Strengthening India''s Food Security Through Sustainable Agriculture

Why is it in News?

Agriculture remains the backbone of India''s economy, supporting nearly half of the country''s workforce. However, climate change, depleting groundwater, soil degradation, and changing rainfall patterns have highlighted the need for sustainable agricultural practices.

India''s Agricultural Challenges

India faces multiple challenges, including declining soil fertility, groundwater depletion, fragmented landholdings, rising input costs, and the increasing impact of climate change. These issues threaten both food security and farmers'' livelihoods.

Government Initiatives

The Government has introduced several measures to promote sustainable agriculture, such as the Soil Health Card Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), promotion of natural farming, crop diversification, and digital agriculture.

Way Forward

Ensuring long-term food security requires scientific farming methods, efficient water management, climate-resilient crops, greater investment in agricultural research, and sustainable use of natural resources. A balanced approach can improve farmers'' income while protecting the environment.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. With reference to the Soil Health Card Scheme, consider the following statements:

1. It provides information on the nutrient status of soil.
2. It recommends appropriate fertilizer use based on soil testing.
3. The scheme is implemented exclusively by private agricultural companies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation

• Statement 1 is correct because the Soil Health Card provides information on soil nutrients.
• Statement 2 is correct because it recommends balanced fertilizer application based on soil testing.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because the scheme is implemented by the Government with the support of State Governments.