Akola, 5th June 2024: On World Environment Day, farmers across Maharashtra came together to participate in workshops, training, and activities focused on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. This collaborative effort aligns with this year’s World Environment Day theme and aims to address the severe environmental challenges plaguing the state.

SwitchON Foundation has released a pivotal report detailing the severe environmental challenges facing Maharashtra. According to the report, in Maharashtra, 1.4 million hectares of land is affected by desertification. Urbanization drives a notable surge in built-up areas, escalating land pressure, while forests witness a concerning 5% decrease. Forest and vegetation cover has decreased by 5.0%, pointing towards deforestation, possibly due to logging, agricultural expansion, or urban sprawl. Rangeland has decreased by 1.7%, reflecting a minor decline likely due to conversion to agricultural land or urbanization.

As per Dynamic Ground Water Resources Of India, 2023 report of the total groundwater consumed, a significant 85% is dedicated to irrigation, and more than 10% is used for domestic purposes. This heavy reliance on groundwater is evident in the categorization of the state’s 272 talukas, where 62 are classified as Semi-Critical, 7 as Critical, and 11 as Over-Exploited. As groundwater extraction rates continue to rise, the balance between recharge and consumption becomes increasingly precarious, posing a significant challenge in meeting the drinking water needs of rural populations, where 80% of the people depend on groundwater. Additionally, droughts in Maharashtra have led to significant ecological imbalances. With 70% of Maharashtra’s geographical area classified as semi-arid, the region is particularly vulnerable to climate-induced droughts. 

Vinay Jaju, Managing Director of SwitchON Foundation said, “The findings of our latest report are a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable practices and land restoration efforts in Jharkhand. With 1.4 million hectares of land affected by desertification and groundwater levels declining at an alarming rate, it is imperative that we take immediate action. Our initiatives on regenerative agriculture training and workshops are designed to tackle these challenges head-on. By empowering communities and promoting sustainable practices, we aim to build a resilient and thriving ecosystem for future generations.”

In response to these alarming findings, SwitchON Foundation in collaboration with NABARD and Agriculture Department has hosted several training programs and workshops in cities like Akola, Akole and Malegaon aimed at empowering communities to adopt sustainable practices. Hundreds of farmers, women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across the state received valuable training in regenerative agriculture and organic input preparation.

Mr. Shriram Waghmare, DDM, NABARD, Akola said, “It is encouraging to witness such an initiative by SwitchON Foundation, which not only underscores the critical need for sustainable solutions in the rural belts but also demonstrates a clear pathway to achieving it. By bringing together experts and community stakeholders, this workshop has paved the way for meaningful change to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

This initiative aimed to empower farmers with sustainable practices to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. The participants gained hands-on experience in creating and using organic inputs such as compost, biofertilizers, and natural pest repellents; their preparation, storage and usage. The training focused on practical techniques that farmers could easily implement in their own fields, promoting the reduction of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. By adopting these eco-friendly farming methods, farmers can improve soil fertility and structure , increase water retention, and support a diverse range of beneficial microorganisms and wildlife.

In addition to organic input preparation, the training covered a variety of regenerative agriculture practices, including crop rotation, cover cropping, and holistic grazing management. These methods not only contribute to soil health but also enhance farm resilience against climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase the overall productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems.

Suggested Ways for Ecosystem Restoration by SwitchON Foundation:

• Promote Regenerative Agriculture: Increase food production while preserving ecosystems through regenerative agricultural practices.
• Utilize Artificial Intelligence in Smart Farming: Implement AI techniques for crop selection, yield prediction, soil compatibility classification, and water management.
• Preserve the Soil: Maintain healthy, productive soil through organic and soil-friendly farming practices, including zero-tillage and strategies like mulching and drip irrigation.
• Protect Pollinators: Reduce air pollution, minimize the harmful effects of fertilizers and pesticides, and preserve wetlands, woodlands, and meadows.
• Revitalize Freshwater Ecosystems: Improve water quality, remove invasive species, replant native vegetation, and implement wastewater innovations to address sewage management and urban flooding.
• Renew Coastal Belts: Adopt frameworks to safeguard marine and coastal biodiversity, and restore blue ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs.
• Reintroduce Nature to Urban Spaces: Enhance urban forests, preserve city canals and ponds, and create green areas to improve air quality and biodiversity.

This collaborative effort demonstrates a strong community commitment to addressing Maharashtra’s environmental challenges and fostering a sustainable future.

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Online Articles: Ganrajya News