Article 48 directs the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines. Which policy approach BEST balances this directive with environmental sustainability?
- Promotion of chemical-intensive monoculture for maximum short-term yield
- Promotion of organic farming, agroecology, sustainable livestock management, and agricultural research
- Complete ban on all animal husbandry to protect environment
- Import of all agricultural products to avoid domestic environmental impact
Answer: Promotion of organic farming, agroecology, sustainable livestock management, and agricultural research
Article 48 sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry: (a) Article 48 text: State shall endeavor to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines, (b) Modern and scientific with sustainability: (i) Organic farming: Reduces chemical inputs, enhances soil health, biodiversity; aligns with environmental sustainability, long-term productivity, (ii) Agroecology: Integrates ecological principles into farming; enhances resilience to climate change, reduces external inputs, (iii) Sustainable livestock management: Balanced approach to cattle protection, dairy development, meat production respects Article 48 while addressing economic, cultural, environmental considerations, (c) Research and innovation: (i) Agricultural research: ICAR, agricultural universities develop climate-resilient crops, water-efficient practices, sustainable pest management, (ii) Technology adoption: Precision farming, drip irrigation, digital advisory services enhance productivity, resource efficiency, (iii) Knowledge systems: Integrating traditional knowledge with modern science enables context-appropriate, sustainable solutions, (d) Contrast with other options: (i) Chemical-intensive monoculture: Maximizes short-term yield but degrades soil, water, biodiversity; contradicts sustainability goals, (ii) Complete ban on animal husbandry: Not aligned with Article 48's directive to organize, improve animal husbandry; ignores livelihood, cultural dimensions, (iii) Import dependence: Contradicts self-sufficiency goals; Article 48 emphasizes domestic organization, productivity enhancement, (e) Applications: (i) PM-PRANAM: Scheme to promote alternative nutrients, reduce chemical fertilizer use reflects Article 48 sustainability focus, (ii) Natural farming: State initiatives (e.g., Andhra Pradesh's Zero Budget Natural Farming) promote chemical-free agriculture, farmer empowerment, (iii) Climate-smart agriculture: Research, extension on drought-resistant crops, water management address climate challenges while enhancing productivity, (f) Illustrates balanced agricultural policy: Article 48 operationalized through research, technology, sustainability; balance between productivity, environmental care, cultural sensitivities essential for realizing constitutional vision of modern, scientific, sustainable agriculture.