ALWAR, 16 June 2026: Rajasthan’s deepening groundwater crisis cannot be solved through water conservation measures alone and requires a comprehensive strategy encompassing soil health management, balanced nutrient use, quality farm inputs, farmer awareness and the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), experts said at an agriculture policy dialogue held in Alwar.
The recommendations emerged during the Regional Policy Dialogue on ‘Strengthening Sustainable & Water-Smart Agriculture in Rajasthan, organised at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Alwar-II, Bansur, under the Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards 2026 initiative by Sustainability Matters, IndiAgri and ACTION (Alliance for Change, Transformation and Innovation).
Experts stressed the importance of developing a network of “champion farmers” who can drive behavioural change and accelerate the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices at the grassroots level. They also raised concerns over the growing prevalence of counterfeit seeds and pesticides, warning that poor-quality farm inputs are undermining productivity, profitability and long-term agricultural sustainability.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sushil Kumar Sharma, Soil Science Expert at ICAR-KVK Bansur, said Rajasthan faces the twin challenge of conserving natural resources while maintaining farm productivity and incomes.
“Improving soil health, promoting balanced nutrient management, ensuring access to quality farm inputs and encouraging scientific water management practices are essential for strengthening agricultural resilience. Farmers will require continuous technical guidance and awareness programmes to adapt to changing climatic conditions,” he said.
Dr. Navneet Anand, Executive Director of Sustainability Matters, said sustainable agriculture is no longer optional but a strategic necessity for ensuring India’s long-term food and water security.
“Rajasthan offers valuable lessons in managing agriculture under resource-constrained conditions. Building water-smart agriculture will require collaboration among policymakers, scientists, industry stakeholders, civil society organisations and farmers. Creating champion farmers, leveraging AI for agricultural outreach and promoting innovative farming models can significantly accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices,” he said.
The conference brought together agriculture scientists, financial institutions, farmer leaders, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and industry stakeholders to deliberate on solutions for Rajasthan’s growing water stress and climate-related agricultural challenges.
Participants noted that, in line with the Government of India’s **Khet Bachao Abhiyan**, greater emphasis should be placed on sustainable farming practices, balanced fertilizer use and improved soil health management to enhance water-use efficiency and ensure long-term agricultural productivity.
The dialogue also highlighted the importance of engaging local communities, farmer groups and voluntary organisations in agricultural extension activities to improve the implementation of government schemes and scientific recommendations at the village level.
With water scarcity emerging as one of Rajasthan’s most pressing challenges, experts advocated greater adoption of alternative farming systems such as hydroponics, aquaponics and aeroponics, particularly in water-stressed regions where conventional farming faces increasing constraints.
“Following two National Sustainable Agriculture Summits in New Delhi and regional policy dialogues in Bhopal, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Patna and Baraut, the Alwar consultation continues our effort to bring region-specific agricultural challenges and solutions into the national policy discourse,” Dr. Anand added.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards recognising progressive farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, FPOs and organisations that have made notable contributions towards sustainable, climate-resilient and resource-efficient agriculture.
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