Water is a vital resource for agribusiness, but it is also a scarce and variable one. How can you use data to optimize your water use and reduce your environmental impact? In this article, you will learn some of the best practices for using agribusiness data to improve water management.
The first step to improve water management is to understand where your water comes from and how much you need. You can use data from different sources, such as rainfall, groundwater, irrigation, and municipal supply, to assess your water availability and quality. You can also use data from soil moisture sensors, crop models, and weather forecasts to estimate your water demand and schedule your irrigation accordingly. By knowing your water sources and needs, you can plan ahead and avoid water stress or wastage.
The second step to improve water management is to monitor how much water you use and how efficiently you use it. You can use data from flow meters, pressure gauges, and water balance models to measure your water use and losses. You can also use data from yield monitors, crop quality indicators, and water productivity metrics to evaluate your water efficiency and profitability. By monitoring your water use and efficiency, you can identify areas of improvement and implement best practices, such as drip irrigation, mulching, or deficit irrigation.
The third step to improve water management is to analyze the risks and opportunities that affect your water security and sustainability. You can use data from climate models, drought indices, and water scarcity maps to assess the potential impacts of water variability and scarcity on your agribusiness. You can also use data from market trends, customer preferences, and certification standards to explore the opportunities of water conservation and innovation on your agribusiness. By analyzing your water risks and opportunities, you can adapt to changing conditions and create value from water stewardship.
Among the key risks is setting an appropriate cost recover scheme , taking into consideration social and environmental aspects. The water sector's cost recovery concept aims to cover operational costs and incentivise efficient water usage. Without revenue from beneficiaries, there is no incentive for conservation. Activating the concept could improve the system, create awareness, and maximise returns. A financial relationship between beneficiaries and service providers would aid maintenance and allow the government to focus on regulation. Government support is necessary to collect, analyse, and share information and risks. Once the system is well-placed, introducing additional charges or water allocation systems would be less resisted.
The fourth step to improve water management is to visualize your water data and insights in a clear and compelling way. You can use data visualization tools, such as charts, maps, dashboards, and stories, to communicate your water performance and goals to different audiences, such as farmers, managers, investors, and customers. You can also use data visualization tools to compare your water data with benchmarks, targets, and best practices, and to track your progress and achievements over time. By visualizing your water data and insights, you can enhance your decision making and engagement.
The fifth step to improve water management is to share your water data and knowledge with other stakeholders, such as suppliers, buyers, regulators, and communities. You can use data sharing platforms, such as databases, networks, and portals, to exchange your water data and information with other parties. You can also use data sharing platforms to collaborate on water solutions and innovations, such as water reuse, recycling, or harvesting. By sharing your water data and knowledge, you can create synergies and partnerships that benefit your agribusiness and the environment.
The sixth step to improve water management is to learn from your water data and feedback and to continuously improve your water practices. You can use data analysis tools, such as statistics, algorithms, and machine learning, to discover patterns, trends, and insights from your water data. You can also use data analysis tools to test hypotheses, evaluate outcomes, and optimize strategies. By learning from your water data and feedback, you can keep up with the latest developments and innovations in water management and agribusiness.
In the water sector, equity among all farmers is a pre-condition to maximise the net return per water unit & thus, the social welfare. Water distribution equity has two dimensions - vertical & horizontal. The vertical dimension ensures that cost distribution and benefits reflect a sector's need, ability, and willingness to improve. The horizontal dimension focuses on equity in water allocation between users or within the same group or sector. Ensuring equity means considering the social dimension, providing free or low-cost water usage for small or poor farmers and ensuring accessibility by all social groups. Finally, equity requires treating water as a monetary value and ensuring compensation for those who dont have better access to it.