The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan is underway, and the spotlight is shining brightly on food systems. Following the groundbreaking “Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action” signed by over 150 countries at COP28 in Dubai last year, food and agriculture are at the forefront of discussions. This year, experts are pushing for the adoption of regenerative farming, an approach that promises to address both food security and climate change concerns.
Regenerative farming is not just about producing food; it’s about restoring and enhancing the health of our ecosystems. Unlike conventional agriculture, which often depletes soil resources, regenerative practices focus on rebuilding soil health, promoting biodiversity, and capturing carbon. Think of it as a natural way to combat climate change by drawing down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil. Techniques like cover cropping, reduced tillage, crop rotation, and integrating livestock can significantly improve soil organic matter and structure.
While regenerative farming is gaining popularity, a universal definition remains elusive due to variations in regional ecology, crop types, and farming objectives. However, experts emphasize the holistic benefits it brings, encompassing not only soil health but also water retention, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. This approach offers a sustainable pathway to food security while building resilience against climate impacts.
Pilot projects across India and Africa are demonstrating the effectiveness of regenerative farming. In central India, the India Sustainable Soy Program has assisted over 160,000 small-scale farmers in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to enhance soil health and crop diversity. This initiative has improved farmer incomes and boosted food and nutritional security. Meanwhile, in Tanzania’s southern highlands, coffee farmers have embraced agroforestry and intercropping techniques, growing fruit trees alongside coffee plants to improve soil moisture and provide shade, crucial in the region’s moisture-stressed environment. These practices have contributed to local food security, nutrient availability, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite its potential, the adoption of regenerative farming faces significant challenges. A major hurdle is the initial financial burden on farmers transitioning from conventional methods. Regenerative practices can lead to initial yield losses, creating hesitation among farmers unable to bear these early costs. This financial risk, coupled with the lack of immediate returns, has slowed adoption, particularly among smallholder farmers.
In India, bureaucratic barriers add to the complexity. The absence of a central coordinating body makes it difficult to streamline policies and support structures for regenerative farming. According to Dr. Arpita Mukherjee, a professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), the lack of a nodal agency to coordinate efforts across departments hinders effective policy-making, information dissemination, and support systems for farmers. Cross-departmental collaboration and a central agency are crucial for providing clear guidelines and support to farmers.
Beyond financial and bureaucratic hurdles, the need for a consumer-driven push toward regenerative agriculture is undeniable. Increased demand for sustainably sourced products could incentivize farmers to adopt these practices, creating a market that values regenerative produce.
Global platforms like COP29 offer a unique opportunity to address the challenges facing regenerative agriculture on a global scale. By promoting policies that support small-scale farmers, agrobiodiversity conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices, the G20 can set a powerful example for prioritizing resilient food systems. Initiatives like the Matera Declaration, endorsed by world leaders including G20 ministers, highlight the need to integrate traditional knowledge with advanced agricultural practices to achieve the zero hunger goal. COP29 holds the potential to gather funding and attention for this philosophy, facilitating cross-border collaborations, sharing resources, and encouraging private sector participation.
The future of our food systems and the health of our planet depends on embracing regenerative farming. COP29 presents a critical opportunity to accelerate the transition to sustainable agriculture and ensure a food-secure future for all.
