Date : 21/10/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 3 – Environment and Ecology

Keywords – ASC, NAAS, FAO, GIAHS

Context

Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has launched the 16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC) in Kochi, Kerala. This event, organized by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), aims to foster sustainability in the agricultural and food systems. The congress will generate recommendations to guide the agriculture sector towards a more sustainable future.

ASC

• The Agricultural Science Congress (ASC) serves as a gathering for agricultural experts, researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to convene and explore vital topics concerning agriculture, sustainability, and related areas.

NAAS

• Meanwhile, the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) is a respected Indian organization dedicated to advancing agricultural science and research. NAAS plays a pivotal role in creating a platform for agricultural scientists to discuss important issues and advancements in agriculture and related sciences.

Understanding Sustainable Agri-Food Systems:

Overview:

• Sustainable agri-food systems encompass a comprehensive approach to agricultural production, distribution, consumption, and waste management. These systems prioritize environmental integrity, social equity, and economic viability. The goal is to fulfill current food needs while ensuring long-term sustainability, minimizing environmental impact, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting social well-being.

Importance of Adopting Sustainability in Agri-Food Systems:

1. Rising Food Demand:

• The increasing global demand for food necessitates the adoption of sustainable agri-food systems. These systems are vital to ensuring consistent food production to meet the needs of a growing population.

2. Environmental Preservation:

• LWidespread environmental degradation resulting from unsustainable agricultural practices highlights the urgency of transitioning to sustainable methods. This shift is crucial to prevent further harm to the environment.

3. Climate Change Challenges:

• Climate change poses a significant threat to agriculture. Sustainable practices are essential to adapting to these challenges and reducing the sector's contribution to climate change.

4. India's Sustainable Agricultural Practices:

• India boasts various sustainable and climate-resistant agricultural practices, such as Pokkali rice and the Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System in Kerala. These practices are recognized by the GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems).

What is GIAHS?

• A GIAHS is a living, evolving system of human communities in an intricate relationship with their territory, cultural or agricultural landscape or biophysical and wider social environment.
• In 2002, during the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, South Africa), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations launched a Global Partnership Initiative on conservation and adaptive management of “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems”.
• The overall goal of the GIAHS Programme is to identify and safeguard Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity, knowledge systems, and culture.

Adopting Sustainability in Agri-Food Systems: Strategies and Approaches

Leveraging Technological Advancements:

• Incorporating enhanced technological interventions is fundamental for promoting sustainability in agricultural practices. Scientific innovations and advanced technologies play a pivotal role in optimizing resource utilization and minimizing adverse environmental effects.

Embracing Genome Editing and Modern Tools:

• Genome editing and other contemporary technologies stand out as essential tools driving agricultural advancements. These innovations address the limitations of traditional breeding methods, paving the way for breakthroughs in sustainable agriculture.

Promoting Carbon-Neutral Agricultural Practices:

• Transitioning towards carbon-neutral agricultural practices is a crucial step in mitigating climate impacts. By adopting these practices, agri-food systems can contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and support global initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

Challenges in Achieving Sustainable Agrifood Systems:

Food Waste and Loss:

• A substantial portion of food is wasted across the supply chain, from production to consumption. Tackling this issue is crucial for enhancing the sustainability of the food system.

Climate Change and Environmental Impact:

• Agriculture contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation. Mitigating these impacts through sustainable practices is vital for a sustainable food system.

Resource Scarcity:

• Depletion of natural resources like water, arable land, and energy poses a challenge to sustainable food production. Efficient resource utilization and sustainable farming practices are essential.

Biodiversity Loss:

• Modern agricultural practices often lead to the loss of biodiversity, disrupting ecosystem services. Encouraging biodiversity-friendly farming approaches is essential for sustainability.

Monoculture and Crop Diversity:

• Over Reliance on monoculture farming makes the food supply vulnerable. Promoting crop diversity and sustainable farming systems can enhance resilience and sustainability.

Government Initiatives Promoting Agrifood Systems:

• India has established the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, providing interest subsidies and credit guarantees to entrepreneurs. This fund aims to build farm gate and agriculture marketing infrastructure, reducing post-harvest losses.
• To conserve water, the government launched a scheme promoting water use efficiency at the farm level through micro-irrigation technologies, supported by a dedicated micro-irrigation fund.
• India has developed 262 abiotic stress-tolerant crop varieties. Additionally, the country operates extensive food-based safety net programs, including the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), benefiting around 800 million people in 2020.
• Furthermore, the United Nations has recognized India's proposal to celebrate 2023 as the 'International Year of Millets'.

Conclusion

Incorporating sustainability principles into agricultural and food systems is absolutely essential given the rising global demand for food, the numerous environmental challenges we face, and the significant impacts of climate change. This integration is vital not only to meet the world's hunger needs but also to mitigate the adverse effects on our environment and address the challenges posed by shifting climate patterns. Additionally, focusing on sustainable agri-food systems is crucial for safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring the overall well-being and prosperity of societies on a larger scale.

Source – PIB