Question

Read the following text carefully:

Climate change and sustainability of environment are two pressing issues that have captured global attention. In recent years, the world has witnessed a surge in extreme weather events, including severe droughts, cloud bursts, floods, landslides, receding coastlines, and the alarming melting of Arctic ice and Himalayan Glaciers. Wildfires have become more frequent and intense. In this context, sustainable agriculture emerges as a crucial solution. This refers to those farming practices that meet today’s requirements while preserving resources for the future generation. This means adopting methods that protect the environment, reduce dependence on chemical inputs, efficiently using water and land, and ensuring socio-economic equity for farmers. On one hand, sustainable agricultural practices are necessary; on the other, they are often more expensive to implement compared to conventional methods. Sustainable practices like organic farming, climate - smart technologies, modern irrigation system may seem costly upfront, but they offer long-term benefits by improving productivity and environmental stewardship. Without accessible and affordable financing options, the much-needed shift to sustainable farming practices will remain a distant dream for many. Therefore, sustainable finance should not only promote eco-friendly practices but also ensure that financial resources are available to the farmers who need it. Source: https://website.vbi.org.in/web/rbi/-/speches - interview/financing-for- sustainable-agriculture (adopted and modified)

On the basis of the given text and common understanding, answer the following questions:

1. Define Sustainable Agriculture. [1]
2. “Sustainable Agriculture practices, like organic farming, may seem costly initially, but offer long-term benefits.”
   Discuss the long term benefits these practices can offer. [3]
3. State any two strategies to promote sustainable development in a developing country like India. [2]

Answer 1

(a)

Sustainable Agriculture: This refers to farming practices that meet current food and fiber needs while preserving future generations’ ability to meet their own. It focuses on:

• Environmental Protection: Reducing chemical use, conserving water/soil.
• Economic Viability: Ensuring farmer profitability.
• Social Equity: Fair wages and community well-being.

Example: Organic farming, crop rotation, and drip irrigation.

(b)

The long-term advantages of sustainable agricultural practices are organic farming, which is as follows: While initially expensive, sustainable methods provide:

1. Enhanced Soil Health: Organic farming improves soil fertility while lowering reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
2. Climate Resilience: Drought-resistant crops and agroforestry reduce climatic hazards.
3. Biodiversity Conservation: Avoids monoculture, protecting ecosystems.
4. Higher Premiums: Organic products fetch higher market prices.
   • Reduced input costs over time, resulting in less spending on chemicals and water.
   • Agriculture’s production and productivity will increase.
   • It is an environmentally friendly practice that encourages sustainable growth.

Example: Sikkim’s 100% organic agricultural program enhanced soil production and tourism earnings.

(c)

Strategies to Promote Sustainable Development in India are:

1. Policy Support and Subsidies:
   • Encourage rainwater collection, organic certification, and the use of solar pumps.
   • Example: PM-KUSUM scheme for solar-powered irrigation.
2. Awareness and Training:
   • Educate farmers on climate-friendly approaches such as zero-budget farming.
   • Example: Kerala’s Jaiva Karshikam project trains farmers in organic methods.
3. Sustainable Finance:
   • Low-interest loans for environmentally friendly technologies, such as drip irrigation.