Groundwater: a precious resource for sustainable agriculture and food security

Introduction

Water is an essential resource for life, and its availability plays a critical role in ensuring food security. Groundwater, in particular, is a valuable asset that contributes significantly to agricultural production worldwide. As surface water sources become increasingly stressed and vulnerable to climate change, the importance of groundwater for sustaining agricultural practices and ensuring food security has become even more pronounced. This article explores the vital link between groundwater, sustainable agriculture and food security, highlighting its significance, challenges and sustainable management strategies.

The role of groundwater in food security

Groundwater is a reliable and consistent source of water for agriculture, especially in regions facing erratic rainfall patterns and droughts. It serves as a buffer during dry spells, allowing farmers to continue irrigation and sustain crop growth even when surface water sources are depleted. In many parts of the world, groundwater is the primary source of irrigation for farming, contributing significantly to crop production and food supply. It enables farmers to diversify their crops, increase yields, and enhance overall agricultural productivity.

Sustainable groundwater development and management is essential for sustainable agriculture and food security in India and the world.

 

Challenges and concerns

While groundwater is an invaluable resource, its unsustainable use poses several challenges to long-term food security. Over-exploitation, where extraction exceeds recharge rates, leads to declining water tables and eventually, groundwater depletion. In some areas, excessive pumping has resulted in land subsidence, saltwater intrusion, and the drying up of wells. These consequences threaten agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of farmers who depend on groundwater for irrigation.

For example as per a report by NITI Aayog, around 54% of groundwater wells in India are experiencing a decline in water levels. The rate of groundwater extraction exceeds the rate of recharge in 61% of India's wells. Approximately 65% of India's agricultural area relies on groundwater for irrigation. NITI Aayog also estimated that 21 major cities, including Delhi, would run out of groundwater by 2030. Excessive groundwater extraction has led to a decline in water tables, affecting the sustainability of agricultural practices. The majority of the areas with critical levels of groundwater are found in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh, where unregulated groundwater withdrawal has lowered the water table despite replenishable systems. Other areas that are in danger are those in Rajasthan and Gujarat, where arid climates limit groundwater recharge, and lastly, areas of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, where crystalline water-storing aquifers naturally limit groundwater availability. 

Groundwater situations are becoming critical year by year in India.

Furthermore, poor management practices, inadequate monitoring systems, and a lack of awareness about sustainable water use exacerbate the problem. Unregulated drilling and uncontrolled extraction of groundwater can lead to conflicts over water rights and inequitable distribution, particularly in areas with limited access to alternative water sources. Climate change, including shifts in rainfall patterns and increased frequency of droughts, further compounds these challenges, intensifying the reliance on groundwater for irrigation.

Sustainable management strategies

To ensure the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources and food security, effective management strategies are crucial. Here are some important strategies:

Efficient irrigation techniques: Encouraging the adoption of water-efficient irrigation practices, such as drip irrigation and precision farming, can significantly reduce water consumption. These methods help minimize water loss through evaporation and ensure that water is delivered directly to plant roots, optimizing irrigation efficiency.

Conservation and recharge: Promoting water conservation measures, such as rainwater harvesting and watershed management, can help replenish groundwater reserves. Implementing techniques like artificial recharge, where excess surface water is directed into aquifers, can help restore depleted groundwater levels.

Monitoring and data management: Developing robust monitoring systems to assess groundwater levels, quality, and usage patterns is crucial for informed decision-making. Implementing remote sensing technologies, data analytics, and early warning systems can aid in efficient water management and resource planning.

Groundwater regulation and governance: Governments and local authorities need to establish clear regulations and policies governing groundwater extraction. This includes setting limits on pumping rates, implementing licensing systems, and promoting responsible water use practices.

Education and awareness: Raising awareness among farmers, communities, and stakeholders about sustainable groundwater management practices is vital. Training programs, workshops, and outreach initiatives can foster responsible water use behaviors and encourage participation in collective efforts to safeguard groundwater resources.

Recruitment of geologists: India has shortages of Groundwater Geologists at Village Panchayat levels for developing, managing, regulating groundwater resources. Government should recruit Groundwater Geologists at each panchayat level for systematic study, planning and development of agriculture oriented groundwater development, management and conservation.

End of electricity subsidy: Many states provide subsidies for electricity used to pump groundwater for agricultural purposes. Additionally, this is causing issues in groundwater resource conservation and management. Recently, the Indian government exported rice to other countries, but the problem with their exports is that electricity subsidized groundwater, fertilizer and other such raw material costs and prices are not included. This makes it obvious that efforts to export rice are losing money.     

Conclusions

Groundwater is a vital resource for sustainable agriculture and ensuring global food security, particularly in regions facing water scarcity and climate-related challenges. However, sustainable management practices are necessary to prevent the over-exploitation and depletion of this valuable resource. By implementing effective regulations, promoting water-efficient techniques, encouraging conservation, and raising awareness, we can safeguard groundwater supplies for future generations, maintain agricultural productivity, and ensure food security in a rapidly changing world.