By Sanjiv Kanwar
The story of climate change and agriculture is very closely entwined. In fact, many scientific reports suggest that agriculture is the most endangered activity adversely affected by climate change, with grave consequences such as declining global crop yields and overall food security. Undoubtedly, unscheduled rainfall and other extreme weather events have devastating effects on crops. However, it is not only agriculture that suffers; the sector is also one of the contributors to the climate problem, with a share of 19-29% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
This Earth Day, as we commit to ‘Invest in Our Planet’, we must look at how to maintain a balance between agriculture and climate change. This will be imperative to safeguard overall food security – a pressing global concern. As of 2021, approximately 11% of the global population went hungry, revealing a food system that operates at subopmal levels and a world that is moving further away from the SDG goals of ending hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition.Also ReadInternational day of forests: Collaborative effort to help save our forestsThe reason ‘black tigers’ exist and why that is dangerousMonitor lizard spotted in Delhi! Is the reptile venomous? Where is it commonly found? Check details
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How do we find a balance between agriculture and climate change?
An emerging paradigm in sustainable farming and a prerequisite for ensuring food security, put forward by agronomists and policymakers, is that of climate-smart agriculture. This emphasizes an integrated approach to landscape management with a focus on increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing resilience, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate-smart agriculture underscores the importance of innovation in developing low-carbon and carbon-neutral solutions to mitigate climate change impact and reduce the overalcarbon footprint of the agricultural value chain.
As the world becomes aware of the urgent need to address climate change, many industries are looking to reduce their environmental impact. In the fertilizer industry, one area of innovation is the use of green ammonia, rather than traditional nitrogen-based fertilizers such as urea and ammonia. It is estimated that the production of one ton of urea, the most widely used fertilizer in the country results in the emission of two tons of carbon dioxide.s Green ammonia, on the other hand is produced using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power, rather than fossil fuels and has the capacity to curtail emissions by as much as 90%.
Importance of micronutrient coating on commodity fertilizers
Micronutrient coating on commodity fertilizers is a game-changing innovation that has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural industry. The present situation concerning the use of plastic packaging and transportation of micronurints is fraught with environmental challenges. The persistent nature of plastic packaging, stemming from its poor biodegradability, poses grave threats to the ecosystem in the form of wildlife hazards, water pollution, and landfill accumulation. Likewise, the partitioned conveyance of micronutrients to agricultural sites can exacerbate the energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and vehicular congestion issues.
By combining the functionalities of two products – micronutrients and fertilizers, micronutrient coating ensures that each fertilizer granule carries the right amount of micronutrient and delivers it efficiently to the plant. This means that farmers can proactively manage the micronutrient intake of their crops and ensure higher and better-quality yields.
The importance of micronutrients in our food systems cannot be overstated, with India facing a severe micronutrient deficiency in its soils. A study supported by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research found tha ovr 50% of Indian soils are deficient in zinc, iron, and boron[1], having a direct impact on the quality and quantity of food produced in the country.
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By allowing commodity fertilizers such as urea, DAP, and NPK to be coated with micronutrients and supplied to farmers at market price, micronutrients enter the farming process in a balanced fertilization schedule. Thus, we can optimize their supply and availability in our food systems, overcome deficiency and improve the overall health and wellbeing of citizens, all the while reducing carbon footprint.
Fertilizers for Nutrition, Growth, and Sustainability
Adopting innovative fertilizers has the potential to mitigate the impact of agriculture on climate change. By utilizing fertilizers that are more efficient in their use of nutrients and that release fewer greenhouse gases, farmers can reduce their carbon footprint while enhancing their prodctivty. This can contribute to the global effort to limit the rise in temperatures and preserve the health of our planet.
Furthermore, innovative fertilizers can help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of eliminating hunger, reducing poverty, promoting good health, and ensuring well-being. By improving farming practices and facilitating access to advanced fertilizers, we can increase food security, economic growth, and protect our natural resources for future generations.
The author is Managing Director, Yara South Asia
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