The World needs to stop taking water for granted
- Water availability affects every aspect of human life, especially food and nutrition security. For instance, about 60% of India’s net sown area is rainfed, contributing to 40% of the total food production
- However, rainfed agriculture depends directly on water availability, and rain and soil moisture variations can severely affect food and nutrition security
- Irrigated agriculture accounts for 72% of global freshwater withdrawals, sometimes with lasting damaging effects on the sustainability of significant ecosystems, such as seasonal rivers and deep aquifers.
- India's agriculture sector is heavily reliant on water resources, and a large portion of the country's available freshwater is used for irrigation to support food production.
- Water is a critical factor in crop production in India, as agriculture is heavily dependent on water resources.
- The availability and management of water play a pivotal role in the success and sustainability of crop production in the country
- Irrigation is essential for agriculture in India, as the country predominantly practices rain-fed agriculture. India's agriculture is divided into two main seasons: the kharif (monsoon) season and the rabi (winter) season. Irrigation ensures that crops can be cultivated during both seasons, increasing agricultural productivity.
- Water for irrigation comes from various sources, including surface water from rivers, reservoirs, and canals, as well as groundwater from wells and tube wells. Surface water irrigation is critical for rice cultivation, while groundwater is often used for other crops.
- The choice of crops in India is influenced by water availability. Water-intensive crops, such as rice, sugarcane, and cotton, are commonly grown in regions with access to abundant water resources. Conversely, drought-resistant crops like millets and pulses are grown in water-scarce regions
- Decades of poor water management, misuse and pollution, and the climate crisis have degraded freshwater suppliesand ecosystems, adding to the vulnerability of small-scale producers to climate shocks and land degradation in some ofthe world’s most fragile ecosystems
- About 40% of the planet’s total land area is degraded, leaving farmers with lessproductive land. Small-scale farmers, who make up more than 80% of farmers globally, are especially affected as theyoften lack access to finance, technology and irrigation to maintain a level of production that can sustain theirlivelihoods.
- The Government of India has assessed the impact of climate change in 2050 and 2080 using climate projections andcrop simulation models
- Without adaptation measures, rainfed rice yields in India are projected to reduce by 20% in2050, and by 47% in 2080 scenarios, while irrigated rice yields are projected to decline by 3.5% in 2050 and 5% in 2080scenarios. Wheat yields are projected to decrease by 19.3% in 2050 and 40% in 2080, while kharif maize yields coulddecline by 18% and 23%
- The FAO also supports the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems and climate-smart agriculture practices toimprove water-use efficiency
- Similarly, IFAD has enshrined climate change adaptation in its core strategies. It set ambitious targets in terms ofleveraging climate financing to mitigate climate change by addressing the adverse impacts of agriculture and helpingfarmers to adapt to the increasing volatility of weather conditions, by investing in the restoration and preservation ofsoil health, water resources and merging modern technologies with indigenous knowledge systems to build productiveand resilient production systems and value chains
- IFAD-supported projects in Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttarakhand,Nagaland and Mizoram incorporate climate-resilient seed varieties and crops, including millets, and train farmers inclimate-sensitive agricultural practices and soil management to cope with increased water stress
- The WFP iscollaborating with the Government of Odisha to develop solutions for smallholder farmers, focusing on women. Thegoal is to enhance resilience through solar technologies, establish community-based climate advisory services to helpmanage climate impacts and promote a millet-value chain that reduces water usage and improves nutrition.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that was established in 1945. Its mission is to lead international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition worldwide, make agriculture more sustainable, and promote the well-being of rural populations. The FAO is headquartered in Rome, Italy, and works with governments, non-governmental organizations, and other partners to achieve its objectives. Here are some of the key efforts and activities of the FAO:
-
Food Security and Nutrition: The FAO plays a leading role in the global fight against hunger and malnutrition. It works to promote food security, which means that all people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to lead active and healthy lives.
-
Agricultural Development: The FAO supports countries in developing and improving their agricultural sectors. This includes promoting sustainable farming practices, crop diversification, and enhancing agricultural productivity. The organization provides technical expertise and guidance to help countries achieve these goals.
-
Natural Resource Management: The FAO works to ensure the responsible management of natural resources, including land, water, and forests. It promotes sustainable agricultural and forestry practices to mitigate environmental degradation and address climate change.
-
Rural Development: Rural development is a key focus of the FAO. The organization works to improve living conditions for rural populations, enhance their livelihoods, and reduce poverty through initiatives such as rural infrastructure development, job creation, and access to markets.
-
Emergency and Crisis Response: The FAO provides humanitarian assistance in times of crises, such as natural disasters and conflicts. It helps communities and countries restore their agriculture and food systems to ensure food security for affected populations.
-
Research and Data Collection: The FAO conducts research, collects data, and publishes reports on various aspects of agriculture, food security, and nutrition. These publications provide valuable information and insights to policymakers, researchers, and the public.
|
Practice Mains Questions
1.Discuss the role and functions of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in addressing global food security and agriculture-related challenges.
2.Explain the significance of FAO's initiatives in promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
3.Explain the impact of global initiatives like the FAO's Zero Hunger Challenge on India's efforts to eliminate hunger and promote sustainable crop production
|
