India’s dynamic urbanization landscape poses a difficult challenge: how to reconcile the demands of agriculture, a vital industry for food security and rural livelihoods, with the growth of real estate? Real estate development can have a significant impact on agricultural land and practices, even as it promotes urban growth and infrastructure advances. To gain a deeper understanding of the problem and investigate further areas of concern and potential solutions, let’s dig into the data.
Beyond Land Loss: A Complex Effect
- Conversion of Land and Declining Farmlands: India lost an astounding 2.55 million hectares of agricultural land to urbanization between 2000 and 2019, according to a National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) report. This indicates the consistent conversion of rich lands for non-agricultural uses, amounting to a net loss of about 0.13% annually.
- Water Scarcity: Demand for water resources is frequently increased by real estate development. In water-stressed areas, competition between agricultural and urban demands can worsen water scarcity, which will further affect livestock and crop harvests.
- Degradation of Soil: Removing land for building projects may result in soil erosion and the loss of rich topsoil. This impacts not only the long-term health of the environment but also lowers agricultural yield.
- Pollution: Air and water pollution are caused by construction operations as well as an increase in urban population. Crop health and overall agricultural productivity may suffer as a result.
The Price of Humanity in Progress
- Loss of livelihood and social disruption: When farmers and agricultural labourers are uprooted for development projects, societal structures and customs might be upset. In rural areas, this may result in social instability and underemployment or unemployment.
- Loss of Traditional Knowledge: Displacement of farmers from their land can result in the loss of generations’ worth of knowledge and practices pertaining to sustainable agriculture. Long-term effects on agricultural systems’ sustainability and resilience may result from this.
Endangered Wildlife
According to a 2020 study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), real estate development initiatives and related infrastructure development projects have split up the nation’s roughly 100,000 sq km of wildlife corridors. The loss of habitat endangers endangered species, messes up animal migration patterns, and escalates conflicts between people and wildlife.
Tempting Offers and Vulnerable Farmers
Builders are typically successful in purchasing land from farmers with promises of large returns. Fertile agricultural land can sell five to 10 times more in peri-urban locations than its agricultural worth, according to a report conducted by Assocham India in 2023. Many farmers are under economic pressure to sell their main source of income, especially those with modest landholdings.
Aiming for a Future that is Sustainable
- Planning and Policy: It’s critical to enact stronger land use laws that safeguard agricultural areas and encourage mixed-use development.
- Supporting property Reclamation and Redevelopment: By looking into the possibility of repurposing underutilized or abandoned urban property for construction, brownfield redevelopment can lessen the strain on greenfield agricultural areas.
- Monetary Rewards for Eco-Friendly Behaviors: Government programs that provide tax incentives or subsidies to farmers who use organic farming methods, water-efficient irrigation techniques, and other sustainable farming methods can promote the transition of the agricultural industry to one that is more ecologically friendly.
- Investing in Rural Infrastructure: By lowering transportation costs and enabling farmers to connect with a larger customer base, investing in rural infrastructure—such as roads, storage facilities, and market accessibility—can empower them and possibly increase their income and standard of living.
Role of Technology
• Precision Agriculture: By maximizing the use of sensors, satellite images, and data analytics to monitor crop health, target particular regions for pest treatment, and optimize fertilizer and water usage, agricultural efficiency can be greatly increased while minimizing environmental effect.
• Urban Agriculture: Supporting vertical farming projects, rooftop gardens, and the use of empty urban spaces for food production can ease the burden on rural areas.
• Blockchain Technology: Applications of blockchain technology can improve the transparency of the agricultural supply chain, guaranteeing farmers fair pricing and lowering food fraud.
Conclusion :
Agriculture and real estate development have a complicated link that calls for a diversified strategy. India can realize the vision of a future in which dynamic cities and a strong agricultural sector coexist by implementing sustainable practices, promoting innovation, and giving priority to the well-being of rural populations. Long-term food security, environmental sustainability, and universal economic success will all be guaranteed by doing this.
Urge to take action
This blog emphasizes how urgently a national dialogue on striking a balance between agricultural sustainability and real estate development is needed. We want readers to interact with legislators, developers, and agricultural specialists in order to champion policies that encourage responsible land use, assist rural people, and guarantee India’s food security in the future.