Rediscovering India's Eco-Friendly Farming

For thousands of years, India has farmed sustainably, as evident in temple architecture, inscriptions, and folklore. Our ancestors didn't just grow crops—they created holistic systems that respected the environment, integrating diversified crops, trees, livestock, and people. For nearly 6,000 years, India had no issues with sustainability or food insecurity. Traditional inclusive practices ensured the production of healthy food using eco-friendly methods that have been passed down through generations in the country. Climate change, increasing temperatures, and erratic rainfall now challenge us, but we can learn a lot from the past.

In ancient India, farming was inclusive, systematic and a way of life and co-existence with nature. Trees provided fruits, fodder and shelter, livestock contributed milk and manure, and crops were grown in harmony. This created a circular system where residue was reused and returned to keep the soil and ecosystem healthy. Such practices helped maintain source sustainably, balanced hydrology, and surface energy balance in circularity. People were healthy, with healthier food and environment, reduced medical bills due to cleaner air, and ensure good food security. 

Traditional Indian agriculture (better called agroecosystems) was the opposite of modern conventional highly intensive monoculture practices at cost of the ecology and environmental flows. It didn't rely on constant inputs like irrigation, fertilisers and pesticides, which we now see as placing agriculture in an "ICU." Instead, it thrived on natural processes, requiring less intervention. Integrating diverse crops, and trees, maintaining soil health and water cycles with the help of livestock, especially bullock-based farming, and reducing the risk of flood and drought. The soil surface was always covered with living mulch in terms of cover crops, relay crops, perineal vegetation and multipurpose trees reducing the need for fertilisers, tilling, irrigation, and pesticides, easing the workload on farmers. Treating soil, trees, and animals with respect created a balanced and sustainable ecosystem. Moreover, villages practised barter, sharing seeds, milk and buttermilk instead of selling them, fostering community connectivity and fair distribution. This wisdom, coexistence and harmony made traditional agriculture sustainable and resilient.

Sir Albert Howard, a British agricultural advisor who spent nearly 25 years in India, observed these practices closely. He saw that Indian farmers used eco-friendly methods like composting, and recycling crop residues by feeding them to livestock. This way, within 24 hours, they had biofertiliser, a process that takes regular decomposition several months to achieve. He noted how healthy the soil was, how vibrant the crops were, and how free from pests and diseases with minimal interventions.

One fascinating practice was that everyone involved in agriculture was skilled in their work. Farmers, blacksmiths, carpenters, pot makers, and other tradespeople learned their crafts from their parents from childhood, ensuring a deep understanding and proficiency from a young age. This traditional system of learning by seeing and doing practical education was incredibly effective for passing skills from generation to generation.

Inspired by these practices, Howard wrote "An Agricultural Testament" in the 1940s. At that time, chemical fertilisers were becoming widespread after World War II, but Howard advocated for returning to natural methods. Based on the practices he observed in India, he believed that the health of the soil, plants, animals, and humans was interconnected. He famously said, "The health of the soil, plant, animal, and man is one," highlighting the concept of one health. This idea emphasised that everything in the ecosystem is connected and that maintaining soil health is crucial for the well-being of all life. Howard's work in India laid the foundation for popularising organic farming and continues to be relevant today. His insights from his experience and observations of traditional agriculture in India into the interconnectedness of soil, plants, animals, and humans remain a guiding principle for sustainable agriculture today.

It's essential to understand the significance of soil health as the foundation of sustainable agriculture. Healthy soil leads to healthy crops, which in turn results in higher productivity, nutrition and vitality, lower input costs, and more inclusive development. Government programmes aimed at improving soil health are crucial but currently cover only a small portion of agricultural land. About 60% of the soil has become compact due to key factors like loss of crop diversity, trees in farmlands, excessive use of synthetic inputs, machines and the reduction of livestock on farms. Traditional practices, such as scattered trees in farms and bund planting used to help maintain energy balance, and soil health by adding humus, reducing windspeed, loosening the soil and enhancing water percolation.

To restore soil health, we can focus on adding organic matter through leaf litter and animal waste along with using appropriate agricultural practices. Initiatives like monetizing soil health, promoting natural farming, and incentivising carbon and diversified farming are essential. These efforts should not just focus on carbon credits but on overall soil health, water, biodiversity and sustainability. Healthy soil is a great sink for the carbon that is trapped in the air, but to bring it down to the soil to do its work, we need to let it live, breathe, and not suffocate it with compaction and chemicals. 

The Save Soil movement by Sadhguru, Natural Farming and River Rejuvenation by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and other similar initiatives by the Government and others across the country emphasise the importance of trees and livestock in agriculture. By simply reintroducing livestock and bullock-based farming, we can increase tree cover on farms, promote crop diversity, and improve soil health and rainwater water infiltration. Encouraging farmers to keep livestock can be incentivised by repurposing subsidies. For example, offering monthly incentives for each pair of bullocks can motivate farmers to integrate livestock into their farming practices. This approach not only improves soil health and human health (health of farmers) but also provides economic benefits through milk production and the sale of livestock.

Supporting livestock-based farming aligns with traditional practices that have proven benefits for soil and crop health. By focusing on such holistic approaches, we can enhance soil health, and biodiversity, boost overall agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable development that is economically viable and ecologically sustainable. Public and private sector initiatives can work together to bring these practices to the forefront, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for agriculture and food system transformation.

Mr Mallinath, an agriculture professor, once shared some fascinating facts. India's net sown area is about 141 million hectares. As the experience of the farmers goes, 1 pair of bullocks can cultivate land of around 20 acres (8 hectares). 1.76 crore bullock pairs are required for farming in India which could employ 1.76 crores of people. The present unemployed youth in India is 3.1 crore. Livestock-based farming can generate substantial rural employment and reverse migration.

Introducing bullocks back into agriculture isn't just about the animals themselves. It also revitalises various associated industries. For instance, people will be needed to make agricultural tools, ropes, and other implements and other artisans will find new opportunities. Additionally, livestock-based products such as ghee can become profitable ventures. Interestingly, some native livestock farmers report making more profit from dung, urine and bio-compost than from milk. This approach of agroecological farming in harmony with nature could significantly reduce unemployment in India. With around three crore unemployed youth, reintroducing livestock-based and natural farming could provide jobs for about two crores of them. This initiative not only promotes sustainable agriculture but also addresses the pressing issues of health, wellness, and unemployment, making it a truly impactful solution.

Indian agriculture has always been about holistic systems. It’s not just about growing crops, but about respecting and nurturing the entire ecosystem, including trees, livestock, and the soil. In addition to livestock-based farming, India has several well-designed agricultural schemes that need better integration to maximise their potential. These schemes include the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, Rainfed Area Development, Doubling Farmer Income initiatives, Soil Health Cards, Organic Value Chains, etc. Each of these programs has specific purposes and often operates in silos, but if they were interconnected, they could significantly enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

For example, integrating the On-Farm Water Management scheme with natural farming can improve soil health by increasing soil organic matter and tree cover. Currently, watershed management sometimes neglects the importance of planting trees, focusing instead on building dams and embankments. By combining different practices, we can ensure source sustainability, return of spring sheds and improve overall farm productivity.

India is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in eco-agriculture because of its diverse climate and cultural heritage. Having been blessed with diverse agro-climatic zones, we can grow a wide variety of crops year-round, something that only a few other countries can do. By integrating diverse agricultural practices, agroecology and agroforestry, and leveraging our rich natural base and cultural heritage, India can indeed transform its farming system to become the world's ‘good food’ basket while simultaneously meeting climate goals and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Moreover, it's crucial to shift our dietary habits back to more traditional and diverse foods. Currently, our diet is limited to a few staple crops like rice, wheat, and potatoes. By reintroducing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts into our daily diet, we can promote healthier eating habits and more sustainable farming practices. Simultaneously, fostering a circular food system, where food production, consumption, and waste disposal are interconnected and sustainable, is essential. This holistic approach involves conserving resources, cultivating diverse crops, co-creating value with communities, and co-benefiting nature and people.

India is experiencing a rapid tech boom, with digital innovations like UPI, strong mobile infrastructure, and digital augmentation. Affordable data plans make internet access widely available and this technology boost is transforming various sectors, especially agriculture. Farmers can now access new technologies, learn traditional practices through MOOCs and social media, and use precision eco-farming techniques to enhance resource use efficiency. Over 500 mobile apps are available for Indian farmers today, primarily for information exchange that need to be more immersion with real-time, site-specific and demand-driven. 

There are apps for livestock management, crop monitoring, pest control and to access real-time weather information. However, these apps often operate in silos, focusing on specific areas like livestock or certain crops without interacting with each other. The real game changer would be integrating these apps through APIs, allowing them to share information seamlessly. This holistic approach could fill knowledge gaps and enhance demand driven decision-making. Emerging technologies and site-specific and location-based service apps are rapidly evolving, providing valuable data and insights to the farmers.

Today farmers are seen as citizen scientists, for they are constantly integrating their knowledge with new information and trying out new practices and methods to improve crop yield and quality.  Furthermore, sustainable practices such as agroforestry and natural farming can now be quantified using technology. This helps recognise and reward farmers for their contributions to ecosystem services, like improving soil health, increasing water infiltration, and maintaining biodiversity. Farmers can now use smartphones to access information on crop stress conditions, making informed decisions. For example, if a farmer sees someone profiting from growing tomatoes, they might also want to grow tomatoes. A smart and inclusive app can help them determine whether their land, climate and market demand are suitable, and reducing risk.

Market aggregation is another crucial aspect. These apps can connect producers with consumers, enabling peer-to-peer marketing. This helps farmers sell their produce directly to nearby buyers, ensuring better prices and reducing waste. The government's push towards digitisation and integration of various agricultural processes is a significant step forward. These advancements are set to be a game changer, helping farmers make better decisions, reduce risks, and improve their livelihoods.

A recently organised community-supported event in a village focused on bullock-based, action-oriented agriculture. The idea came to me when I saw the rich diversity and sustainable practices in some villages that still rely on livestock. These villages are green, have healthy soil, and are resilient to climate variability because they practice traditional, sustainable farming methods. 

Inspired by this, we launched the Nandi Krishi Movement, encouraging young people to support bullock and livestock-based farming. At the event, nearly 700 farmers accompanied by their bullock carts, local leaders, including university chancellors and politicians, came together, attended the event and took an oath to practise or promote sustainable livestock-based agriculture. We celebrated the bullock-based farmers, recognising them as heroes who sustain not just themselves but their communities and future generations. This recognition made them feel proud and appreciated, countering the perception that farming is a fallback for those who can't pursue higher education.

Recently, we also proposed a small incentive programme to the government to support livestock farming with an incentive of Rs 1000 per livestock, emphasising that it is a small price for the benefits it brings to the entire ecosystem and a better alternative to the already present incentive schemes. Additionally, we are working with many villages to introduce various sustainable farming models, such as integrated livestock and tree farming and multifunctional forestry. These models are tailored to small land holdings and can be profitable within a year. We aim to create a movement that brings together policymakers, universities, local groups, and youth to promote sustainable agriculture. 

This movement that started at our villages in Vijayapura, Karnataka, is spreading and uniting people across different backgrounds across villages. Our goal is to return to sustainable farming practices that have supported civilisations for centuries. This initiative has the potential to transform Indian agriculture and make our villages and towns vibrant and sustainable.