by Agrisnip Reporter | Jun 1, 2026 | Agri News, Farming
Introduction
Orphan crops, often referred to as neglected and underutilized crops, are traditional food crops that have received limited attention from agricultural research, policymakers, and commercial markets despite their significant nutritional and environmental benefits.
In India, crops such as horse gram, winged bean, grass pea, bambara groundnut, and several indigenous millets once played an important role in local farming systems and diets.
However, the Green Revolution’s focus on rice and wheat gradually pushed many of these nutrient-rich crops to the margins of agriculture. Today, as India faces challenges related to protein deficiency, climate change, and sustainable food production, orphan crops are gaining renewed attention.
Now , What it is Actually
Rich in protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, these crops offer a promising solution for improving nutritional security while supporting climate-resilient agriculture. Their ability to thrive in low-input conditions makes them particularly valuable for smallholder farmers and rain-fed regions.
Reviving orphan crops could help India diversify its food basket, strengthen protein security, and build a more sustainable agricultural future.For decades, India’s food security strategy has revolved around two staple crops: rice and wheat.
While this approach helped the country overcome food shortages and achieve self-sufficiency, it has also created a nutritional imbalance. As concerns about protein deficiency, climate change, and sustainable agriculture continue to grow, experts are urging India to revisit a group of indigenous crops that have long been overlooked, often referred to as “orphan crops.”
Orphan crops are traditional crops that receive limited attention from research institutions, policymakers, and commercial markets despite their nutritional and environmental benefits.
These include crops such as horse gram, winged bean, grass pea, bambara groundnut, indigenous pulses, and several varieties of millets. Many of these crops were once common in Indian farming systems but gradually disappeared as rice and wheat became dominant.
One of the strongest arguments for reviving orphan crops is their potential to strengthen India’s protein security.
A significant portion of India’s population relies on cereals for protein intake, but cereals often lack essential amino acids required for balanced nutrition. In contrast, many orphan crops are naturally rich in protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Their inclusion in diets can help address hidden hunger, a condition where people consume enough calories but remain deficient in essential nutrients. The need for diversification is becoming increasingly urgent as climate change threatens agricultural productivity.
Orphan crops are generally more resilient to drought, poor soils, and extreme weather conditions than conventional crops. Because they evolved in local agro-climatic conditions, they often require fewer inputs such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
This makes them particularly suitable for rain-fed regions where smallholder farmers face increasing climate risks. Beyond nutrition and climate resilience, these crops can also contribute to sustainable farming systems.
Growing a wider variety of crops improves soil health, enhances biodiversity, and reduces dependence on monoculture farming. Crop diversification can create new income opportunities for farmers while making agricultural systems more resilient to market and environmental shocks.
Recent studies have highlighted the untapped commercial potential of orphan crops. Researchers and industry experts believe that indigenous legumes and protein-rich crops could support India’s emerging plant-based food sector and reduce dependence on imported protein ingredients.
Developing value chains around these crops could create new markets while promoting local agricultural biodiversity.However, bringing orphan crops back into mainstream agriculture will require coordinated efforts.
Investments in research, improved seed systems, processing infrastructure, market linkages, and consumer awareness are essential. Government procurement programs, nutrition schemes, and public distribution systems can also play a significant role in encouraging both cultivation and consumption.
India’s future food security cannot depend solely on increasing the production of rice and wheat. Building a nutritious, climate-resilient, and sustainable food system requires embracing the country’s rich agricultural heritage.
By reviving orphan crops, India has an opportunity to improve nutrition, support farmers, conserve biodiversity, and create a more resilient protein supply for future generations. The forgotten crops of the past may well become th e nutritional heroes of tomorrow.
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Conclusion
India’s journey toward food security must now evolve into a mission for nutritional and protein security. While rice and wheat have played a crucial role in feeding the nation, relying heavily on these crops alone is no longer sufficient in the face of climate change, malnutrition, and growing food demand.
Reviving orphan crops offers a practical and sustainable solution. These indigenous crops are rich in nutrients, resilient to harsh environmental conditions, and capable of supporting farmer livelihoods while preserving biodiversity.
By investing in research, market development, and policy support for these forgotten crops, India can build a more diverse, climate-smart, and nutrition-focused agricultural system. The revival of orphan crops is not merely about preserving agricultural heritage; it is about securing a healthier and more resilient future for the nation.
by Agrisnip Reporter | May 24, 2026 | Agri News, Farming
For millions of small cotton farmers in India’s rain‑fed heartlands, the old way of farming is no longer enough—agroforestry is turning into a lifeline, not just a land‑use experiment.
Cotton cultivation in India, particularly in rain‑fed areas such as Vidarbha, Telangana, parts of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and western Odisha, is reaching a critical turning point.
Small and marginal farmers, many of whom depend entirely on seasonal rainfall, are caught in a perfect storm: erratic monsoons, rising input costs, and volatile markets. What was once sold as a high‑value commercial crop now often brings crop failure, debt, and distress instead of prosperity.
Climate change is making the situation worse. Delayed rains, prolonged dry spells, sudden heavy showers, heatwaves, and unseasonal storms are messing with cotton’s growth cycle—sometimes stopping germination altogether, sometimes damaging flowering and boll formation. In many areas, yields have become unreliable, even when seeds and chemicals are expensive hybrids and pesticides.
To keep up, farmers have doubled down on chemical‑intensive, mono‑cropped cotton systems. Hybrid and Bt seeds, fertilisers, insecticides, and herbicides have pushed cultivation costs up sharply, while market prices swing in ways that often leave little margin.
Over time, soil health has declined, organic matter has dropped, beneficial insects have disappeared, and pests like pink bollworm have adapted, pushing farmers into a cycle of “spray more, earn less.”
Against this backdrop, cotton‑based agroforestry is emerging as a practical alternative. Instead of growing only cotton in a field, farmers are integrating trees, bamboo, fodder plants, fruit species, and other multipurpose vegetation into the same land. The idea is simple: rely less on one crop and more on multiple, complementary sources of income and ecosystem services.
This diversification does three important things. First, it reduces risk. When cotton fails, trees and other plants continue to grow and, over time, produce timber, fruits, bamboo, fodder, fuelwood, medicinal plants, lac, honey, or other non‑timber products. These become a safety net during droughts, pest attacks, or price crashes.
Second, agroforestry helps heal the land. Trees add organic matter through leaf litter, improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and boost water infiltration and retention—critical benefits in drought‑prone, rain‑fed areas. Nitrogen‑fixing trees such as gliricidia and subabul can cut fertiliser dependence, while wind‑breaking and shade‑giving species buffer crops from heat and storms.
Third, integrated systems can cut chemical dependence. Trees and diverse vegetation create habitats for birds and beneficial insects that naturally control pests, reducing the need for heavy spraying. Fodder trees lower livestock‑feed costs, and timber or bamboo can eventually provide lump‑sum income, helping farmers escape constant borrowing.
For communities in Vidarbha, western Odisha, and similar regions, agroforestry is not just an environmental choice—it is a survival strategy and a step toward dignity, resilience, and long‑term rural development in the age of climate change.
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Conclusion
Agroforestry in India’s cotton belts is more than a “nice‑to‑have” farming practice; it is a practical, climate‑smart response to decades of ecological stress and economic uncertainty. By blending trees, fodder, and sometimes food crops with cotton, farmers are not only protecting their soil and water but also building diversified income streams that can survive a bad season or a market crash.
For policymakers, agri‑input companies, and development organisations, supporting agroforestry means investing in resilience at the grassroots: promoting the right tree species, improving access to seedlings and credit, and designing fair value chains for tree‑based products.
For cotton farmers themselves, it means shifting from a gamble on a single crop to a steady, multi‑layered approach that can withstand the turbulence of a changing climate while still securing livelihoods. In the long run, agroforestry offers one of the clearest pathways toward a more sustainable and equitable cotton sector in India.
by Agrisnip Reporter | May 20, 2026 | Agri News, Farming, Technology
India’s agricultural sector stands at a turning point as rising concerns about fertiliser supply, climate uncertainties, and increasing production pressure reshape the future of farming. From sustainable agriculture practices to technology-driven solutions, the country is gradually moving towards climate-resilient agriculture that focuses on soil health, efficient resource use, and long-term food security.
India’s agricultural sector is entering a critical phase. Rising fertiliser supply concerns, unpredictable climate conditions, and increasing pressure on food production are pushing the country to rethink how farming is done. Instead of depending heavily on chemical-intensive practices, India is gradually moving towards more sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
The challenge is significant. Fertiliser prices across global markets have become volatile due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. India, which imports a large share of its fertiliser raw materials, has been directly affected by these uncertainties. Reports suggest that disruptions in West Asia and shipping routes have increased the risk of higher input costs for farmers.
At the same time, climate risks are becoming harder to ignore. Forecasts of below-normal monsoon rainfall and possible El Niño conditions have raised concerns about lower crop productivity and rural income pressure. Agriculture in India still depends heavily on seasonal rainfall, making farmers vulnerable to irregular weather patterns.
In response, both government agencies and agri-tech stakeholders are encouraging sustainable farming solutions that reduce dependency on excessive fertiliser usage. Practices such as precision farming, organic nutrient management, crop rotation, and regenerative agriculture are gaining attention. These approaches not only help maintain soil fertility but also improve long-term productivity and water efficiency.
Digital innovation is also playing a growing role. States like Madhya Pradesh have introduced technology-driven fertiliser distribution systems linked with digital agricultural platforms to improve transparency and reduce misuse. Meanwhile, AI-based agricultural tools and precision farming technologies are helping farmers optimise fertiliser application instead of overusing inputs.
Another important shift is the growing awareness around soil health. For years, excessive urea usage has damaged soil quality in many farming regions. Experts now believe balanced nutrient management and sustainable practices are necessary to restore soil productivity and reduce environmental stress. Community discussions among farmers and agri experts also highlight the importance of regenerative farming for long-term agricultural stability.
Despite current challenges, the Indian government has assured that fertiliser stocks remain sufficient for the ongoing Kharif season. Authorities have also urged farmers to avoid panic buying while continuing efforts to secure imports and maintain stable supply chains.
India’s transition towards sustainable agriculture is no longer just an environmental conversation. It has become an economic and food security necessity. As climate uncertainties increase and global supply chains remain fragile, the future of Indian farming will depend on how effectively the country balances productivity with sustainability.
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Conclusion:
India’s move towards sustainable agriculture reflects a larger shift in how the country is preparing for future farming challenges. With climate risks increasing and fertiliser supply chains becoming more uncertain, sustainable practices are no longer optional but essential.
By combining technology, balanced nutrient management, and climate-resilient farming methods, India has the opportunity to build a stronger agricultural ecosystem that supports farmers, protects natural resources, and ensures long-term food security for the growing population.
by Agrisnip Reporter | Apr 16, 2026 | Agri News, Farming
For millions of Indian farmers, the sky is more than weather, it is hope, income, and survival. This year, that hope feels uncertain as weak monsoon signals, El Niño fears, and global tensions begin to cast a shadow over agriculture.
India’s agricultural sector is staring at a tough year ahead, with multiple risks converging at once. According to a report by ICRA, a combination of weak monsoon forecasts, possible El Niño conditions, and geopolitical tensions in West Asia could significantly impact farm output, prices, and rural demand.
At the core of the concern is the monsoon outlook. The India Meteorological Department has projected rainfall at around 92% of the long-period average, indicating a below-normal monsoon. This is particularly worrying because Indian agriculture still relies heavily on rainfall, with a large share of farmland dependent on seasonal rains for irrigation.
A weaker monsoon directly affects kharif crop sowing, which begins with the onset of rains. Lower rainfall can reduce crop yields, weaken farm incomes, and disrupt the overall agricultural cycle. It can also limit reservoir replenishment, putting additional stress on water availability and future crop planning.
Adding to this uncertainty is the likely emergence of El Niño, a climate pattern known to reduce rainfall in India. Historically, El Niño years have often been associated with drought-like conditions and lower agricultural productivity. This increases the risk of food inflation and puts pressure on both farmers and consumers.
Beyond weather, geopolitical tensions are also playing a role. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has raised concerns about fertiliser availability and supply chains. Since India depends on imports for key fertiliser inputs, any disruption can increase input costs for farmers and affect crop productivity.
The combined impact of these factors could also influence the broader economy. Lower agricultural output may lead to higher food prices, pushing inflation upwards. In fact, estimates suggest inflation could cross 4.5% if these risks materialize. Additionally, rural demand, which plays a key role in India’s consumption-driven economy, may weaken if farm incomes decline.
Despite these challenges, there are some buffers. Strong rabi harvests and policy interventions such as minimum support price (MSP) hikes could help stabilise farmer incomes to some extent. However, the overall outlook remains cautious, with weather patterns and global developments likely to shape the sector’s performance in the coming months.
Conclusion
India’s agriculture sector is entering a crucial phase where climate risks and global uncertainties are colliding in ways that could reshape its near-term future. Factors like a below-normal monsoon, the potential impact of El Niño, and geopolitical tensions affecting input supplies are creating a challenging environment for farmers.
Since a large part of Indian agriculture still depends on rainfall, any disruption in the monsoon can directly influence crop yields, farm incomes, and rural demand.This situation goes beyond farms. Lower agricultural output can push food prices higher, contributing to inflation and affecting overall economic stability. Rural consumption, which plays a key role in driving growth, may also weaken if farm earnings decline.
The upcoming monsoon season, therefore, is not just another weather cycle el nino effec , it is a defining moment. The sector’s ability to adapt through better planning, policy support, and resilience strategies will determine how well it withstands these growing uncertainties.
