Water management approaches for sustainable food production

How to water use in agriculture & management techniques and water policies

1. TITLE- Water management approaches for sustainable food production National Conference On NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT FOR AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Presented By- Shraddha Maurya Research Scholar Dept. of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry Acharya Narendra Deva University Of Agriculture And Technology Kumarganj Ayodhya, U.P.

2. Water is the most important resource in our lives. Third-fourth of the earth is covered by water. But not all of this is directly usable because most of the water among this is salty. Out of 97.5% of water only 2.5 % is fresh or drinking water. It plays a critical role in agriculture as it is essential for the growth and development of crops. India's total annual utilizable water resources is 1123 bcm (690 bcm surface water + 433 bcm ground water). Being an agrarian country, irrigation by far is the largest user of India’s water reserve with hooping usage of 78% of total water reserve, followed by domestic sector (6%) and the industrial sector (5 % ) (Press Information Bureau 2013). In addition, water helps transport nutrients and minerals from the soil to the plant, and also regulates the plant’s temperature through transpiration. In areas where rainfall is insufficient or unreliable, irrigation is used to supply water to crops. Irrigation can increase crop yields and improve the quality of crops, leading to increased food production and economic benefits for farmers. However, water resources are finite, and there is increasing competition for water between different sectors, including agriculture, industry, and domestic use. Introduction

3. Water is used in agriculture for a variety of purposes, including: Irrigation Irrigation is the process of applying water to crops to supplement natural rainfall and ensure that plants receive adequate moisture to grow and produce. This is the most common use of water in agriculture. Livestock watering This includes watering animals and providing them with adequate drinking water, as well as washing them and their living spaces. Soil preparation Water is used to prepare soil for planting crops, such as by moistening it to make it easier to till or by flooding the land to control weeds and pests. Aquaculture Water is used for aquaculture, which involves raising fish and other aquatic organisms in ponds, tanks, or other bodies of water. Overall, water is a crucial resource in agriculture, and its efficient use and management are essential for sustainable agricultural practices. Common uses of water in agriculture

4. Global Water Challenges

5. Water management is crucial for sustainable food production, as agriculture is a major consumer of water resources. Here are some key approaches to water management for sustainable food production Ensuring Food Security Environmental Conservation Social and Economic Benefits Mitigating Climate Change Impacts Preventing Water Scarcity Health and Sanitation Importance of Sustainable Water Management

6. Management techniques

7. Drip irrigation is a water-efficient method of delivering moisture directly to the roots of plants, using a network of pipes, tubing, valves, and emitters. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of plants, minimizing water wastage through evaporation or runoff. Precision Agriculture  gives farmers the ability to use crop inputs more effectively including fertilizers, pesticides, tillage and irrigation water. More effective use of inputs means greater crop yield and quality, without polluting the environment. Precision agriculture uses technology such as sensors and data analytics to optimize water usage by providing the right amount of water at the right time and in the right place. Drip Irrigation and Precision Agriculture

8. Rainwater harvesting is the simple process or technology used to conserve rainwater by collecting, storing, conveying and purifying of rainwater that runs off from rooftops, parks, roads, open grounds, etc. for later use. Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting Helps in reducing the water bill. Decreases the water demand. Reduces the need for imported water. Promotes both water and energy conservation. Improves the quality and quantity of groundwater. Does not require a filtration system for landscape irrigation. Examples :- Rain barrels, Water tanks, Storage tanks, Pumps, Backflow preventers, Flow meters, Gully plug rainwater harvesting Rainwater Harvesting

9. Adaptation to Climate and Soil Conditions Water Use Efficiency Disease and Pest Resistance Crop Rotation and Soil Health Market Demand and Economic Viability Diversification and Risk Management Crops with high WUE : Sorghum, Pearl millet, Maize, Beans, Tomatoes, Melons, Millet crops like jowar and bajra Water-Efficient Crop Selection

10. Improving soil structure for water retention is essential for optimizing water use efficiency in agriculture. Good soil structure allows the soil to retain more water, reduces runoff, and promotes better root development. Organic Matter Addition Incorporating organic matter into the soil, such as compost, well-rotted manure, or cover crop residues, enhances soil structure. Organic matter acts as a sponge, holding moisture and improving water infiltration. Cover Cropping Planting cover crops, such as legumes or grasses, during fallow periods or between main crops helps protect the soil from erosion and compaction. As cover crops decompose, they contribute organic matter, enhancing soil structure. Mulching Applying mulch on the soil surface helps reduce water evaporation, control soil temperature, and prevent surface crusting. Organic mulches, such as straw or wood chips, contribute to improved soil structure over time. Soil Moisture Management

11. Wastewater treatment is the process of improving the quality of wastewater and converting it into an effluent that can be either returned to the nature or incorporated to the water cycle with minimum environmental issues or that can be reused. Wastewater treatment method 1. Activated sludge:  A process that uses a high concentration of microorganisms to remove organic matter from wastewater 2. Submerged membrane bioreactor systems (MBR):  A viable alternative for wastewater reuse technologies Other methods for treating hazardous waste include: Chemical methods, Thermal methods, Biological methods, Physical methods. Uses for Recycled Water Irrigation for agriculture. Irrigation for landscaping such as parks, rights-of-ways, and golf courses. Municipal water supply. Process water for power plants, refineries, mills, and factories. Wastewater Recycling and Reuse

12. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is a process that promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources to maximize economic and social welfare equitably without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. IWRM is based on the three principles:  1. Social equity, 2. Economic efficiency and 3. Environmental sustainability. Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)

13. Education can be crucial in promoting sustainable practices such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and sustainable agriculture. By creating awareness about these issues, education can help individuals understand the impact of their actions on the environment and take responsibility for their actions. Farmers and communities need to be educated about efficient water management practices. Extension programs can provide training on modern irrigation techniques, crop selection, and water conservation practices. Educational and Extension Programs

14. Importance of policy support Examples of effective water management policies The role of regulations and incentives Water policy is important for India because water resources are mismanaged in many cities and towns. Water management is also important because it helps determine irrigation expectations. The National Water Policy (NWP) of India was first formulated in 1987 and revised in 2002, which lays down the principles, objectives and strategies for the development, management and regulation of water resources in the country. The policy aims to ensure water security, equitable distribution of water and its efficient use. It also emphasizes the need for integrated water resources management, community participation, and promotion of traditional water systems. Government Policies and Regulations

15. Research is needed to better understand the cultural dimensions impacting water management practices and how they affect human behavior in different societies. Continued research and innovation are essential for developing new technologies and practices that enhance water efficiency in agriculture. Investing in research on water-saving irrigation systems, crop genetics, and soil management can contribute to sustainable water use. Research and Innovation

16. If we look at the current situation of water depletion, it is evident that we are in dire need of water management. We must come together to do our best to ensure that everyone is getting access to safe water daily so that we can lead happy lives. 1. Raise Awareness: Educate yourself and others about the importance of water conservation. 2. Adopt Water-Efficient Practices: Implement water-efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation and soil moisture monitoring. 3. Protect Water Quality: Industries: Implement best practices to reduce industrial pollution and treat wastewater before discharge. 4. Invest in Water Infrastructure: Invest in resilient and sustainable water infrastructure, including efficient irrigation systems, water treatment plants, and distribution networks. Conclusion

17. 5. Implement Water Conservation Policies: Governments: Enforce and strengthen water conservation policies and regulations. 6. Promote Research and Innovation: Academic and Research Institutions: Conduct research on water-efficient technologies, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable water management practices. 7. Educate Future Generations: Schools and Educational Institutions: Integrate water education into curricula to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness about water conservation among future generations. 8. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: - Advocate for and contribute to global efforts to address climate change. Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to preventing further disruptions to water cycles. Conti…

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