing productivity in rainfed areas through integrated farming and climate resilience, emphasizing soil health and water management.
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana2 (RKVY) and Soil Health Card Scheme
RKVY funds infrastructure and skill development, creating over 2 million jobs; Soil Health Cards enable precise fertilizer use to prevent degradation and improve yields.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
Promotes efficient water use through micro-irrigation and rainwater harvesting, crucial for conserving water in drought-prone regions like Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh.
Low Adoption and Capacity Gaps
Sustainable practices cover limited areas; organic farming is just 2%, with many farmers lacking training and extension support, especially smallholders.
Water and Soil Management
PMKSY promotes micro-irrigation and rainwater harvesting; crop rotation and intercropping improve soil fertility and biodiversity, covering around 30 million hectares nationally.
Enhance Education and Finance
Strengthen extension services and farmer producer organisations in Andhra Pradesh; increase credit access via Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to lower adoption costs.
Policy and Technology Integration
Develop comprehensive policies and promote digital tools like Agri-Stack for real-time advisory and market access, facilitating informed decision-making.
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