Soil sustains life, and it is critical for all to come together and nurture it, if we must build a sustainable agriculture ecosystem for future generations. Farmers, policymakers, scientists, industry leaders and academics echoed this sentiment at a high-level panel convened in New Delhi recently to address the urgent challenge of climate change and advance India's net-zero goals.

The Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards 2024 deliberated on ways to promote sustainable farming practices for a greener future and also celebrated the best practices.

Addressing the Summit, Chief Guest Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India emphasised the need for a sustainable culture in agriculture. He said, “This is the time to recalibrate our approach to promote sustainable farming practices to rejuvenate soil health with mixing the usage of organic manure. We should focus on integrating the use of fertilizers with organic manure to enhance production, improve soil health, and ensure agricultural sustainability.”

Sanjay Kumar Jha, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha said, “Agriculture can be key to transformation and progress of societies and for a brighter future we must work concertedly on sustainable agriculture practices.” He cited how Bihar was leading with some of the finest initiatives towards sustainability including CM Nitish Kumar’s Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali campaign as well as Krishi Roadmap, a blueprint for sustainable agriculture in Bihar.

Ambassador of Brazil to India Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega highlighted the need of the “world coming together to commit to sustainability.” He added, “As the global population continues to grow, agricultural productivity is on the decline, presenting a significant challenge. To address this, we need innovative and cutting-edge solutions. The world must commit collectively to sustainable agricultural practices. In this endeavour, Brazil can be a valuable partner for India. Together, both countries can collaboratively tackle the persistent climatic challenges facing the agricultural sector, leveraging their combined expertise and resources.”

The day-long deliberation saw varied solutions being put forth by experts. Dr U Saravanan, Chairman & Managing Director, National Fertilizers Limited (NFL), said, “Adequate fertilization can significantly boost crop yields, helping to meet the growing global food demand while reducing the need for additional land conversion. A robust domestic fertilizer industry is key to reducing India’s reliance on imports, ensuring food security for the 1.4 billion population, and stabilizing prices for farmers.”

Dr Jayadev Sarangi, IAS (Retd), Former Secretary, Govt of Delhi and Govt of Goa, said, “Small and marginal farmers are the backbone of agriculture in India. They face numerous challenges, including limited landholdings, lack of access to technology, and vulnerability to climate change. Sustainable agricultural practices offer a crucial pathway to address these challenges and improve their livelihoods.”
Highlighting the vital role of biological inputs for soil health, Dr Vimala Prakash, Head-Technology Innovation Center at IPL Biologicals Limited said, “The excessive application of chemical fertilizers has degraded soil organic carbon from 1% to 0.3% over the past 70 years. This alarming decline poses a significant threat to soil health. To rejuvenate the soil, it is imperative to use biological solutions and organic manure. While chemical fertilizers have played a crucial role in ensuring the nation’s food security, biological inputs are essential for improving soil health. Therefore, both segments can complement each other, fostering sustainable agricultural growth in India.”

Elaborating on the need for a paradigm shift in the agricultural practices, Rajavelu NK, CEO - Crop Protection Business - Godrej Agrovet Ltd, said, “To promote sustainable agricultural practices, we have evolved from a crop protection chemical business to a crop protection solution business with the introduction of biological agri-inputs. By 2070, India’s population is projected to reach 1.7 billion, necessitating increased food production to meet the growing demand. Therefore, we focus on innovation, encompassing both product development and the training and awareness of farmers on sustainable farming practices.”

Ajai Rana, CEO & MD of Savannah Seeds and Chairman of FSII, emphasized the importance of integrated technology-based solutions to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change, rising labor costs, and water scarcity. He said, "We prioritize a farmer-first approach. Our introduction of FullPage®, a new rice cropping solution, is a prime example of this commitment. By integrating direct seeding of rice with hybrid seeds tolerant to Vezir imazethapyr herbicide, FullPage not only conserves water but also effectively addresses the issue of wild rice, which is particularly prevalent in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. This solution is a testament to how integrated cropping strategies can enhance productivity while promoting sustainability."

Siba P Mohanty, Managing Director, Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL), said, “HURL's Gorakhpur, Sindri, and Barauni plants are pivotal in bolstering India's agricultural and economic landscape. By ensuring a steady supply of fertilizers to farmers, these units contribute significantly to food security and stimulate regional development through infrastructure growth. Moreover, they are instrumental in achieving self-reliance in urea production, conserving foreign exchange, and propelling India towards fertilizer independence, a cornerstone of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' mission.”

Rajendra Jog, Executive Director, Syngenta Foundation India (SFI) said, “Over the years, we have cultivated an extensive network of agri-entrepreneurs who are expertly trained in modern, sustainable agricultural practices. These dedicated professionals share their knowledge and expertise with millions of farmers across the nation. At SFI, agricultural sustainability has always been our central focus and driving force.”