Adopt tree-based agriculture drive: Isha Foundation

NEW DELHI: With India staring at having a weak monsoon year that may impact overall farming operations and water availability in the country, Isha Foundation - a non-profit spiritual organisation - on Friday pitched for a farmer-driven ecological movement by adopting tree-based agriculture, which, it said, may not just help farmers in getting them better farm income but also save water, revitalize rivers and improve soil health in the long run.

The foundation also sought policy interventions from govt so that the movement, which showed results in Tamil Nadu, can be replicated across India to not just make the country drought-proof and climate-resilient but also promote sustainability and protect the overall environment.

Ahead of World Environment Day (June 5), the foundation shared how its flagship 'Save Soil - Cauvery Calling' movement - envisioned by Sadhguru - has so far facilitated the plantation of 13.4 crore trees, supporting 2.6 lakh farmers in adopting tree-based agriculture.

"When policy and farmers align, India can revive its soil, replenish its water resources, and secure rural livelihoods in one bold move," said Anand Ethirajalu, project director, Save Soil -Cauvery Calling.

Asked how farmers could go for natural farming without impacting output, Valluvan, UN-awarded farmer associated with the movement, said he could reduce dependence on fertilisers and pesticides by adopting practices such as "minimal tillage, mulching, and cover cropping". He added, "I transformed my coconut monoculture farm into a diverse, multi-layered food forest with timber, pepper, and fruit crops. These methods reduced dependence on fertilizers and pesticides while making the farm more resilient to droughts and floods... My farm income has multiplied six times over the years."