Leveraging Agroecological Approaches for Clean and Green Villages

In majority of Indian villages, the topic of farming is no longer about the yield and income, but the health of the soil, biodiversity, and the wellbeing of the whole community. Agroecology offers a means to nourish the people and empower them socially, economically and environmentally in a country where more than half of the population remains directly or indirectly reliant on agriculture. This idea of transforming villages into clean and green centres is referred to as agroecology, a science that integrates ecological science, local knowledge, and sustainable practises.

The evolution of sustainability in rural areas

Recently, local policies in India have been amended to appreciate the power of agroecology. Indian organic farming previously considered a niche movement is now pursued in earnest both through government schemes and privately. The country is also promoting initiatives like National Mission on Natural Farming and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana which involve less chemical-intensive and more nature-friendly methods. Such programmes are complemented with village-level initiatives, such as water conservation campaigns, community composting, and crop diversification.

They no longer focus on productivity. Instead, the new model views villages as dynamic systems in which land, water, and diversity are wealth sources. This multidimensional solution is bringing clean energy, waste management and even climate resilience into the conversation and agroecology is becoming a significant force of sustainability in rural India.

Trends and industry data

India has an organic area of ~10.17 million hectares under organic certification as per the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which makes India one of the largest global organic producers.

The Indian domestic organic food market is also growing rapidly with estimates reaching Rs. 16,783 crore (US$ 1.9 billion) in 2024 and is projected to reach Rs. 94,615 crore (US$ 10.8 billion) in 2033, growing at over 20.13% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2025-2033 according to IMARC, creating a favourable market for Indian farmers.

This shift is also visible by rising exports. According to industry reports, India’s organic product exports reached Rs. 5,822 crore (US$ 665 million) in FY25 from Rs. 4,325 crore (US$ 494 million) in FY24, recording a growth of 34.6% over the year. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal said that the country has potential to increase its organic exports to Rs. 20,000 crore (US$ 2.28 billion) by 2028.

The global organic food market, valued at Rs. 20,00,346 crore (US$ 228 billion) in 2024 and expected to surge to about Rs. 57,67,409 crore (US$ 658 billion) by 2034 at an 11.17% CAGR, presents a significant growth opportunity for India. With its expanding base of certified organic farmers and rising export potential, India is well placed to capture a larger share of this rapidly growing international market.

Momentum since 2022: A national push

There has been a national push after 2022 as the country saw a seismic shift with the government, industry, and civil society coming together for a sustainable rural India.

• National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) launched in November 2024, promotes chemical free, ecosystem-based natural farming rooted in traditional knowledge. The mission targets 7.5 lakh hectares through 15,000 clusters, with a Rs. 2,481 crore (US$ 283 million) total outlay and facilitates one crore farmers.
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) stepped up their research into organic farming systems specific to the local agro-climatic areas.
• The Ministry of Agriculture increased pilot groups of natural farming villages, hoping to implement it on a mass scale in Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat.
• Privately owned players are also coming in, with agritech start-ups providing AI-based soil health monitoring, precision organic inputs, and market access to farmers.
• NGOs like Watershed Organisation Trust and SEWA have been able to show how integrated agroecological practices can help improve food security, increase the role of women in farming, and decrease rural poverty.

The push is no longer a niche; it is viewed as an industry-wide initiative to rethink Indian agriculture.

Success stories that inspire

The larger movement is impressive, but individual stories make it come to life.

In Andhra Pradesh, the Community Managed Natural Farming project transformed more than 8 lakh hectares with negligible pesticide use in villages where it is practiced. Farmers reported improved soil fertility reported an 11% increase in crop yield on average, according to FutureofFood.org.

In Maharashtra, agroecological practices have been implemented in Yavatmal in the wake of major droughts. By tapping rainwater, planting more than one crop, and organic manure, farmers restored the groundwater levels and diversified their crops, reducing exposure to climate shocks.

Sikkim continues to be a global leader in becoming a completely organic Indian state. There is a lesson to be learned in how political commitment, and the participation of farmers can turn geographies into agroecologically successful models.

These examples show that clean, green villages are not a dream, but a reality where the right policies, people, and culture blend seamlessly.

Economic and social ripple effects

The greatest myth about agroecology is that it is unprofitable. There have been demonstrable economic advantages to the transition to organic farming.

• Less reliance on costly chemical fertilisers and pesticides reduces the debt burden on small farmers.
• The availability of premium markets to sell organic produce both within and outside the country is another source of income stability.

Socially, agroecology is reshaping communities. Women, who have been marginalized in traditional agriculture, are becoming pioneers in composting initiatives, seed banks, and organic cooperatives. Young people are also discovering avenues in organic farming-related agri-startups in India, including distribution services, eco-tourism, and organic branding enterprises. In numerous villages, collective farming units have sprung up, giving a sense of ownership and common prosperity.

Why agroecology matters more than ever

India is already struggling with soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate variability. According to industry reports, 115 to 120 million hectares or ~33% of the country’s total geographic area is affected by soil degradation, and the traditional farming systems that rely on chemicals have tended to magnify the problem.

Agroecology offers solutions that directly address these threats. It promotes crop rotation, soil fertility, natural fertilisers, and water-saving irrigation methods, which will make farming climate resilient and enhances yields in the long term. Agroecology is not merely a technical fix but an economic and cultural fix. Many farmers find that decreased reliance on outside chemicals reduces their expenses, and niche markets of organic produce provide them with increased revenue possibilities.

Culturally, it returns rural communities to ancestral knowledge systems that placed a premium on harmony with nature. This blend of environmental recovery, economic sustainability, and cultural renewal is what makes agroecology so effective.

The road ahead

Agroecology in the future has much to look forward to as far as creating a sustainable rural India is concerned. With growing demand of organic products in global markets, Indian farmers will benefit immensely in terms of export, and the nation will also be a pioneer in sustainable agriculture.

One of the enablers will be technology. Crop health monitoring by satellites, traceability of organic produce with blockchain, and AI-assisted weather forecasting are products that are most likely to be integrated with traditional practises. This technology and knowledge combination will make agroecology viable and appealing to the younger generation of farmers.

Also, agroecology is being increasingly associated with rural entrepreneurship. Small-scale agro-processing, environmentally friendly packaging, and green energy innovations can become the centre of villages. The village of the future will be not only self-sufficient, but also outward-looking, economically active and environmentally friendly.

FAQs

What is agroecology and why is it important for Indian villages?

Agroecology is an approach that integrates ecological science, local knowledge, and sustainable farming practices. It improves soil health, conserves biodiversity, and empowers rural communities socially, economically, and environmentally.

How is the Indian government supporting agroecology?

The government launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana to promote chemical-free, ecosystem-based farming and provide financial and technical support to farmers.

What percentage of India’s land is currently under organic certification?

As of 2023, India had 10.17 million hectares under organic certification, placing it among the top global organic producers.

How fast is India’s organic food market expected to grow?

The market is projected to expand at a 20.13% CAGR between 2025 and 2033, reaching Rs. 94,615 crore (US$ 10.8 billion) by 2033.

How many farmers are expected to benefit from NMNF?

The Mission seeks to reach one crore farmers through its 15,000 cluster-based approach.