Water plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity, and its sustainable management is imperative in the face of climate change. Issues such as depleting water resources, land degradation, and adverse impacts on crop production are direct consequences of climate change in agriculture. To address this, conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, particularly water, must precede policy agendas.
Drawing from the existing government policies, the following:
Actionable Strategies To Ensure Sustainable Water Management In Agricultural Development
Enhance water-use efficiency
Water is a cornerstone in current agricultural policies, per the mantra of “more crop per drop.” With 78% of India’s total freshwater resources dedicated to agriculture, advocating for efficiency savings is paramount for food production to meet the growing population’s needs. Micro-irrigation practices, such as sprinkler and drip systems, have been promoted through various government programs, localized primarily in a few states. However, there is immense potential for expansion, as these practices could cover 69.5 million hectares across India. Shifting from a supply-based to a demand-based system is essential to tap into this extensive micro-irrigation potential.
Redesign policy incentives
The current subsidy-based approach to irrigating farmlands, particularly the free power subsidy in states like Punjab, has led to detrimental environmental consequences. Groundwater depletion, highlighted by a NASA study , underscores the urgency for a policy shift. Addressing this requires political will and alternative income opportunities for farmers. Diversification to crops such as nutri-cereals, maize, soybean, fruits, and vegetables has been proposed, contingent on a supportive policy framework, market linkage, infrastructure creation, and public investments. The World Bank’s ongoing project, Paani Bachao, Paise Kamao (save water, earn money), offers practical insights into future policies. Designing a framework that compensates farmers for efficient water use through participatory irrigation management (PIM) and volumetric pricing has shown promise and must be scaled up.
Adopt sustainable water management technologies
It is pivotal for crop-specific irrigation practices that enhance and/or restore natural ecosystems. Precision irrigation models, including variable-rate drip irrigation and other micro-irrigation systems, are gaining acceptance, contributing to maximized water-use efficiency. Smart irrigation systems utilize information and communication technology (ICT) and remote sensing, which has proven successful in advanced economies and significantly contributes to efficient water management. Adopting technologies like PVC water-conveyor pipes, underground pipeline systems, and laser land leveling demonstrate a positive trend in enhancing water use efficiency. Sensitizing farmers to sustainable irrigation water management practices is crucial for realizing economic and environmental benefits.
Use a watershed management approach
In-situ soil and moisture conservation holds promise for addressing community needs. Integrating on-farm and non-farm activities in watershed areas creates sustainable livelihood options, particularly for disadvantaged communities. Successful interventions, such as those by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), showcase the positive impact on groundwater recharge and crop productivity. Convergence of interventions through national schemes like NREGS, Neeranchal, and PMKSY can significantly contribute to conserving and utilizing water for agriculture.
Increased usage of solar pumps
Recommended to address the challenges of the water-energy-food nexus, solar pumps are gaining traction through the KUSUM scheme. The proposal in the Union Budget for installing solar pumps and solarized grid connects aims to enhance farmers’ income while reducing carbon footprints. However, ensuring sustainable groundwater extraction is crucial when promoting solar-based irrigation systems, necessitating regular water table monitoring.
Invest in research and innovation
These are pivotal for evidence-based prescriptions in irrigation water management. The agricultural research system must prioritize research on irrigation practices, technologies, drainage water management, sustainable agroecosystem tools, and breeding drought-tolerant crop varieties. Despite their significance, water management aspects of crops still need to be investigated and warrant increased research funding.
The current situation demands an urgent shift toward more economically viable alternatives. As climate change leads to increasing weather variabilities, the risks to water availability for agriculture are amplified. The political economy must acknowledge this inevitable reality and overhaul irrigation and power policies strategically. The restructuring should aim to provide farmers with incentives to adopt water-saving practices. Emphasizing sustainable water usage in the face of climate change is a potential long-term solution to address the challenges of ensuring an adequate and stable food and water supply.
Speaking of addressing the challenges, can the government address these challenges by themselves?
Engaging in partnerships with results-oriented NGOs is crucial for implementing holistic initiatives. Through collaboration with leading rural development organizations, the government has the opportunity to foster a robust sense of community in rural areas—a formidable advantage in driving comprehensive and impactful programs.
The Top Sustainable Rural Development NGO In India
Since 1999, S M Sehgal Foundation has been steadfast in enhancing the lives of rural Indian communities. Operating as a prominent sustainable rural development NGO under a public charitable trust, the foundation’s committed team of professionals design programs to tackle critical issues in rural India.
At its core, the foundation bolsters community-driven development initiatives, creating positive transformations in rural India’s social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The overarching vision is to empower every individual in rural India, equipping them with the tools to lead more secure, prosperous, and dignified lives.
-
calls at the Citizen Information and Support Center
-
community leaders trained
-
check dams/nala bunds constructed
-
ponds developed and rejuvenated
-
schools with rainwater harvesting structures
-
crop demonstrations improve farm practices
-
acres covered with drip/sprinkler irrigation
-
schoolchildren benefited by school transformation
Increase Farmers’ Income through Solar Water Pumps
A case study delved into the profound impact of a solar water pump initiative on the income and livelihood of Deenu S/O Buddha, an experienced farmer in Hamzapur village, Nuh, Haryana. Before this intervention, Deenu, relying on traditional farming methods for over 25 years, faced challenges such as delayed irrigation, crop damage, and low yields, which led to reduced income and demotivation among local farmers.
Through the HDFC Bank Parivartan – CSR project in collaboration with S M Sehgal Foundation, Deenu, identified by the Village Development Committee, became a solar water pump beneficiary. With a beneficiary contribution of INR 88,500, a solar water pump was installed, resolving Deenu’s water-related issues and enabling timely irrigation.
The technology boosted Deenu’s crop production by 10% on his 6-acre land and allowed him to offer irrigation services to neighboring farmers, generating an additional income of INR 25,000. This intervention directly benefited Deenu and contributed to the sustainable management of natural resources by irrigating an extra 12 acres of land.
About the Author
Mr. Kailash Gupta
Project associate, S M Sehgal Foundation
Kailash Gupta, project associate at S M Sehgal Foundation, is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture. With over 23 years of experience in the development sector, he specializes in Integrated Village Development activities.
Contact us 
Sign up for