Model Answer

Regenerative agriculture is a holistic farming approach that actively restores soil health, biodiversity and ecosystem functions while sustaining productivity. Unlike merely conserving existing resources, it seeks to rebuild the ecological foundations of agriculture.

Why regenerative agriculture is increasingly important

1. Intensive cultivation has degraded soil fertility. e.g: Nutrient imbalance from excessive chemical inputs.
2. Organic matter improves soil structure and fertility. e.g: Green manuring and composting.
3. Permanent soil cover reduces erosion and moisture loss. e.g: Mulching and cover crops.
4. Biodiversity strengthens ecological resilience. e.g: Agroforestry and integrated farming systems.
5. Healthy soils improve water retention during dry spells.
6. Reduced external inputs can lower cultivation costs. e.g: Natural farming practices.

Building climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture

1. Higher soil organic carbon improves resilience to climatic variability.
2. Micro-irrigation improves water-use efficiency. e.g: Per Drop More Crop.
3. Crop diversification reduces production risks from climate shocks.
4. Integrated farming diversifies farmer incomes. e.g: Crops, livestock and fisheries.
5. Regenerative practices can support carbon sequestration and reduce agriculture's environmental footprint.

Challenges in scaling up

1. Transition periods may create uncertainty regarding yields and incomes.
2. Knowledge-intensive practices require strong agricultural extension.
3. Smallholders may struggle with initial transition costs.
4. Markets often inadequately reward sustainably produced crops.
5. Outcomes vary across crops, soils and agro-climatic regions.

Way Forward

1. Develop region-specific regenerative farming models through ICAR and KVKs.
2. Converge Soil Health Cards, NMNF and micro-irrigation programmes.
3. Support farmers through transition finance, extension and reliable market linkages.

Regenerative agriculture can shift Indian farming from input-intensive production towards ecosystem-based productivity. Scientific validation, farmer-centric incentives and locally adapted practices are essential for scaling this transition.