Reduction of Energy Consumption in Agriculture for Sustainable Green Future

Abstract

Ever augmenting population pressure and energy crisis are twin challenges for the food environment, and economic security. Green revolution marked the agricultural production in India due to the intensive use of fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation and mechanization pressure, which leads to high energy consumption pressure. Escalated energy demand has also driven the GreenHouse Gases (GHGs) emission that remains a threat for green future. Therefore, urgent need to identify the traditional agricultural practices to reduce energy consumption and improve the Energy Use Efficiency (EUE) through the best management practices. This chapter is focusing on reducing energy demand and enhances the EUE. Many practices are recognized as effective for sustainable green energy use with better resource utilization patterns. Resources efficient and conservational technologies for best and alternative use of power, fuel, seed, nutrient, water, electricity, management practices, etc. need be adopted. Conservation agriculture (CA)-based cropping with legume and residue retention, integrated use of available resources, combining agriculture with forestry and animals, efficient postharvest operations and transporting, reducing dependency on nonrenewable resources are sustainable and energy-efficient approaches for the green future. It will help producers, researchers, policymakers, and the government planners to make a roadmap for the green future and advance sustainability. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.