Regenerative Agriculture

• Regenerative agriculture is a system of farming principles and practices that seeks to rehabilitate farm ecosystems by placing a heavy premium on soil health , biodiversity improvement, water and air quality.
• It includes practices like use of natural inputs, minimum-till, mulching, multicropping and sowing of diverse and native varieties.

Principles in Regenerative Agriculture

• Regenerative agriculture adheres to the following principles: 
  • Minimize soil distribution through conservation tillage
  • Diversify crops to replenish nutrients 
  • Retain soil cover using cover crops  
  • Integrate livestock, which adds manure to the soil and serves as a source of carbon sinks. 

Methods of Regenerative Agriculture

Significance

• Regenerative farming can reduce emissions from agriculture and convert croplands and pastures into carbon sinks.

• It improves crop yield and promotes the growth of nutrient rich crops.
• It facilitates soil aggregation and nutrient cycling.
• Other benefits of regenerative agriculture include more efficient water use and fewer pests.

Why in news ?

• States like Odisha have been promoting regenerative agricultural practices to promote food security and enhance resilience to climate change.