As global agriculture grapples with pressing challenges like climate change, land degradation, and low energy efficiency, carbon sequestration has emerged as a crucial element in the drive for sustainable practices. Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is particularly critical in the Indian subcontinent, where balancing food security with environmental sustainability is essential. This region’s vulnerability to climate impacts underscores the need for innovative agricultural systems that not only secure food production but also reduce ecological harm.
In response to these challenges, a study titled “Accounting of Carbon Sequestration and Tradeoff Under Various Climatic Scenarios in Alternative Agricultural Systems: A Comprehensive Framework Toward Carbon Neutrality” has been conducted. The research evaluates the carbon sequestration potential (CSP) and trade-offs in various agricultural systems under different climatic scenarios. The study is part of the broader initiative, Food System Transformation and the Realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to reduce its levels and combat global climate change. Carbon Sequestration Potential (CSP) measures the capacity of ecosystems or agricultural practices to absorb and store CO2 from the atmosphere.
The study aims to evaluate the CSP and trade-offs of various agricultural systems in Uttar Pradesh under different climatic scenarios. Specifically, it seeks to develop sustainable agricultural practices that ensure food security while minimizing environmental impacts. This research aligns with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Geographical Setup
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, boasts a population of nearly 200 million and covers 240,928 square kilometers. The state plays a vital role in the country’s food grain production and features a tropical monsoon climate, with rainfall ranging from 840 mm in the west to 1,700 mm in hilly areas. The study focuses on five key districts: Meerut, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mirzapur, and Hamirpur, each characterized by distinct agricultural practices and challenges. For example, western districts primarily cultivate sugarcane and wheat, while the Bundelkhand region relies heavily on rainfall and faces significant developmental hurdles.
Read more: FarmERP Secures UAE Technology Excellence Award 2024 in Agritech Category
Technologies Used
To assess carbon sequestration, the study utilized land-use data from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and carbon stock information from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) tool was employed to model carbon sequestration across various cropping systems, integrating climate change scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5).
RCP stands for Representative Concentration Pathway, which is a framework used in climate science to project different greenhouse gas concentration trajectories and their potential impacts on climate change.
Findings of the study
Initial findings estimate the total carbon stocks (C-stock) for 2020 across various districts in Uttar Pradesh. Meerut has a carbon stock of 9.04 million tons (Mt.), Bulandshahr stands at 12.42 Mt. and Aligarh records 9.45 Mt. Mirzapur shows a significantly higher figure of 55.5 Mt., while Hamirpur accounts for 10.24 Mt.
Under a business-as-usual (BaU) scenario, districts with rice-wheat cropping systems, such as Mirzapur and Hamirpur, face significant declines in carbon sequestration potential (CSP) by 2030 and 2050. Conversely, optimistic projections for organic farming (OF) and agroforestry (AgF) indicate substantial increases in CSP, particularly in Aligarh and Hamirpur. Notably, OF and AgF enhance C-stock by 26.88% and 26.07% per hectare compared to conventional farming practices. The economic valuation suggests that implementing these sustainable farming methods could yield significant financial benefits, potentially generating billions of dollars in carbon credit revenues.
Agroforestry is the intentional combination of trees or shrubs with crops or livestock to gain both ecological and economic benefits.
Importance for National and International Initiatives
Addressing climate change through agriculture is vital, as the sector can capture excess CO2. The study’s findings indicate that adopting optimistic policies could significantly enhance carbon sinks, aligning with India’s NDC goals to create a substantial carbon sink by 2030. To achieve these targets, innovative market mechanisms and payment for ecosystem services (PES) are essential to incentivize farmers, particularly those in economically disadvantaged communities.
The global carbon trading market has expanded rapidly, especially in Europe and the US, presenting opportunities for Indian farmers.
However, challenges such as the lack of standardization in carbon credit valuation and verification remain. Tackling these issues is crucial for establishing a viable carbon market in India.
Research Insights
The global agriculture sector is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions, but it also has the potential to act as a carbon sink by capturing atmospheric carbon through improved farming practices. The study highlights the significant potential of organic farming and agroforestry to enhance carbon sequestration potential (CSP) and improve economic returns in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. By integrating these practices into broader agricultural policies and exploring innovative market mechanisms for carbon credits, the region can align with national and international climate initiatives.
The findings suggest that an optimistic approach—growing organic farming at a rate of 15% and incorporating agroforestry on 33% of farmland—could effectively reduce emissions. However, addressing challenges like standardizing carbon estimation procedures, ensuring equitable benefit-sharing, and selecting suitable tree species for agroforestry is essential for creating a sustainable carbon sequestration value chain. Achieving these results will require significant changes in agricultural policies at the national level to encourage adoption among farmers, ultimately supporting climate change mitigation while enhancing local economies and community resilience.
Sustainable Solutions
Sustainable technologies are essential for transforming Indian agriculture by boosting productivity and minimizing environmental impact. Drip irrigation is a prime example, efficiently delivering water directly to plant roots. Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainwater for agricultural use, while precision farming employs GPS and data analytics for tailored crop management. Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into farming, promoting biodiversity and soil health. Organic farming utilizes natural fertilizers and pest control methods, and soil health management practices like cover cropping enhance soil fertility
Biopesticides and biofertilizers serve as natural alternatives to chemical inputs, and solar-powered irrigation systems reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Innovations such as vertical farming and hydroponics optimize space and resource use, while aquaponics combines fish farming with plant cultivation. Biogas production converts organic waste into energy, contributing to climate-smart agriculture practices.
Drones enable efficient monitoring of crop health, and conservation tillage preserves soil structure. Integrated pest management (IPM) combines various practices to sustainably control pests, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) offer resilience against environmental stresses. Composting recycles organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments, and sustainable livestock management enhances animal welfare while minimizing environmental impacts. Smart greenhouses utilize sensors and automation to optimize growing conditions, showcasing the diverse range of sustainable technologies available to modern agriculture.
