In the verdant, undulating landscapes of the North Eastern Himalayas, a critical question looms: how can farmers boost productivity, profitability, and sustainability in the face of climate change? A recent study published in *Energy Nexus* offers some promising answers. Researchers, led by Niraj Biswakarma from the ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region in Meghalaya, have identified farming practices that could revolutionize agriculture in this ecologically sensitive region.
The study, which evaluated organic, inorganic, and integrated nutrient management (INM) systems, found that integrating these approaches under raised and sunken beds (RSB) significantly enhances productivity, profitability, and carbon storage. “The integration of organic and INM under RSB improves productivity, profitability, carbon storage, and environmental sustainability,” Biswakarma explained. This is a significant finding for a region where food security and climate resilience are paramount.
In sunken beds, the Lampnah crop emerged as a standout performer, producing the highest grain and protein yields. Meanwhile, in raised beds, the okra-carrot system with INM showed the highest system productivity and sustainable yield index (SYI). The study also revealed that 100% organic systems had a 5.56–6.52% greater return than other systems, highlighting the economic viability of organic farming.
The research also delved into energy dynamics, finding that energy use efficiency (EUE) and energy output (EO) were highest in 75% and 100% organic systems in sunken beds, and in okra-carrot and 100% organic systems in raised beds. This is a crucial insight for a region where energy efficiency can significantly impact farming costs and environmental sustainability.
Perhaps most notably, the study found that 100% organic treatments improved soil organic carbon (SOC), carbon sustainability index (CSI), and carbon use efficiency (CUE). This is a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture, a sector that contributes substantially to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. Farmers in the North Eastern Himalayas, and indeed elsewhere, can adopt these integrated systems to boost yields, increase profits, and enhance sustainability. The study also underscores the importance of land configuration, a factor that is often overlooked in agricultural research.
As the world grapples with the twin challenges of food security and climate change, this research offers a beacon of hope. By integrating organic and INM systems, farmers can not only boost productivity and profitability but also contribute to environmental sustainability. This is a win-win scenario that could shape the future of agriculture in the North Eastern Himalayas and beyond.
The study, led by Niraj Biswakarma from the ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region in Meghalaya, was published in *Energy Nexus*, offering a roadmap for sustainable agriculture in the region. As we look to the future, this research could pave the way for more integrated, sustainable, and profitable farming practices, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the environment alike.