Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Agricultural Productivity: Government initiatives to promote SDG Goals in India

Abstract

Sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) play a crucial role in addressing India’s growing food security challenges while ensuring ecological balance and rural prosperity. This study explores the current state of India’s agriculture, the adoption of sustainable practices, the impact and the role of government initiatives aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By employing a descriptive and exploratory research design, primary data were collected through surveys and field visits involving 385 farmers and key stakeholders. The analysis, supported by time series analysis, regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM), highlights how practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, integrated pest management, and precision agriculture improve soil health, biodiversity, and farm profitability. Despite numerous government schemes like PMKSY, PKVY, and the Soil Health Card scheme, challenges such as high initial costs, limited awareness, and infrastructural constraints hinder widespread adoption. The findings underscore the significant positive impact of sustainable practices on farm income, while the effect of government policies and farmer awareness was found to be statistically insignificant. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers to strengthen support frameworks, incentivize adoption, and build farmer capacity towards resilient and sustainable agriculture in India.