Global Rice News

**Regenerative Farming Gains Traction in India and Pakistan**

Farmer Sultan Ahmed Bhatti from Doober Bhattian, Pakistan decided nine years ago to give up traditional farming methods and transition to regenerative farming. Bhatti’s first experiment with growing wheat on raised beds instead of ploughed land was a success, resulting in higher wheat yields. Today, Bhatti’s farm serves as a model for researchers, climate experts, and agriculture students who want to learn more about regenerative farming techniques.

Regenerative farming involves sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize soil health through the reduction of chemical use, addition of organic material, and diversification of crops and livestock. This approach is gaining popularity in both India and Pakistan as a way to combat climate change and improve food security.

Francesco Carnevale Zampaolo, programme director at SRI-2030, a UK-based organization focused on eco-friendly farming, states that changing agricultural practices is a straightforward way to benefit the planet’s health and ensure long-term food security. Dr. Farooq-e-Azam, a bio-agriculture scientist based in Pakistan, believes that regenerative agriculture could be the solution to reducing food insecurity and human-induced land degradation caused by intensive farming.

Each farmer adopts their own techniques for regenerative farming based on factors such as soil type, weather conditions, and biodiversity. Methods include adding crop residue, composted manure, and natural rock minerals to the soil to restore its health.

Regenerative farming is also gaining traction in India. Samir Bordoloi, a farmer from Sonapur, cultivates turmeric, jackfruit, papaya, and king chilies on his land using zero tillage and no pesticides or chemical fertilizers. He scatters “seed bombs” to germinate plants naturally. Bordoloi’s farm, which was once deserted, is now a flourishing food forest.

Conventional farming practices in India and Pakistan have contributed to land degradation, debt among farmers, and environmental issues. Around 30% of land in India is degraded, while nearly three-fourths of land in Pakistan is degraded. However, regenerative farming offers hope for these farmers.

While regenerative agriculture is not yet mainstream, progressive farmers like Sultan Ahmed Bhatti, Mahmood Nawaz Shah, and Dhaniram Chetia are leading the way through experimentation and innovation. However, there is a need for more government support, modifications to farm equipment, and advanced training for farmers to ensure the success and scalability of regenerative agriculture.

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