We, the present generation, have the responsibility to act as a trustee of the rich natural wealth for the future generations. The issue is not merely about climate change; it is about climate justice,” said the current Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change and ensuring a sustainable future.
The rising temperature of Climate Change is the result of greenhouse emissions of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. As society. We share a collective responsibility for the crisis and work together to remove our carbon footprint. In response, the United Nations has set many global targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2025. Every industrial sector, along with other sectors such as agriculture, residential, and commercial, is required to reduce its emissions and adopt sustainable, ESG-aligned practices.
The Role of Agriculture in Climate Change and ESG Compliance
The agricultural sector may not always be perceived as a significant contributor to carbon emissions but this sector is responsible for approximately 31% of all human-emitted greenhouse gases globally. In India, the farm sector accounts for 19.6 percent of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The expected surge in the global food demand is approximately 56% between 2010 & 2050, the agricultural emissions will eventually rise until and unless the appropriate sustainable practices are widely adopted.
Syncronizing the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles can help farmers transition to more sustainable methods, reduce emissions, and enhance long-term productivity. Implementing ESG-driven strategies ensures compliance with global sustainability targets while improving efficiency and profitability.
How ESG Practices help reduce Carbon Footprints in Agriculture?
The 5 main ESG practices that help reduce carbon footprints are as follows:
- Soil Health Management & Crop Rotation: The Monoculture farming depletes soil nutrients and increases dependence on chemical fertilizers, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Crop rotation helps enhance soil health, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, and supports biodiversity. ESG agriculture practices encourage regenerative farming techniques that optimize nutrient use and improve long-term soil sustainability.
- Renewable Energy Adoption: The types of machinery and irrigation systems used on farms often consume significant energy derived from fossil fuels. Switching to renewable energy is much more efficient since it lowers the operational costs as well as the emissions of carbon footprints. Renewable energy such as solar and biogas energy. This encourages ESG-driven energy efficiency and waste management goals.
- Sustainable Fertilizer Alternatives: The Chemical fertilizers are one of the reasons for high greenhouse gas emissions during production. By utilizing organic fertilizer such as biogas slurry, which enhances the fertility while reducing the carbon footprint. ESG- farming solutions emphasize eco-friendly inputs to minimize environmental impact.
- Energy-Efficient Farming Equipment: Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient agricultural equipment reduces energy consumption and operational costs. Investing in fuel-efficient tractors, precision irrigation systems, and advanced processing technology aligns with ESG principles by promoting sustainable resource utilization and reducing emissions.
How Sustrack Supports ESG Integration in Agriculture?
Beyond adopting sustainable farming practices, farmers can leverage ESG-focused solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. Sustrack, a leading ESG consulting firm, helps agricultural enterprises transition toward sustainability through innovative solutions and strategic advisory services. By integrating ESG frameworks, Sustrack enables farmers to:
- Implement sustainable land management strategies
- Optimize resource efficiency through renewable energy adoption
- Enhance carbon sequestration through regenerative farming practices
- Improve waste management using circular economy principles
- Align with global ESG reporting standards and compliance frameworks
Sustrack empowers farmers to embrace ESG principles, fostering long-term environmental and economic resilience while contributing to India’s net-zero goals.
Conclusion
Reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint is essential for mitigating climate change and ensuring food security for future generations. The sector must undergo transformative changes, supported by ESG-driven initiatives, to achieve significant emission reductions. To align with the UN’s net-zero target by 2050, the agricultural industry must cut emissions by at least 45% by 2030, limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Sustrack is committed to driving sustainability in agriculture through innovative ESG solutions. By integrating environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance excellence, we aim to create a more resilient and climate-friendly agricultural sector. Through collaborative efforts, farmers can play a crucial role in building a sustainable future, ensuring that agricultural growth aligns with global climate commitments.