Published on 18 Feb 2025
The Evergreen Revolution is a paradigm shift in agriculture that prioritizes sustainability and ecological balance. Unlike the Green Revolution, which focused primarily on increasing productivity through chemical inputs, the Evergreen Revolution aims to enhance agricultural output without compromising environmental health.
Components of Evergreen Revolution
Soil Health and Fertility Enhancement: Prioritizing initiatives to restore and maintain soil health through organic farming, crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of biofertilizers to enhance nutrient availability and soil structure.
Example: In the Malnad region of Karnataka, farmers have successfully implemented the 'Jhumka' method, a form of ridge and furrow cultivation, to enhance soil infiltration, reduce erosion.
Adoption of High-Yielding Varieties: Promoting the cultivation of climate-resilient and nutrient-efficient crop varieties that deliver higher yields while minimizing environmental impact.
Example: The introduction of drought-tolerant maize varieties in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra has helped farmers mitigate the impacts of erratic rainfall.
Lab-to-Land Extension: Bridging the gap between research and farm practices through effective knowledge transfer, demonstration farms, and farmer training programs to facilitate the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies.
Example: The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Kerala have successfully demonstrated the benefits of organic farming through farmer field schools, leading to a significant increase of organic farms.
Implementation of Rainwater Harvesting: Encouraging the construction of rainwater harvesting structures and rooftop harvesting systems to store rainwater for agricultural use, reducing dependence on groundwater.
Example: The construction of farm ponds in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh has helped farmers store rainwater for irrigation during dry spells.
Diversification of Crops and Livelihoods: Promoting the cultivation of diverse crops, including millets, pulses, and oilseeds, to improve soil health, reduce crop failures, and enhance farmer incomes.
Example: The introduction of intercropping systems with groundnut and pigeon pea in Andhra Pradesh has improved soil fertility
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Adopting eco-friendly pest control methods, such as biological control agents, crop rotation, and resistant varieties, to minimize the use of chemical pesticides.
Example: The use of neem-based products to control pests in cotton cultivation has reduced pesticide use and improved crop quality.
Policy and Institutional Support: Creating supportive policies, providing financial incentives, and building robust institutions for the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and empower farmers.
Example: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in India provides insurance coverage to farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities
NITI Aayog's Evergreen Revolution Roadmap
NITI Aayog aims to transform Indian agriculture with a three-year plan. This "Evergreen Revolution" focuses on boosting food production, sustainability, and farmer income.
Key Objectives:
Increased Food Crop Production: Government initiatives like the National Food Security Mission are promoting pulse cultivation through better farming practices, improved seeds, and training.
Utilization of Wasteland
Land reclamation: Programs like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) aim to convert unproductive land into farmland.
Seed village initiative: Encouraging farmers to produce quality seeds on underutilized land.
Model Contract Farming: Developing legal frameworks to support agreements between farmers and businesses for better resource management and income.
Integration of Advanced Technologies: Promoting the use of modern tools like drones, AI, and precision agriculture for efficient farming.
Promotion of Deep-Sea Fishing: Developing the fishing industry to reduce reliance on traditional agriculture and boost coastal economies.
Adoption of Climate-Resilient Livestock: Breeding cattle and buffaloes resistant to heat, drought, and diseases.
Cropping Intensity Enhancement: Maximize crop production by cultivating pulses and oilseeds in rice fallow periods.
Farmer-centric approach: Creating an environment where farmers have access to better technology, markets, and support services.
Geography
Evergreen Revolution
Components of Evergreen Revolution
NITI Aayog's Evergreen Revolution Roadmap
General Studies Paper 1
Resources Distribution
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