MEV 014: Unit 06 – Agro-Biodiversity

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 UNIT 6: AGROBIODIVERSITY

6.0 Introduction

Agrobiodiversity, or agricultural biodiversity, refers to the variety and variability of plants, animals, and microorganisms used directly or indirectly for food and agriculture. This includes crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and all the supporting species such as pollinators, soil organisms, and beneficial microbes.

Agrobiodiversity is the result of thousands of years of interaction between people and nature. It supports food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and ecological sustainability. However, modernization, climate change, and changing land use practices have led to a serious decline in agricultural biodiversity across the world.

6.1 Objectives

After studying this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Understand the meaning and components of agricultural biodiversity.

·         Identify the levels of agrobiodiversity—genetic, species, and ecosystem.

·         Explain the status and threats to agricultural biodiversity.

·         Discuss the causes and effects of the loss of agrobiodiversity.

·         Suggest strategies for achieving sustainable agriculture and rural development.

6.2 Agricultural Biodiversity

Agricultural biodiversity includes the diversity of crops and livestock raised by farmers, as well as fish, wild relatives, soil organisms, and pollinators that support agricultural ecosystems. It can be studied at three main levels:

6.2.1 Genetic Farm Biodiversity

This refers to the variation of genes within a species. For example, different varieties of rice or wheat may have different resistance to pests, taste, or adaptability to drought or flood.

·         Landraces (traditional varieties) are rich in genetic diversity.

·         Genetic diversity helps in crop improvement and resilience to climate change.

·         It ensures long-term productivity and disease resistance.

6.2.2 Species Agriculture Biodiversity

This includes the diversity of species used in farming systems—crops, livestock, fish, fungi, and beneficial insects.

·         Examples: Wheat, rice, maize, cows, goats, chickens, and honey bees.

·         Higher species diversity supports better pest control, pollination, and ecosystem stability.

·         Crop rotation and mixed farming systems maintain species-level biodiversity.

6.2.3 Ecosystem Agrobiodiversity

This refers to the diversity of agricultural ecosystems, such as:

·         Rainfed farming systems

·         Irrigated farms

·         Agroforestry systems

·         Pastoral grasslands

·         Wetlands used for paddy cultivation

Each farming ecosystem plays a role in maintaining ecological balance and offering a range of ecosystem services like soil fertility, water purification, and climate regulation.

6.3 Status of Agricultural Biodiversity

Globally, agricultural biodiversity is under severe threat:

·         According to the FAO, over 75% of crop genetic diversity was lost during the 20th century.

·         90% of the world’s food supply now comes from just 12 plant and 5 animal species.

·         Indigenous crop varieties and local animal breeds are rapidly disappearing.

·         Traditional farming systems are being replaced with monocultures and high-input farming.

In India:

·         Once home to more than 110,000 varieties of rice, fewer than 7,000 remain in use.

·         Local millets and pulses are being replaced with high-yield cereals.

·         Crossbreeding in livestock is reducing native breed diversity.

This loss reduces resilience to pests, diseases, and climate stress, and makes global food systems more vulnerable.

6.4 Loss of Agricultural Biodiversity

There are several interconnected causes for the loss of agrobiodiversity:

1. Monoculture Farming

·         The widespread adoption of single high-yield crop varieties (e.g., hybrid rice, wheat) has replaced traditional diverse farming systems.

2. Green Revolution Practices

·         Focus on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and hybrid seeds has increased food production but reduced genetic and species diversity.

3. Habitat Destruction

·         Conversion of forests, wetlands, and grasslands into farmland reduces wild relatives of crops and beneficial species.

4. Climate Change

·         Shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns are making some traditional varieties and breeds unfit for cultivation.

5. Market Pressures and Policies

·         Global trade and commercial seed companies promote uniform varieties, ignoring local and indigenous crops.

6. Neglect of Traditional Knowledge

·         Indigenous farming practices and seed-saving traditions are being lost.

6.5 Key Strategies to Attain Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development

To conserve agrobiodiversity and ensure food security, we need sustainable farming practices that work with nature rather than against it.

1. In-situ Conservation

·         Promote the cultivation of traditional crop varieties and indigenous livestock breeds in their natural habitats.

·         Encourage local seed banks and community-based farming models.

2. Ex-situ Conservation

·         Store genetic material in seed banks, gene banks, and botanical gardens.

·         India's National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) plays a key role in this.

3. Organic and Natural Farming

·         Avoid chemical inputs and use eco-friendly practices.

·         This protects soil microorganisms, pollinators, and natural pest control agents.

4. Agroforestry and Mixed Farming

·         Combine trees with crops and animals to create multi-layered, productive, and sustainable ecosystems.

5. Government and Policy Support

·         Strengthen biodiversity-friendly agriculture through MSP (Minimum Support Price), subsidies, and insurance for indigenous crops.

·         Implement biodiversity action plans and encourage farmer participation in conservation.

6. Use of Traditional Knowledge

·         Recognize and promote the knowledge of local communities and tribal farmers who have preserved agrobiodiversity for generations.

7. Climate-Resilient Agriculture

·         Develop and promote climate-tolerant crop varieties using both traditional and scientific methods.

6.6 Let Us Sum Up

·         Agrobiodiversity is essential for sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental health.

·         It includes diversity at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.

·         The status of agricultural biodiversity is declining globally and in India.

·         Major causes include monocultures, climate change, loss of traditional knowledge, and commercial pressures.

·         Sustainable agriculture strategies like in-situ and ex-situ conservation, organic farming, policy support, and community participation are needed to protect agrobiodiversity.

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