How can sustainable agriculture save energy

It aims to help policymakers, administrators, philanthropists, and others contribute to an evidence-based scale-up of SAPSs, which represent a vital alternative to conventional, input-intensive agriculture in the context of a climate-constrained future. The study identifies 16 SAPSs — including agroforestry, crop rotation, rainwater harvesting, organic farming and natural farming — using agroecology as an investigative lens.

Based on an in-depth review of 16 practices, it concludes that sustainable agriculture is far from mainstream in India. Further, it proposes several measures for promoting SAPSs, including restructured government support and rigorous evidence generation. Evidence from Andhra Pradesh. Download Study. Download Executive Summary. Key Highlights Sustainable agriculture offers a much-needed alternative to conventional input-intensive agriculture, the long-term impacts of which include degrading topsoil, declining groundwater levels and reduced biodiversity.

While various definitions of sustainable agriculture exist, this study uses agroecology as a lens of investigation. Sustainable agriculture is far from mainstream in India, with only 5 crop rotation; agroforestry; rainwater harvesting; mulching and precision SAPSs scaling beyond 5 per cent of the net sown area.

Many are practised by less than one per cent. Crop rotation is the most popular SAPS in India, covering around 30 million hectares Mha of land and approximately 15 million farmers. Agroforestry, mainly popular among large cultivators, and rainwater harvesting have relatively high coverage - 25 Mha and Mha, respectively.

Organic farming currently covers only 2. Strengthening public seed production and distribution system and promoting public private partnerships 4. Support to private and public sector for investment in infrastructure for production and management of good quality planting material and facilities for phenomics 5. Development of Seed Reserves for implementing alternative cropping strategies and to mitigate risks arising out of extreme events. Capacity Building 1.

Demonstration of improved packaging practices, good quality seeds, resource conservation technologies and improved water management practices 2. Support to ICAR, SAUs for capacity building and training of field functionaries and infrastructure development for training and skill development 4.

Developing and strengthening farmer-institution-industry interface and sharing knowledge and best practices related to climate change and its impact, adaptation and mitigation needs There are two centers or educational institutes for educating farmers about sustainable agriculture- The Kerr Center for Sustainable agriculture and Sustainable Agriculture Education in US.

These organization works for research and development and educating farmers regarding sustainable crop production, sustainable animal farming and Livestock production. Toggle navigation. Home current Agriculture News Contact Us. Sustainable Agriculture.

Stay Connected. Polyculture is an important element of soil fertility management and pests, and therefore an asset for increasing yields. Cover crop is an intermediate culture between two production cultures. Its main function is to protect land against erosion and enhance soil quality. The use of cover crops reduces the need for chemicals such as fertilizers. Reducing or avoiding tillage allows to grow crops without disturbing the soil arrangement and thus reduce erosion, but also increases the amount of infiltrating water, boosts organic matter retention and nutrient cycle.

IPM is based on experimentation and observation, allowing to develop crops in harmony with their environment and make them profitable. It takes into account biological methods of plant protection and ensures their integration, in order to control the development of pests while minimizing the use of chemical pesticides. Agroforestry is the association of trees and crops or animals on the same plot.

This ancestral practice allows a better use of resources, a greater biological diversity and the creation of a microclimate favorable to yield increase.

Likewise, a smart integration of animal production can be a recipe for more efficient crops and profitable farms. For agriculture to be sustainable, using clean, efficient and renewable energies is crucial. Examples of renewable energies and energy efficiency in agroindustry systems include solar irrigation, geothermal heating and drip irrigation.

Smart farming and precision agriculture play a crucial part in sustainable agriculture, using big data and new technologies such as IoT, drone imagery and smartphone apps to harvest as much matter and products as possible, while consuming less energy and inputs fertilizers, phytosanitary products, water.

The first advantage of sustainable agriculture is the protection of the environment, reducing erosion and natural resource degradation, improving air and water quality, increasing biodiversity, as well as decreasing carbon emissions.

As a result, farmers are able to produce safer and healthier food for consumers and surrounding communities. Another benefit of sustainable farming methods is that they provide decent income, but also jobs, food and other goods and services for the majority of people now living in poverty. Besides, it allows to boost rural territories and create social links between the rural and urban world.

Food security and productivity. Sustainable agriculture will have to prove itself facing with intensive agriculture. Even though it is more reasonable, it cannot offer the same short-term returns. With the growing population and the persistently high levels of hunger and malnutrition, sustainable agriculture yields need to address the food security issue by producing more in less time, while using fewer natural resources.

Natural resources availability. The other big challenge that green agriculture is facing is undoubtedly the rapid degradation and depletion of natural resources. A label focused on both the environment and profitability. For the first time a label proves the economic profitability of solutions that protect the environment. The Solar Impulse Foundation is selecting 1, solutions that protect the environment in a profitable way and awarding them the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Label.

Collaborating with independent experts and with renowned institutions, the World Alliance proposes to evaluate its members solutions free of charge. The Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions label will offer a competitive edge to innovators and a guarantee of quality to solution seekers. Latest News View all. The climate transition will be just or will not happen! Finally implementing an almost already obsolete Paris Agreement. Climate activists should call for solutions as much as denounce problems.

Latest Solutions View all. An e-bike with cargo capabilities to transition from car traffic to year around cycling. Providing Power-to-X and Gas-to-Liquid applications to produce sustainable e-fuels and e-products.