India's Food and Water Security Crisis

India is a land of contrasts where the lush green fields of the countryside meet the bustling metropolises of the cities. But this diversity is also reflected in the country's food and water security challenges.

The agricultural sector is the backbone of India's economy, accounting for around 15% of the country's GDP. However, it is also a major user of water, accounting for around 80% of the country's water consumption. This reliance on water makes agriculture vulnerable to climate change which can cause more frequent and severe droughts and floods. For instance, in 2021, India experienced its worst drought in 40 years. It caused crop failures and food shortages, and it is estimated that over 60 million people were affected. The drought was caused by a combination of factors including climate change, deforestation, and poor water management.

The growing population is another factor that is putting a strain on the country's food and water resources. By 2050, India is expected to have a population of 1.6 billion people, which will require more food and water to meet the basic necessities. This will be a challenge, as the country's water resources are already overexploited. According to the World Bank, India is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world. The country's water resources are only sufficient to meet 1,600 cubic meters of water per person per year which is well below the global average of 1,700 cubic meters.

According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, about 14% of children under the age of five in India are stunted due to malnutrition. The situation is particularly dire in rural areas where families are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.

The Indian government has launched a number of schemes to address these challenges, including the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), and the National Food Security Mission (NFSM). These schemes are aimed at providing financial assistance to farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring food security for all.

However, more work needs to be done to bridge India's food and water security gap. The government needs to invest in water-smart agricultures which includes measures such as rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and water recycling. It also includes promoting water-efficient crops, such as millet and sorghum, and using integrated pest management to control pests without the need for water-intensive irrigation. We need to spread awareness about sustainable land management practices such as afforestation and watershed management as such practices can help reduce the risk of droughts and floods. It is pre-eminent for these steps to be taken so that India can help to ensure its food and water security for the future.

Reference List

• World Bank. (n.d.). Water Scarcity. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water/brief/water-scarcity
• The Indian Express. (2021). Why India is staring at its worst drought in 40 years. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-india-is-staring-at-its-worst-drought-in-40-years-7321398/
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2020). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/ca9692en/ca9692en.pdf