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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 12 No. sp3 (2025): Advances in Plant Health Improvement for Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture incentive policies: bridging socio-economic disparities among marginal farmers

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.9180
Submitted
28 April 2025
Published
26-08-2025

Abstract

To lessen socioeconomic gaps, incentives for sustainable agriculture are crucial, especially for underprivileged farmers in regions with high rates of poverty and poor production. These incentives seek to guarantee long-term sustainability, through the adoption of climate resilient farming practices. Due to their restricted access to resources, technology and funding, smallholder farmers frequently confront difficulties. Therefore, a policy framework with incentives for enhancing productivity, income, food security and environmental sustainability is urgently needed for marginal farming communities. Enhancing resilience in such vulnerable agricultural communities requires incentives that support Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices, such as capacity-building, rural financing and subsidies. Such programs foster sustainable agriculture by enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health and lowering emissions. Long-term agricultural success also depends on social sustainability, with policies emphasizing rural development, equitable income distribution and improved working conditions. The incentives should pave way for sustainable food systems by tackling problems of poverty, food insecurity, environmental degradation and social injustice. This study critical evaluates the existing policy frameworks and suggests, location-specific approaches to promote sustainability and lessen inequality among underserved farming communities.

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