General

Present subsidies and trade policies can influence sustainable farming practices. Here’s how:

*Current Subsidies:*

1. Input subsidies (fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation): Encourage intensive farming, potentially harming the environment.
2. Price support subsidies: Focus on specific crops, leading to monoculture and soil degradation.
3. Irrigation subsidies: Increase water usage, straining resources.

*Trade Policies:*

1. Tariffs and quotas: Protect domestic markets but can limit access to sustainable technologies.
2. Export-oriented policies: Promote high-yielding, resource-intensive crops.
3. WTO agreements: Influence domestic support and export competition.

*Readjustments for Sustainable Farming:*

1. Shift subsidies to:
– Organic farming practices
– Soil conservation and rejuvenation
– Water harvesting and efficient irrigation
– Crop diversification and rotation
2. Introduce eco-schemes:
– Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
– Carbon credits for sustainable agriculture
3. Reform trade policies:
– Reduce tariffs on sustainable inputs (e.g., organic fertilizers)
– Increase market access for sustainable products
– Encourage regional trade agreements promoting sustainable agriculture
4. Implement sustainable agriculture standards:
– Certification programs (e.g., Organic, Fairtrade)
– Labeling schemes (e.g., “Sustainably Produced”)
5. Support climate-resilient agriculture:
– Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices
– Agricultural insurance programs
6. Foster knowledge sharing and capacity building:
– Training programs for farmers
– Extension services for sustainable agriculture

*Examples of Successful Initiatives:*

1. India’s Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Promotes organic farming.
2. EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): Includes eco-schemes and green payments.
3. US’s Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Supports sustainable agriculture practices.

*Challenges and Opportunities:*

1. Balancing food security with sustainability.
2. Addressing poverty and inequality among farmers.
3. Managing water and land resources efficiently.
4. Encouraging private sector investment in sustainable agriculture.
5. Developing context-specific policies and programs.

By readjusting subsidies and trade policies, governments can promote sustainable farming practices, ensuring a more environmentally conscious and resilient agricultural sector.