{"id":5371,"date":"2024-06-18T16:33:37","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T11:03:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/babrone.avfu.ac.in\/blog\/?p=5371"},"modified":"2024-09-16T10:46:09","modified_gmt":"2024-09-16T05:16:09","slug":"sustainable-solutions-for-mitigating-agricultural-greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-northeast-india-a-comprehensive-analysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/babrone.avfu.ac.in\/blog\/?p=5371","title":{"rendered":"Sustainable Solutions for Mitigating Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Northeast India: A Comprehensive Analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dipjyoti Bharali<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ph.D. Research Scholar, Dept. of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management<\/span><\/p>\n

College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013<\/span><\/p>\n

Corresponding e-mail<\/em><\/strong>: <\/em>bharali.dipjyoti93@gmail.com<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

ABSTRACT<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Agriculture and forestry are significant contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly CO2<\/sub>, CH4<\/sub>, and N2<\/sub>O, which exacerbate global warming (Rehman et al<\/em>., 2020). Northeast India, comprising states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, is highly sensitive to these climatic variations, experiencing erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and unseasonal floods that threaten agricultural productivity and economic stability. This study utilizes secondary data from Assam Agricultural University’s meteorological department and various governmental and private sources to analyse the impact of climate change on agriculture in this region. Key findings indicate that increasing temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns are reducing crop yields, particularly of rice, the staple crop. To mitigate these impacts, sustainable agricultural practices are essential. Strategies such as improved manure management through biogas production and composting, sustainable rice cultivation with alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and direct-seeded rice, conservation tillage, and the use of cover crops can significantly reduce GHG emissions and enhance soil health. Additionally, crop diversification, particularly promoting millet cultivation, and implementing integrated farming systems (IFS) can improve resilience and food security. Policy support, including financial incentives, training programs, and research funding, is crucial to facilitate these practices. This research highlights the dual role of agriculture as both a contributor to and a potential mitigator of climate change, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to build a sustainable agricultural framework in Northeast India.<\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Climate change, driven by human activities, is among the greatest threats to the Earth’s ecosystems. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), human emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily carbon dioxide (CO2<\/sub>) from burning fossil fuels, cement production, and land-use changes, are accelerating global temperatures at an alarming rate (Anwar et al<\/em>., 2019). Agriculture and forestry contribute significantly to these emissions, releasing CO2<\/sub>, methane (CH4<\/sub>), and nitrous oxide (N2<\/sub>O). The consequences of these emissions are especially evident in vulnerable regions like Northeast India, where the livelihoods of millions depend on agriculture. Northeast India, comprising states such as Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and others, is a region highly sensitive to climatic variations. This area is witnessing dramatic shifts in weather patterns including erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and unseasonal floods. Such changes directly impact agriculture, threatening food security and the economic stability of the region. Secondary data from Assam Agricultural University’s meteorological department, along with research from government and private sources, reveal that these climatic shifts are disrupting traditional farming practices. The data indicates that increasing temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns are leading to reduced crop yields and increased pest infestations. Rice, the staple crop in this region, is particularly vulnerable, with yields dropping due to both water scarcity and excessive flooding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sources of Agricultural GHG Emissions:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Carbon Dioxide (CO2<\/sub>) <\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n