By Ashish Dobhal
In recent years, India has been grappling with erratic weather patterns, posing significant challenges to its agricultural sector. As the backbone of the nation’s economy, agriculture faces immense pressure to adapt to these changing conditions, with water scarcity as a critical issue.
The continuous temperature rise has a profound impact on water resources, exacerbating the threat to agriculture and food security. According to a study published in the journal Science Advances, rising temperatures are compelling Indian farmers to intensify groundwater usage for irrigation, which is endangering India’s food and water security, just when it needs to feed its growing population of 1.4 billion.
The below-average rainfall in the most recent 2023 monsoon season has left several regions of the country grappling with drought conditions and water scarcity challenges. A recent prediction by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of heightened summer heatwaves, further intensifying water concerns in rural India. Even several regions and cities are facing water scarcity in terms of drinking water supplies. Amidst these challenges, sustainable agriculture solutions offer a ray of hope in mitigating the impact of water scarcity and ensuring food security for our country’s billion.
Efficient water management practices, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, are paramount in addressing this issue. According to data, these practices can reduce water consumption by 25-85%. Additionally, micro-irrigation techniques have the potential of optimizing water usage, enhancing soil health, and minimizing crop diseases.
Innovative solutions like the use of Zeba, a patented sustainable superabsorbent product that is biodegradable, further augments water conservation efforts. Adoption of Zeba can lead to a 15-20% increase in water efficiency compared to traditional irrigation methods, benefiting crops like sugarcane and groundnuts. Similarly, subsurface irrigation systems have demonstrated their efficacy in delivering water directly to the root zone, thereby reducing water wastage and maximizing crop yields.
Government initiatives like Mission Amrit Sarovar is a visionary initiative that helped construct and rejuvenate water bodies in rural India. These water bodies, known as ‘Amrit Sarovars’, serve as lifelines to countless rural communities, offering sustenance and prosperity, thus combating the water crisis that grips rural India and pave the way for water sustainability at the grassroots level.
As an example, in line with Mission Amrit Sarovar, UPL has deployed various water management initiatives like increasing the water storage capacity by 2 lakh cubic meters of the local ponds, lakes, and rivers by creating new structures and rejuvenating the water bodies in aspirational districts like Narmada and other parts of rural India. This leads to water sufficiency in agriculture and helps farmers in diversifying their crops.
Statistics reveal the critical need for sustainable water management practices in agriculture. For instance, a low evapotranspiration of 1 mm below climate normal in autumn and monsoon can decrease the yield variability of groundnut and chickpea by 36.71% and 35.44%, respectively. Moreover, water-saving irrigation practices have been shown to reduce water consumption by up to 85%, offering a tangible solution to water scarcity challenges.
Additionally, the implementation of zero tillage and laser leveling techniques can further enhance water efficiency in agriculture. Zero tillage preserves moisture in the soil, reducing the irrigation cycle for crops, while laser leveling technology ensures precision in irrigation, minimizing water wastage due to uneven terrain.
Thus, the adoption of sustainable agriculture solutions is imperative in addressing water scarcity and ensuring the resilience of India’s agricultural sector. By embracing innovative technologies and holistic approaches to water management, we can safeguard food security, empower farmers, and build a more sustainable future for generations to come. Together, let us work towards a greener, more resilient agricultural landscape that thrives in harmony with nature.
The author is the CEO of UPL SAS.
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