Inclusive Growth of Agriculture and Biodiversity with Industrialization

Industrialization is considered to be the key in economic growth of developing countries. To meet the land requirements for industrialization, a lot of forest & agricultural land is being sacrificed. To compensate this, existing government regulations and laws do help in protecting the green cover by mandatory plantations by the industries. Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities are some of the other activities done by most of the industries to protect and uplift the livelihood of the people residing in the nearby industrial areas. The existing policies are much concerned about the protection of forests & socio-economical aspects of people. But very little attention was paid on the damage to the agriculture and biodiversity caused by the industrialization. Many farmers are converting their agricultural land into industrial land for the monetary compensation, employment and facilities provided as a part of R&R and CSR schemes of the companies.

For the sustainability of humankind, agriculture is the most important sector which should not be neglected. Thus a framework for policymakers and industries for protecting the agriculture and biodiversity is suggested with the following proposals -

• Agriculture and biodiversity clearance is also to be taken along with other mandatory clearances like environment & forest clearances for setting up a project.
• Firms should concentrate on providing alternative land for agriculture and biodiversity parks in proportion to the land acquired for setting up the industry.
• Industries should take active part in utilizing a percentage of land acquired for the purpose of agriculture.
• Industries should collaborate for setting up & maintenance of biodiversity parks.
• Agriculture and biodiversity department may be setup and integrated with Environment and CSR departments in the industries.
• Agriculture specialists and the farmers are to be recruited and trained for enhancing their skills. Outsourcing agriculture by the company with key & skilled farmers recruited on permanent basis extends the skills acquired to other farmers on contract.
• Industries tie-up with agricultural universities.