The Rising Demand for Sustainable Irrigation Practices

The constant increase of climate change is something we all are aware of and scared of. This is not just to safeguard our present but also to leave a better future for tomorrow. This change has brought about drought conditions in many regions and made water, an essential resource, increasingly scarce.

All of this, when put in a larger perspective, has led to the adoption of environmentally friendly methods, central to which are sustainable irrigation practices that are no longer just another option but a necessity.

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The agricultural sector takes up a substantial portion of global water use, with irrigation playing a very crucial role in ensuring crop productivity. However, using traditional methods of irrigation like overhead sprinklers or flood irrigation often leads to a significant amount of water waste through inefficient water supply, runoff, evaporation, etc.?Moreover, borrowing water from underground sources, lakes, rivers, etc. has led to not only the depletion but also the contamination of water sources, while also posing a serious ecological challenge. {1}

During all these challenges, shifting to sustainable irrigation practices is a very promising solution. This is because they employ a range of technologies and techniques that work to maximise water efficiency while minimising the environmental impact. By making a shift towards this, the farmers can mitigate water scarcity, reduce energy consumption and offer a better yield.

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Innovating approaches that have emerged in recent years have revolutionised the way water for irrigation is managed:

• Drip Irrigation: This method delivers water directly to the plant's base, which minimises evaporation. It not only helps to conserve water but also promotes optimal plant growth by maintaining soil moisture levels.
• Precision Agriculture: Farmers can optimise irrigation schedules, tailor water application to specific crop needs, and minimise resource waste by using data-driven insights with technologies like sensors, automated systems, and drones. {2}
• Soil Moisture Management: Soil moisture monitoring tools enable farmers to precisely estimate the moisture content of their fields.?If more farmers are made to understand the soil-water dynamics, they can irrigate their fields accordingly as and when necessary and avoid overwatering.
• Conservation: Conservation practices like no-till, reduced tillage, etc. help to improve soil structure and water retention capacity by minimising soil disturbance. This also helps to reduce water runoff and erosion, enhancing soil health and water infiltration.
• Integrated Water Management: By diversifying water sources like rainwater harvesting, water recycling, etc., and reducing reliance on freshwater extraction, farmers can build resilience to water scarcity and contribute to water conservation efforts. {3}

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The adoption of sustainable practices is not only a strategic important but also a moral obligation to look after the planet responsibly. {4} All the stakeholders involved, like policymakers, the government, farmers, etc., must work collaboratively to bring supportive policies, incentives, and capacity-building initiatives.

Investing in research and innovation, as well as providing farmers with technical assistance and financial resources, can all help expedite the adoption of sustainable irrigation methods and practices.

At last, making a shift to these practices is a very crucial move that will help build a more resilient system that serves the needs of both current and future generations. {5} We can do our part to save water and make this change by encouraging innovation, and collaboration and adopting these practices effectively.

REFERENCES

{1} https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water-in-agriculture

{2} https://eos.com/blog/precision-agriculture/

{3} https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/10/8/1120

{4} https://fsii.in/innovative-options-for-sustainable-irrigation/??

{5} https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/85131