How can R&D professionals in Agribusiness ensure environmental sustainability?

Agricultural Professionals must give utmost importance to: 1. Supply chain management of agriculture commodities. Food wastage due to inefficient transportation system is the biggest contributor of greenhouse gases rather than farm activities. 2. Educating farmers to adopt Regenerative agriculture system in the farm. No-tillage and less use of pesticides and herbicides in the farm will ensure good health of the soil and water. Mixed cropping will take care of weeds and pests. 3. Perennial Cropping and Agroforestry will sequester carbon into the soil from atmosphere that will automatically reduce pollution level. Agroforestry will provide enough food to birds & animals. It will maintain the biodiversity of the area.

R&D professionals in agribusiness can ensure environmental sustainability by focusing on several key areas. They can research and develop more sustainable production practices, such as organic farming methods, low-tillage techniques, and precision agriculture systems, to reduce the impact on the environment. They can also develop new crop varieties that are more resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for synthetic pesticides and chemicals. Encouraging sustainable consumption by promoting the use of locally grown, organic, and seasonal produce is another effective strategy. Focusing on carbon sequestration in soil and reducing greenhouse gas emissions can further mitigate the impact of climate change on the environment.

Vertical Harvest Farms (VHF) a vertical farming operation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, focuses on producing food close to urban centers, reducing carbon emissions associated with cross-country food transit. They employ hydroponic methods that use less than 10% of the water required for field-grown crops. By reducing water and energy usage and optimizing light efficiency with LED lighting and a hybrid cultivation approach, VHF has managed to triple the growing space in their Wyoming facility, enhancing their sustainability and productivity.

Circular Economy is the need of the hour for sustainable environment. We need to ensure zero-wastage by eliminating single use plastic and replacing with plant based materials like Bamboo, Jute, Coconut, Cotton and Banana Pseudostem etc. to develop new products.

One of the key ways in which R&D professionals in agribusiness can ensure environmental sustainability is by collaborations with stakeholders. This involves working with farmers, NGOs, government agencies, and other interested parties to develop sustainable technologies and practices. By collaborating, R&D professionals can gain valuable insights into the needs and perspectives of stakeholders and incorporate them into their research and development activities. This can help to ensure that the solutions developed are both effective and acceptable to the people who will be using them. Collaborations can also help to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, which can lead to greater buy-in and engagement.

Monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of R&D projects is essential for ensuring their impact and sustainability. This can be achieved by setting clear objectives and indicators at the outset of the project, and tracking and monitoring progress regularly. R&D professionals should also seek feedback from stakeholders throughout the project to gain a better understanding of the project's impact. By regularly monitoring and evaluating project outcomes, R&D professionals can identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to ensure the projects are aligned with the needs and expectations of stakeholders. Monitoring and evaluation of R&D projects can help to optimise the use of resources and ensure that projects are sustainable .

Adapting to changing contexts is essential for ensuring the relevance and sustainability of R&D projects in agribusiness. By proactively monitoring and assessing external factors, including changes in technology, research methods, and environmental conditions, R&D professionals can adjust their strategies and priorities as needed. This flexibility allows them to stay relevant and ensure their solutions are effective in a changing context. Regular monitoring and assessment can also help to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement, ensuring that R&D professionals are aligned with the latest advancements in their field.

Government must change certain policies for sustainable environment. Professionals can help our leaders to bring in policy that is in favour of climate. There should be heavy taxes on petroleum products and no subsidies. Projects that support innovation of plant based products must get subsidy and tax benefits. Agriculture Universities must be provided grants and infrastructure to encourage young generation to do more R&D in green energy.