Carbon Farming

General Studies Paper-3

Context: Techniques within carbon farming can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

About

• Carbon farming, also known as carbon sequestration farming or regenerative agriculture, refers to a set of agricultural practices designed to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the soil or biomass.
  • The goal is to mitigate climate change by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• Regions with long growing seasons, sufficient rainfall, and substantial irrigation are best suited to practise carbon farming because they provide the best conditions in which to sequester carbon, through vegetation growth.

Common Techniques used in Carbon Farming

• Cover cropping: Planting cover crops like legumes or grasses during fallow periods helps to protect and enrich the soil, promoting carbon storage.
• No-till farming: Avoiding or minimizing tillage helps to preserve soil structure and organic matter, preventing carbon loss from the soil.
• Agroforestry: Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes not only sequesters carbon but also provides additional ecosystem services such as shade, windbreaks, and habitat for wildlife.
• Biochar: Biochar is a type of charcoal produced from organic materials like agricultural waste. When added to soil, biochar can enhance fertility and carbon sequestration.
• Perennial crops: Planting perennial crops instead of annuals helps to minimize soil disturbance and increase carbon storage over time.
• Integrated nutrient management practices promote soil fertility and reduce emissions by using organic fertilizers and compost.
• Livestock management strategies including rotational grazing, optimising feed quality, and managing animal waste can reduce methane emissions and increase the amount of carbon stored away in pasture lands.

Significance

• Climate Change Mitigation: By increasing carbon storage in agricultural lands, carbon farming helps mitigate climate change by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• Soil Health Improvement: Many carbon farming practices, such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and no-till farming, enhance soil health and fertility.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Carbon farming methods often prioritize the preservation and restoration of natural habitats within agricultural landscapes.
  • These practices provide crucial habitat for native species, support pollinators, and enhance overall biodiversity, contributing to ecosystem resilience.
• Resilience to Climate Change: Climate-resilient agriculture practices, such as agroforestry and diversified cropping systems promoted within carbon farming, help farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change.

What are the Opportunities in India?

• Agro-Ecological Practices: Grassroots initiatives and pioneering agrarian research in India are demonstrating the viability of organic farming to sequester carbon.
  • In this regard, agro-ecological practices in India could yield significant economic benefits, with the potential to generate $63 billion in value from approximately 170 million hectares of arable land.
  • This estimate includes an annual payment of around ₹5,000-6,000 per acre for farmers to provide climate services by adopting sustainable agricultural practices.
• Topography of India: Regions with extensive agricultural land, such as the Indo-Gangetic plains and the Deccan Plateau, are well suited to adopt carbon farming whereas the mountainous terrain of the Himalayan region is less so.
  • Coastal areas are prone to salinisation and have limited access to resources, thus limited the adoption of traditional farming practices.
  • Carbon credit systems can incentivise farmers by providing additional income through environmental services.
  • Studies have shown agricultural soils can absorb 3-8 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent every year over 20-30 years.
  • This capacity can bridge the gap between feasible emissions reductions and the indispensable stabilisation of the climate.
  • So carbon farming could also be a sustainable strategy to mitigate climate change and enhance food security in India.

Challenges to Carbon Farming

• Dependent on Other Factors: Carbon farming effectiveness varies depending on multiple factors — geographical location, soil type, crop selection, water availability, biodiversity, and farm size and scale.
  • It can be challenging in hot and dry areas where the availability of water is limited, and prioritised for drinking and washing needs.
  • Limited water availability can hinder the growth of plants, thus restricting the potential for sequestration through photosynthesis
  • Selecting which plants to grow also becomes crucial because not all species trap and store carbon in the same amounts or in an equally effective manner.
  • Fast-growing trees and deep-rooted perennial grasses tend to be better at this task — but on the flip side, these types of plants may not be well-suited to arid environments.
• Financial Assistance: Adoption of carbon farming practices require financial assistance for farmers to overcome the costs of implementing them.
  • In the context of developing countries like India, small-scale farmers lack the resources to invest in sustainable land management practices and environmental services.

Conclusion

• Scaling up Carbon Farming requires concerted efforts to address several challenges, including limited awareness, inadequate policy support, technological barriers, and an enabling adoption environment.
• Yet promoting carbon farming is in India’s interests — to mitigate climate change while improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and creating economic opportunities for its adopters.
• In sum, while carbon farming holds promise as a mitigation strategy, addressing these challenges is essential to realise its full potential in combating climate change.