September 24, 2025
ARTICLE
Agricultural productivity growth hinges on farmers’ ability manage their resources. When water, nutrients, and inputs like fertilizers are used wisely through practices such as water-saving irrigation, the application of soil-test-based fertilizers, or the use of biochar, farmers can produce more with less. Crop yields rise all while improving soil health and efficiency. This helps communities maintain a steady food supply even in resource-scarce regions and increase incomes through market opportunities.
The S M Sehgal Foundation’s core strength lies in its expert team working directly with farmers to develop effective solutions addressing their immediate challenges, including:
Drip and sprinkler irrigation systems can boost crop yields by 20–90% while conserving water compared to traditional flood methods. In India, where 75% of the cropped land lies in semi-arid regions, efficient irrigation is vital. Government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) program have expanded micro-irrigation (MI) to 10.66 million hectares by 2020–21, yet this covers less than 20% of the 62-million-hectare potential (Mohan et al, 2024). Wider adoption of MI can improve water efficiency, expand irrigated areas, and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Liquid and compound fertilizers are essential tools for farmers to get the most out of limited resources. Commonly, farmers either overuse or underuse fertilizers, leading to soil degradation or nutrient depletion, which results in poor yields. Soil testing changes that. The SMSF agriculture team conducts hands-on training to help farmers test soil, interpret results, and apply the right nutrients.
Delivering liquid fertilizers through drip or sprinkler systems target nutrients directly to the roots or leaves, improving uptake and reducing waste. Used responsibly, they support better yields and healthier soil.
Biochar is a stable form of carbon produced through pyrolysis of agricultural waste which significantly enhances soil health. When added to soil, biochar improves soil aeration, organic carbon water holding capacity, and microbial activities. These benefits lead to more-efficient use of inputs, thereby boosting crop yields without proportionally increasing input costs. Biochar contributes to total factor productivity growth, especially for small and marginal farmers in resource-constrained environments.
Biochar, though still in the pilot phase, shows promise as a unique soil amendment that can help improve moisture retention. While it is carbon-rich, it acts more like a soil conditioner, in simple terms, enhancing the structure and health. As trials continue, its full potential in supporting sustainable farming is gradually coming to light.
Through low-cost but effective technologies and practices, the S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF) is working to enhance agricultural productivity with efficient optimization of water, soil, and input use, through tools that focus on the specific needs of small and marginal farmers.