Cultivating Sustainability: Farmer Practices, Soil Degradation, and the Future of Agroecology

Abstract

The rapid transformation of agricultural practices in India, particularly in regions like KommaramBheenAsifabad district, has led to a growing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and monoculture cropping systems. While these changes have contributed to increased yields and economic gains, they have also triggered significant environmental concerns—most notably the degradation of soil health, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of water resources. This study investigates the implications of Highly Intensive Agriculture (HIA) on soil quality and environmental sustainability, with a specific focus on farmer practices, perceptions, and policy gaps. The primary objective of the research is to examine the influence of synthetic chemical inputs on soil productivity, understand farmers’ decision-making processes, and assess the economic viability of chemical-intensive agriculture. A descriptive survey was conducted among 382 farmers enrolled in the Telangana State’s “Rythu Bandhu Scheme,” supplemented by interviews, case studies, and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using IBM-SPSS software, incorporating both inferential and non-inferential statistical techniques. Key findings reveal a marked shift from traditional multi-cropping and livestock-integrated systems to monoculture and mechanization, resulting in soil compaction, reduced organic matter, and declining microbial activity. Despite awareness of sustainable agriculture practices, adoption remains minimal due to economic pressures and lack of institutional support. The study underscores the urgent need for integrated soil health management, policy enforcement, and farmer education. This research contributes to the broader discourse on environmental balance and sustainable agriculture, offering actionable insights for policy makers, extension agencies, and farming communities committed to long-term ecological resilience.