Water is an essential resource for all forms of life and ecosystems. In agriculture, it plays a pivotal role as the lifeblood of crops and livestock. However, the increasing demand for water in agriculture, coupled with the growing challenges of water scarcity and conservation, has sparked a crucial debate: is the use of water in agriculture a crisis or a challenge in water resource conservation?

Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater globally, accounting for approximately 70% of all freshwater withdrawals (Altobelli et al., 2018), while the industrial sector and domestic uses are responsible for 22% and 8%, respectively (Aivazidou et al., 2016). This staggering figure underscores the immense pressure on water resources due to agricultural activities. Over-exploitation of water for agriculture in regions with scarce water, such as arid and semi-arid areas, can result in severe environmental degradation, depletion of aquifers, and conflicts over water rights (Bayart et al., 2010). The unsustainability of many farming systems further emphasizes the crisis of water use in agriculture. Traditional irrigation methods, such as flood irrigation, often result in significant water waste due to evaporation, runoff, and inefficient distribution. Moreover, cultivating water-intensive crops in water-stressed regions exacerbates the strain on available water resources. However, these challenges present an opportunity for innovation and adaptation.

Towards Sustainable Use of  Water in Agriculture

Moving towards efficient water use in agriculture involves implementing a combination of practices and technologies aimed at maximizing the productivity of water while minimizing waste. Developing sustainable agricultural practices for water use is vital for ensuring food security and environmental preservation. The use of modern irrigation technologies, such as drip irrigation and precision agriculture (Singh et al., 2023), shows the potential to reduce water usage and maximize crop yields. These methods deliver water directly to the roots of plants, minimizing waste and optimizing efficiency. Furthermore, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, drought-tolerant variety [1], and crop diversification, can contribute to water resource conservation. These approaches promote soil health, water retention, and biodiversity, thereby enhancing the resilience of agricultural ecosystems to water stress.

Drought-tolerant variety [1] and drip irrigation system [2] :  a solution for an efficient usage of water in agriculture.

Towards Improved Management and Governance of Agricultural Water Use

Improving the management and governance of agricultural water use is crucial for ensuring sustainable food production, mitigating water scarcity, and preserving ecosystems. Implementing policies that promote water-efficient practices, regulate groundwater extraction, and incentivize water conservation measures are essential steps toward sustainable water use in agriculture. Moreover, fostering collaboration between stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, researchers, and communities, is vital for developing holistic solutions to water scarcity challenges (Leeuwen et al., 2019). We can devise strategies that balance agricultural productivity with water resource conservation by engaging in dialogue, sharing knowledge, and leveraging collective expertise. Education and awareness also play a crucial role in addressing the water crisis in agriculture. By empowering farmers with knowledge about efficient water management techniques, the importance of conservation, and the implications of unsustainable practices, we can catalyze positive change at the grassroots level.

Conclusion

The use of water in agriculture presents both a crisis and a challenge in water resources conservation. Although the unsustainable exploitation of water poses significant threats to ecosystems and livelihoods, there are opportunities for innovation, adaptation, and collaboration to mitigate these challenges. By implementing sustainable practices, and sound policies, and fostering inclusive action, we can ensure the long-term viability of agriculture while safeguarding our water resources for future generations.

References

Aivazidou E, Tsolakis N, Iakovou E, Vlachos D. 2016. The emerging role of water footprint in supply chain management: A critical literature synthesis and a hierarchical decision-making framework. Journal of Cleaner Production 137: 1018–1037.

Altobelli F, Cimino O, Natali F, Orlandini S, Gitz V, Meybeck A, Dalla Marta A. 2018. Irrigated farming systems: using the water footprint as an indicator of environmental, social and economic sustainability. The Journal of Agricultural Science 156: 711–722.

Bayart J-B, Bulle C, Deschênes L, Margni M, Pfister S, Vince F, Koehler A. 2010. A framework for assessing off-stream freshwater use in LCA. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment 15: 439–453.

van Leeuwen K, Hofman J, Driessen PP, Frijns J. 2019. The challenges of water management and governance in cities. MDPI.

Singh CD, Rao KV, Kumar M, Rajwade YA. 2023. Development of a smart IoT‑based drip irrigation system for precision farming. Irrigation and Drainage 72: 21–37.