Sustainable food systems in India seek to provide food security, farmers’ economic viability, and environmental well-being. In a country with a large and growing population and rising pressure on natural resources, there could not be a more critical time for adopting sustainable agricultural practices. A sustainable food system combines the whole food value chain from production and processing to distribution and consumption while reducing its environmental footprint and fostering social justice.
In India, existing traditional farming practices, including organic farming, crop rotation, and mixed cropping, provide excellent templates for sustainability. The government and institutions are encouraging practices like natural farming, integrated pest management, and water-saving irrigation (e.g., sprinkler and drip systems) to eliminate reliance on chemical inputs and save resources.
India is also confronted with problems such as loss of food, malnutrition, and wasteful supply chains. Improvement in cold storage, transportation, and market access for smallholders is needed to overcome these problems. Urban agriculture and community-supported agriculture are becoming local strategies for lower carbon footprints and promoting healthier diets.
Empowering farmers—particularly women and small-scale farmers—through education, technology, and equitable trade practices is critical to establishing robust food systems. Through innovation and traditional knowledge combined, India can shift to a sustainable food system that benefits both people and the planet.