Opportunities And Difficulties for Sustainable Agriculture in India Under the Vision of Viksit Bharat: Including Peas (Pisum Sativum L.) In Cereal-Based Crop Rotations

Indian agriculture is dominated by cereal-based farming systems, which are essential to the country's food security. However, ongoing production of crops like wheat and rice has led to environmental degradation, growing reliance on chemical fertilizers, and soil fertility depletion. Including legumes, such as peas (Pisum sativum L.), in cereal-based crop rotations is a viable way to increase soil fertility, boost nitrogen fixation, and support sustainable farming methods. In order to facilitate biological nitrogen fixation and lessen the need for artificial fertilizers, peas, a nitrogen-fixing legume, develop a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria. Pea-based rotations also enhance nitrogen cycling, microbial diversity, and soil structure. Legume integration improves crop yield, soil health, and financial returns, according to a number of studies.Despite these advantages, pea-based rotations are still not widely used in India because of things like market restraints, disease susceptibility, and climate restrictions. With a focus on sustainable agriculture and the national goal of Viksit Bharat, this article examines the potential and difficulties of incorporating peas into cereal-based cropping systems in India. The study emphasizes that the sustainability and productivity of Indian agriculture may be improved by encouraging legume diversification, enhancing crop management techniques, and bolstering policy support.