Rishabh Sahu, A. K. Tripathi, Deepak Parganiha and C. K. Paikra
College of Dairy Science and Food Technology, Raipur (C.G.)

Regenerative agriculture has become a revolutionary method of farming as worries about climate change, soil erosion, and unsustainable farming methods grow on a global scale. In addition to producing wholesome food, this approach aims to improve biodiversity, restore soil health, and boost resistance to climatic variability. Regenerative agriculture might solve environmental issues and provide food security for future generations in a nation like India, where agriculture provides for about half of the population. Along with success stories and potential future developments, this article examines the idea, guiding principles, government programs, and the function of Indian institutions in advancing regenerative agriculture.

Understanding Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative agriculture is a comprehensive farming method that aims to boost ecosystem services, increase biodiversity, and improve soil health. Regenerative farming approaches revitalise and restore the agricultural landscape, in contrast to conventional farming, which frequently depletes natural resources.

Key practices include:

1. Minimal soil disturbance: Methods such as reduced-till or no-till farming maintain soil structure and stop erosion.

2. Cover cropping: Cover crops stop soil erosion, hold onto moisture, and increase soil fertility.

3. Crop rotation and diversification: Crop rotation and the introduction of different types increase soil health and decrease pest infestations.

4. Integration of livestock: Manure and livestock grazing support soil fertility and nitrogen cycling.

5. Composting and organic amendments: By adding organic matter, compost improves the fertility of the soil.

6. Agroforestry: Combining trees with crops and livestock increases biodiversity and creates new sources of revenue.

Why Regenerative Agriculture Matters for India
India faces numerous challenges in agriculture:

1. Soil Degradation: Soil fertility has decreased due to the overuse of chemical pesticides and fertilisers.

2. Groundwater Depletion: Water supplies are at risk due to unsustainable irrigation methods.

3. Climate Change: Crop yields are impacted by harsh weather events and unpredictable weather trends.

By encouraging methods that increase soil organic matter, save water, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, regenerative agriculture tackles these problems. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), it supports India's commitment to sustainable agriculture.

1. Government Initiatives Supporting Regenerative Agriculture: The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote sustainable and regenerative farming practices:

2. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): NMSA, a division of NAPCC, is dedicated to advancing organic farming, water conservation, and soil health management.

3. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): This program promotes the use of organic farming practices, which are consistent with regenerative concepts.

4. Soil Health Card Scheme: This program assists farmers in implementing sustainable and balanced nutrient management by giving them comprehensive soil health reports.

5. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): include elements for agroforestry, regenerative methods, and integrated farming systems.

6. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): This program, which emphasises water conservation and effective irrigation, ensures optimal water use, which supports regenerative agriculture.

Role of Indian Institutions
Several institutions and organizations play a pivotal role in advancing regenerative agriculture:

1. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): carries out studies on sustainable agricultural methods, creates regenerative models tailored to a certain area, and trains farmers.

2. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD): provides funding for initiatives pertaining to watershed management, organic farming, and agroforestry—all of which are essential components of regenerative agriculture.

3. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Distribute information and carry out practical regenerative technology demonstrations.

4. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): To use regenerative methods, groups like Chetna Organic and Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) work with farmers.

5. Private Sector and Startups: To support regenerative initiatives, agritech businesses are launching innovations like soil health monitoring tools and precision farming.

Success Stories in Regenerative Agriculture

1. Sikkim: A Model for Organic Farming
Sikkim proved the viability of sustainable farming methods by becoming India's first entirely organic state. Farmers' incomes, soil health, and biodiversity have all increased as a result of this project.

2. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in Andhra Pradesh
ZBNF achieves considerable cost reductions and improved soil fertility by concentrating on natural inputs and conventional farming practices. Millions of farmers throughout the state engage in it.

3. Agroforestry in Punjab and Haryana
To lessen the air pollution that stubble burning causes, agroforestry techniques have been implemented. Crop integration with trees has enhanced soil health and created new revenue streams.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

1. Insufficient knowledge about and instruction in regenerative approaches.

2. Why The initial outlay for switching from traditional to regenerative farming is high.

3. Regenerative produce has limited access to certifications and markets.

4. Inadequate legal incentives to encourage farmers to use regenerative practices.

Opportunities:

1. Enhanced Soil Fertility: Higher productivity and profitability are the results of increased organic matter.

2. Climate Mitigation: Regenerative methods help India meet its climate targets by sequestering carbon.

3. Consumer Demand: Demand for organic and regenerative produce is being driven by growing awareness of sustainable eating.

4. Technology Integration: Regenerative techniques can be optimised with the use of tools like remote sensing and GIS mapping.

Future Pathways for Regenerative Agriculture
To mainstream regenerative agriculture in India, several measures are necessary:

1. Policy Frameworks: Provide financial aid and incentives to encourage the adoption of regenerative methods and the development of market connections.

2. Education and Training: Increase farmer training initiatives through NGOs, KVKs, and ICAR.

3. Research and Innovation: Create location-specific models by fusing contemporary methods with historic knowledge.

4. Market Development: To help farmers, regenerative product certification programs and premium pricing should be established.

5. Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage partnerships between NGOs, private sector businesses, and governments to advance regenerative farming on a large scale.

Conclusion
Regenerative agriculture presents a revolutionary approach to Indian agriculture, tackling urgent issues including water constraint, climate change, and soil degradation. Long-term agricultural sustainability and economic development can be guaranteed by fusing traditional knowledge with cutting-edge techniques. To fully realise the potential of regenerative agriculture and create a resilient future for Indian agriculture, farmers, institutions, policymakers, and consumers must work together.