World Bank Report on Agri-food System

The World Bank’s recent report, “Recipe for a Livable Planet: Achieving Net Zero Emissions in the Agrifood System”, has emphasized on significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agrifood sector, which currently accounts for about a third of all global emissions. The report outlines actions that countries can take to enhance food security, improve the food system’s resilience to climate change, and protect vulnerable populations during the transition to a low-carbon economy.

India’s Potential for Emission Reduction

In India, replacing a quarter of the country’s 8.8 million diesel irrigation pumps with solar pumps could reduce agrifood emissions by 11.5 million tonnes per year. The report also highlights that 80% of the mitigation potential for agriculture in India could be achieved through cost-saving measures alone.

Top Agrifood System Emitters

The World Bank report identifies the top ten agrifood system emitters, which include China, Brazil, India, the United States, and Indonesia, among others. These countries are responsible for 55% of global agrifood emissions, with the top 20 emitters accounting for 67%.

Role of High-Income and Middle-Income Countries

The report suggests that high-income countries can lead the way by supporting low- and middle-income countries in adopting low-emission farming methods and technologies, while middle-income countries have the potential to curb up to three-quarters of global agrifood emissions through greener practices.

Investment Requirements and Benefits

To achieve the goal of halving agrifood emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, annual investments in the sector need to increase to $260 billion. The report emphasises that the benefits of investing in cutting agrifood emissions far outweigh the costs, with potential benefits exceeding $4 trillion, including improvements in human health, food and nutrition security, job quality, and profits for farmers, as well as increased carbon retention in forests and soils.

Solar irrigation pumps as sustainable alternatives to fuel based pumps

Solar irrigation pumps are sustainable alternatives to conventional fuel-based pumps used in agriculture. They employ photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight into electrical energy to power water pumps. These systems are particularly beneficial in remote or rural areas lacking reliable access to electricity. Solar pumps reduce dependency on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and offer low operational costs after initial setup. They can draw water from wells, rivers, or lakes, providing a consistent water supply for irrigation, vital for crop growth in arid regions and during dry spells. Additionally, governments and NGOs often support the adoption of solar pumps through subsidies and incentives, promoting environmental sustainability and economic opportunity in agricultural communities.

Emission Effects of Enteric fermentation

Enteric fermentation is a digestive process that occurs in some animals, notably ruminants like cows, sheep, and goats. These animals have a specialized stomach compartment called the rumen, where microbes break down complex plant materials such as cellulose into simpler compounds. One byproduct of this microbial fermentation is methane gas. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing significantly to global warming. Consequently, enteric fermentation is a major focus in agricultural research aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock through dietary adjustments, genetic selection, and management practices.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2024

Category: Environment Current Affairs