“The principles of RCS are in harmony with the intrinsic values of Indian farmers”

DR KESHAV KRANTHI Chief Scientist at the International Cotton Advisory Committee

With 32 years of experience as a cotton scientist, Dr Keshav Kranthi is a leader in his field.With his in-depth knowledge, he provides insights into regenerative agriculture and offers an outlook on the new Regenerative Cotton Standard and its implementation in India.

What is the main difference between regenerative agriculture and other sustainable approaches?

Regenerative agriculture sets itself apart from other sustainable methods like organic farming and permaculture by actively improving soil health and ecosystem functions rather than merely sustaining them. It’s a recent concept, gaining traction for its potential to fight climate change by enhancing soil organic matter and life, leading to carbon sequestration. Regenerative agriculture aims to improve soil health, regenerate land holistically, enhance biodiversity, and increase ecosystem resilience. This is done through practices that support carbon sequestration, such as no-till farming, cover cropping, crop rotation and diversity, composting and organic amendments, organic mulching, managed grazing, and agroforestry integration.
For its part, organic farming focusses on replacing synthetic inputs with natural ones and promoting biodiversity within the farm’s confines without necessarily improving the wider ecosystem. In contrast, regenerative agriculture includes organic principles but goes further to rejuvenate entire ecosystems, emphasising soil health as the foundation for a resilient agricultural system.

How does the concept of regenerative agriculture resonate with smallholder cotton growers?

Smallholder farmers, especially in India and Africa, may be more inclined to adopt regenerative
agriculture due to their longstanding engagement with traditional farming practices like crop rotations, manual weeding, or natural pest and disease control. However, there are several challenges, including the limited availability of non–genetically modified seeds as well as difficulty in producing or acquiring high-quality compost or maintaining cover crops throughout the year, especially in areas dependent on rainfall. Furthermore, they have to go back to traditional practices, for instance by shifting away from synthetic pesticides to traditional, natural pest and disease management strategies.

Can it be generally stated that regenerative agriculture would be more beneficial to the climate than other cultivation approaches?

Regenerative agriculture is often highlighted for its potential climate benefits, primarily due to its emphasis on practices that enhance soil carbon sequestration. By improving soil health and increasing the amount of organic matter within the soil, regenerative agriculture can capture more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is a key factor in mitigating climate change. Organic farming doesn’t necessarily focus on maximising carbon sequestration, and the primary goal of syntropic farming isn’t climate mitigation but rather creating a self-sustaining system. So, in comparison to other methods, it can be stated that regenerative agriculture, with its specific focus on rebuilding organic soil matter and restoring biodiversity, has a strong potential for climate change mitigation.

How do you expect Indian cotton farmers to respond to the new Regenerative Cotton Standard?

Indian farmers generally hold a deep regard for natural farming methods, which are deeply rooted in the country’s ancient agricultural traditions. Regenerative agriculture’s core principles are aligned with these time-honoured practices, scientifically enhancing them to rejuvenate soil health and promote the regrowth of soil biota. Regenerative agricultural practices aim to revitalise soil health by fostering a thriving soil ecosystem, thereby creating a self-perpetuating agricultural system that enhances continuous regeneration without sacrificing productivity.
The newly introduced Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS) interweaves this ancestral knowledge with scientific advancements, responsible stewardship, and community involvement. The principles of RCS are in harmony with the intrinsic values of Indian farmers. But it’s crucial that these regenerative practices are meticulously tailored and standardised to align with the specific local farming practices and the unique agro-ecological conditions present in India.