Vasu Naren.
According to a report by PWC, The rate of mechanization on Indian farms is currently 47 percent, which falls far below that of other developing nations such as Brazil and China, whose mechanization rate is approximately 70 percent. In light of declining numbers of the rural labor force, which has decreased from 59.1 percent in 1991 to 39.4 percent, sustainability and precision farming equipment are the need of the hour.
In the light of World Environment Day celebrations, there is no denying that the issue of sustainability has gone beyond mere environmental concern; sustainability has emerged as a vital component of economic development, industrial development, and country development. Environmental threats such as climate change, energy depletion, and increasing energy demands pose major challenges for industries, which need to adopt sustainable measures of development.
It is not an option but an obligation now to create a future which will be low-carbon and in the long run carbon-neutral and to do so; it would need innovation and development on all sides. As for the developing country like India, we should develop a sustainable industrial model which satisfies both our aspirations and environmental concerns.
Another potentially promising pillar of India's green revolution has to do with biofuels and ethanol. In the process of making efforts to become more energy self-sufficient and cut down on the use of fossil fuels, India has developed a number of solutions that can contribute to the success of its sustainable goals. One of them includes using the ethanol blending scheme in agriculture as a source of renewable energy.
According to Press Information Bureau, "The Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme in India has been a success and the blending levels have increased dramatically to reach over 19% from just 1.53% in the year 2014. India succeeded in meeting its ethanol blending target of 20%, which was set to be met by the year 2030, five years ahead of schedule."
The importance of such a transformation is not restricted to energy alone. The strength of its agricultural base is the core of sustainability of any country, and the emergence of the biofuel value chain is opening up new avenues for farmers throughout the country. The demand created by biofuels for agriculture products and byproducts is helping the farmers diversify their income sources.
Agriculture-based energy generation is a very unique example of Indian inclusive economic development because the chain not only helps farmers but also boosts India's energy independence along with meeting its environmental targets at the same time.
As companies around the globe struggle to achieve their zero net commitments, the future lies ahead for those organizations that are able to provide greater productivity at reduced costs to the environment. Innovation in technology, sustainable engineering, and manufacturing processes will be crucial.
The World Environment Day is an occasion that reminds us that working towards a more sustainable future requires different industries, farmers and government to come together and adapt policies and regulations that help us achieve the goal. By integrating technology and agriculture and growing sustainably, India can be a front-runner in this process.
Written by Mr. Vasu Naren, Chairman & Managing Director, Sona Machinery Limited
