REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE AS A POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVE FOR FUTURE FARMING TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE AS A POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVE FOR FUTURE FARMING TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE

T.Geetha Jebarathnam

PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE,

BHARATH UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI.

geetha.agri@bharathuniv.ac.in

ABSTRACT

Regenerative agriculture is an all-encompassing farming approach that prioritizes improving biodiversity, strengthening soil health, and sequestering carbon to mitigate climate change. Through the resolution of numerous environmental and ecological concerns associated with modern agriculture, it offers a potential replacement for conventional farming methods. The main goals of organic farming are to restore ecosystems, soils, and biodiversity. Regenerative methods are endorsed by the organic movement since they are consistent with the organic principles of environment, health, justice, and compassion. Additionally, it makes an effort to cooperate positively with other participants and real regenerative farmers. Actually, the organic movement coined the term "regenerative agriculture" to describe the goals of organic farming. In reaction to the environmental difficulties and the state of the global climate, changes to more sustainable agri-food systems are needed. Recently, the EU recognized the potential of organic farming with the Farm to Fork aim of 25% organic agriculture in Europe by 2030. Global recognition of the contributions of organic farming and agro ecology towards addressing food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss has also been constant.  At the same time, "regenerative agriculture" has grown in acceptance within agri-food firms, global governance, and international development circles in recent years. Traditional farming methods may result in soil degradation and decreased output.. The basic tenets of RA are to maintain soil cover, minimize soil disturbance, conserve living roots in the soil year-round, improve species variety, integrate livestock, and minimize or completely avoid the use of synthetic substances (such as fertilizers and pesticides). The main goals are to regenerate the soil and land and benefit the larger community in terms of the ecology, economy, and social conditions. Despite the alleged advantages of RA, the vast majority of farmers are hesitant to use these techniques since there isn't any concrete evidence of the benefits promised, and because there isn't any information on how effective these procedures are. Overuse of synthetic chemicals may result in ecological deterioration and a loss of biodiversity. Increased soil carbon content and a number of co-benefits can result from combining livestock with agriculture and agroforestry in the same region. But the advantages of RA techniques can differ between various agro ecosystems and might not necessarily be applicable across several agro ecological locations. In order to increase our understanding of the advantages and mechanisms connected to RA on regional scales, we advise the implementation of rigorous long-term agricultural system studies to compare conventional and RA techniques. In order to realize the social and economic benefits of RA practices and build resilience against climate change, this will give producers and policy-makers a solid evidence base from which to make decisions about implementing them.

[Keywords :Regenerative agriculture ,agroecosystems ,carbon sequestration food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss, biodiversity]