NITI Aayog agriculture roadmap for Net Zero India

New report on agriculture and climate transition

NITI Aayog agriculture roadmap for Net Zero India: NITI Aayog released a major study report titled Scenarios Towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero, focusing on transforming India’s agriculture sector sustainably. The report highlights the need for strategic sequencing, which means gradually shifting farming practices to improve efficiency and reduce environmental damage.

The report emphasizes resource-efficient methods such as micro irrigation, fertilizer optimization, and expanding solar-powered irrigation systems. These measures aim to reduce emissions while improving farm productivity and lowering energy consumption.

Static GK fact: NITI Aayog was established in 2015, replacing the Planning Commission, and serves as India’s apex policy think tank guiding economic and development strategies.

Importance of agriculture in India’s economy

The agriculture sector remains central to India’s economy and livelihoods. It supports nearly 46% of India’s workforce, making it the largest employment-generating sector in the country. However, its contribution to Gross Value Added (GVA) is around 14%, showing lower productivity compared to industry and services.

India has achieved significant progress in food production. Food grain output increased from about 285 million tonnes in 2011–12 to around 332 million tonnes in 2023–24, strengthening national food security.

Static GK Tip: India is the second-largest producer of rice and wheat globally, after China, and agriculture plays a critical role in ensuring food sovereignty.

Environmental challenges and emission concerns

Despite its importance, agriculture is a major source of environmental stress. The sector contributes around 14% of India’s total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, mainly due to methane emissions from livestock and rice cultivation, and nitrous oxide emissions from fertilizers.

Agriculture also consumes approximately 18% of India’s electricity, primarily for groundwater irrigation pumps and mechanised farming equipment. This increases pressure on energy resources and contributes indirectly to emissions.

Under the Current Policy Scenario (CPS), agricultural emissions are projected to increase from 506 MtCO₂e in 2019 to 531 MtCO₂e by 2070. This trend highlights the urgency of sustainable reforms.

Net Zero pathway and mitigation potential

The report proposes a Net Zero scenario, where emissions could be reduced to around 399 MtCO₂e by 2070, achieving nearly 25% emission reduction compared to the current policy path.

Key strategies include crop diversification, especially shifting away from water-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane, and expanding the use of solar and electric irrigation pumps. These changes will reduce water consumption, lower emissions, and enhance farm sustainability.

Efficient fertilizer use and improved farm management will also help reduce nitrous oxide emissions, which are highly potent greenhouse gases.

Static GK fact: India announced its Net Zero target for 2070 during the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow, 2021, as part of its long-term climate commitment.

Policy reforms and agri-food system transformation

The report recommends adopting an integrated agri-food systems framework, connecting production, processing, distribution, and consumption. This approach ensures sustainability across the entire food value chain.

Institutional reforms, targeted policy interventions, and technological adoption are necessary to support farmers. Improving irrigation efficiency, expanding renewable energy use, and promoting climate-resilient crops are key priorities.

These reforms align with India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) while ensuring environmental protection and sustainable agricultural growth.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

NITI Aayog agriculture roadmap for Net Zero India: