Terming the expansion of commercial plantations in Western Ghats as the reason behind its ecological “degradation”, an expert panel has recommended urgent curtailment in the “disastrous” farming practice in the ecologically sensitive zone.
The expert panel, which was set up by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has also suggested a policy directive for various commodity boards to address the farmers involved in disastrous farming practices all along the Western Ghats.
“Expansion of commercial plantations in Western Ghats has led to fragmentation of forest, soil erosion, degradation of river ecosystems and toxic contamination of the environment,” the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel report said. […]
Suggesting measures for promoting ecologically suitable farming methods in the area, it said, “A policy shift is urgently warranted curtailing the environmentally disastrous practices and switching over to a more sustainable farming approach in the Western Ghats.”
It has also favoured setting up of the proposed ‘Western Ghats Ecology Authority’ to cover the Western Ghats. […]
“The quantity of toxic pesticides being pumped into the plantations is so huge that not only has it impacted the ecology and biodiversity of the Ghats, but has also made agriculture unsustainable,” it said.
Farmers involved in commercial production of crops like tea, coffee and rubber have been using pesticides such as DDT, after these crops were introduced during the British rule.
The Ecology Report also noted that the farmers have realised the adverse impact of these “water guzzling” crops, after environmental groups raised concerns on it and started the demand for more sustainable crop management practices.
The report has also suggested integration of various state departments and other agencies working in the region to form a common policy supporting the environment in whole of the Western Ghats. […]
The Western Ghats starts from Maharashtra and runs through the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala ending at Kanyakumari, at the southern tip of Indian peninsula.
Soil and water, a source of life Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link between soil and water. Over 95 percent of our food originates from these two fundamental resources. Soil water, vital for nutrient absorption by plants, binds our ecosystems together. This symbiotic relationship is the foundation of our agricultural systems. However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded, putting excessive pressure on our water resources. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life. Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and enhance water infiltration and storage. These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change.
“From transforming barren lands into forests, to practicing planet-friendly organic farming in the backyards, the permaculture movement is led by youngsters who believe in reconnecting with the ancient roots and re-establishing a connect with nature.” – Babli Yadav (Mongabay-India) in India’s permaculture movement is being taken forward by young people >>
“I am so happy to be able to serve the bees and the farmers by becoming patron of the European initiative to save the bees and the farmers […]. Without them there would be no pollination. Without them there would be no future food. And the small farmers are the primary source of food.” Watch her video appeal dated 28 February 2020 here: “Vandana Shiva supports our ECI” | Video | “We need to learn from tribals” >>
The “Save Bees and Farmers!” European Citizens’ Initiative alliance is a growing network of currently over 140 environmental NGOs, farmer and beekeeper organisations, charitable foundations and scientific institutions distributed throughout the European Union, working together to reconcile agriculture, health and biodiversity.
For additional learning resources visit the website of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), “a public interest research and advocacy organisation based in New Delhi”:
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