Building a sustainable future through low-carbon agriculture

As per the recent report “Low Carbon Footprint Agriculture” by ICRIER, agriculture is both a victim and contributor to climate change. With the sector responsible for nearly 19-29% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it highlights the urgent need to transition towards low-carbon farming. This approach ensures climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and future food security.

Agriculture today faces the dual challenge of feeding a growing global population — expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 — while mitigating its environmental footprint. Alarmingly, the agriculture sector contributes around 19% to 29% of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to FAO estimates. These emissions stem largely from methane (CH₄) produced by livestock, nitrous oxide (N₂O) from fertilizers, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) from deforestation and land-use changes​.

Rice cultivation alone accounts for 10% of global agricultural emissions, while livestock contributes approximately 40% of methane emissions from agriculture, as per the recent report– Low Carbon Footprint Agriculture by ICRIER. With agriculture being a critical sector for livelihoods, especially in developing nations, a transition to low-carbon agriculture is essential. This approach minimizes emissions while ensuring sustainable food production, environmental conservation, and climate resilience.

Low-carbon agriculture adopts climate-smart techniques, sustainable resource management, and innovative eco-friendly practices. It enhances productivity, conserves biodiversity, and builds resilience among farming communities facing climate risks like droughts, floods, and soil degradation.

Key solutions driving low-carbon agriculture

Sustainable land management : Sustainable land-use practices like conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and crop rotation help retain soil carbon, prevent erosion, and boost fertility. Integrating trees into farmlands enhances carbon sequestration while providing additional income sources for farmers.

Efficient water and fertilizer use: Techniques such as precision farming, drip irrigation, and controlled-release fertilizers help reduce water wastage and minimize nitrous oxide emissions. These methods optimize input usage, reduce environmental pollution, and lower production costs.

Adoption of renewable energy : Switching to renewable energy sources like solar-powered irrigation systems and biogas units from agricultural waste offers clean alternatives to fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions from energy consumption in agriculture.

Livestock management innovations : Improved animal feed, better waste management, and rotational grazing systems help in reducing methane emissions from livestock. Methane-reducing feed additives and efficient manure management are crucial interventions.

Policy support and global initiatives

Transitioning to low-carbon agriculture requires robust policy support, financial incentives, and knowledge dissemination. Governments and international organizations are playing a critical role in driving this change. Initiatives like carbon credits, green financing, and farmer education programs encourage the adoption of sustainable practices.

Countries like Brazil, China, and India have introduced national action plans focusing on sustainable agriculture, resource efficiency, and climate resilience. Furthermore, global collaborations such as the Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) programs promote sharing of best practices and innovations across regions.

While the shift to low-carbon agriculture offers immense benefits, its success depends on inclusive participation from all stakeholders—farmers, policymakers, industries, and consumers. Bridging knowledge gaps, ensuring access to technology, and offering financial support will be key in accelerating this transition.

Ultimately, low-carbon agriculture not only addresses environmental challenges but also paves the way for sustainable food systems that support both people and the planet. Embracing this model is vital for creating climate-resilient agriculture capable of feeding future generations sustainably.