In this article we will discuss about the concept of evergreen revolution along with the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and the further needs and prospects in the agriculture sector. Evergreen revolution intends to increase farm productivity and decrease ecological harm.
Evergreen revolution intends to increase farm productivity and decrease ecological harm. Green revolution had increased farm productivity but the use of pesticides and fertilizers had caused ecological harm. The degradation of green revolution to greed revolution has further added to the rapid deterioration.
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture was launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Agriculture has been one of the major emission contributors. Also the sector consumes significant amount of electricity, diesel and fertilizers (who by themselves are significant polluters). So, there is an urgent need that the farm sector be given priority in India’s climate mitigation strategy.
The core focus of National mission on agriculture includes Dry land Agriculture, Risk management, access to Information and use of Biotechnology.
Evergreen revolution intends to increase farm productivity and decrease ecological harm. Green revolution had increased farm productivity but the use of pesticides and fertilizers had caused ecological harm. The degradation of green revolution to greed revolution has further added to the rapid deterioration.
Evergreen revolution stresses on Integrated Pest Management and calls for detecting the micro nutrients for providing Integrated Nutrient Supply. Crop rotation is suggested as a means to preserve soil fertility.
The government has set a laudable goal of doubling farm income by 2022. The National Mission on Agriculture Report and M.S Swaminathan Report contain the road map to productive, profitable, and sustainable agriculture. The government should rationalize fertilizer subsidy to curb its excessive use. The GST era has provided an unprecedented opportunity for unified and integrated single National Agricultural Market. Infrastructural bottlenecks should be overcome to achieve this. Improved connectivity and seamless inter-state movement of goods should be facilitated.
A holistic approach should be taken to achieve sustainable use of the water resources. The initiative of “More crop, per Drop” should be expended to cover entire nation. Israel is an example of how technology and efficient resource management can bring about a revolution. Partnering with Israel and implementing technology intensive farming techniques are necessary.
Special Agricultural Zones similar to special Economic Zones can be set up for focused agricultural intervention. These regions can transform into future granaries of the nation.