Climate Smart Agriculture
Introduction
At NIWAS, we are committed to promoting Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) to ensure sustainable and resilient farming practices. CSA aims to increase agricultural productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By integrating innovative techniques and traditional knowledge, we empower farmers to adapt to changing environmental conditions and improve their livelihoods.
What is Climate Smart Agriculture?
Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an approach that seeks to transform agricultural systems to support food security under the new realities of climate change. It focuses on three main objectives:
Increasing agricultural productivity and incomes sustainably
Adapting and building resilience to climate change
Reducing and/or removing greenhouse gas emissions
Key Practices
Sustainable Land Management
Conservation Tillage: Reducing soil disturbance to maintain soil structure and health.
Crop Rotation and Diversification: Alternating crops to improve soil fertility and reduce pests and diseases.
Water Management
Efficient Irrigation Systems: Using drip and sprinkler irrigation to optimize water use.
Rainwater Harvesting: Capturing and storing rainwater for agricultural use.
Soil Health Improvement
Organic Farming: Using compost and organic fertilizers to enhance soil fertility.
Cover Cropping: Planting cover crops to prevent soil erosion and improve soil health.
Agroforestry
Tree Planting: Integrating trees into agricultural landscapes to provide shade, improve soil quality, and sequester carbon.
Resilient Crop Varieties
Drought-Resistant Crops: Promoting the use of crop varieties that can withstand dry conditions.
Disease-Resistant Varieties: Encouraging the cultivation of crops resistant to local pests and diseases.