Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh said that due to continuous fall in per capita water availability and increasing population of the nation, it becomes necessary to utilize every drop of available water for providing Food security to growing population. Singh was addressing the Expert Panel meeting on International Green Week-2017, in Berlin, Germany on Friday.
It is a big challenge and responsibility on us to provide food to the population with a scarce resource. Increasing Water Use Efficiency is a necessary step to counter the water scarcity issues, where water budgeting has to be done, Singh underlined
Singh said that currently India and other countries faced major issues related to sustainable management of water and the issues are over exploitation of ground water resources; lack of proper crop alignment; low water use efficiency (WUE); lack of awareness among farmers; improper recycling and reuse of water, and problems related to industries
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister also listed various plans launched by India for sustainable use of Water such as Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) (Prime Minister Agricultural Irrigation Project). It was formulated in 2015 with a vision to cover irrigation ‘Har Khet ko pani’ (that means water to every farm) and improving water use efficiency ‘More crop per drop’.
Singh also mentioned National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and National Water Mission in this context. He also talked of the concept of multiple use of water as it generates more income benefits, decreases vulnerability by allowing more diversified livelihood strategies and increases sustainability of ecosystem.
Singh thanked the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture of Germany for the meticulous arrangements made for this meeting, in general and particularly for bringing all together to discuss water management in Agriculture which indeed a key in feeding the world, said a PIB release.