Economics > Indian Economic Development > Environment Sustainable Development

Read the following text carefully: The need for eco-friendly agriculture in India A major highlight of this year's budget was achieving green growth for a cleaner, greener Earth. Launched under the Green Growth Targets, the PM-PRANAM Scheme is designed as a programme for Restoration, Nourishment and Amelioration of the Earth. This scheme will incentivise the states and union territories to use alternative fertilisers. Furthermore, the budget also outlined that the Centre will assist the transition of one crore farmers to organic farming, reiterating the long term vision of eco-friendly agriculture. Emphasis on natural farming techniques and optional chemical usage has strong linkages with the green revolution that aided the large-scale usage of chemical fertilizers in India. Over the period of time, fertilizer runoff to water bodies and subsequent nutrient overload resulted in eutrophication, massive algal blooms in lakes and rivers and the formation of dead zones. These runoffs also pollute the groundwater resources in the long term. It also accelerates land degradation and desertification by destroying the natural soil properties. Thus, the rationale behind the government's move to include sustainable and natural farming techniques becomes clear. Organic farming will aid in reducing cumulative GHG emissions as chemical fertilizers account for over 77% of agricultural nitrogen oxide emissions in India. Hence, promoting agro-forestry initiatives will boost soil organic carbon and fertility. Trees will also serve as storehouses of sequestered carbon.

On the basis of the given text and common understanding, answer the following questions: Discuss briefly the economic rationale behind the government's move to promote organic farming.