encourage measures such as microirrigation , crop diversification , and the use of drought-tolerant crop varieties . Effective enforcement of regulations is crucial to ensure these policies are followed consistently on the ground .
Furthermore , India ' s food production is affected by water demands , particularly for crops like rice , sugarcane , and wheat , which receive undue priority and support from the government . These crops are known for their high-water requirements , exacerbating water stress issues in states like Punjab and Haryana . Rice and sugarcane require 900 - 2500 mm and 1500 – 2500 mm respectively for a cropping cycle on average . India ' s growing demand for protein , driven by economic growth , has led to increased reliance on imports for pulses . However , farmers often prefer not to cultivate pulses in water-stressed regions without assured procurement systems . Shifting some cropping areas to maize , a major raw material for animal feed , could positively impact water use and make meat more affordable to consumers . Hence , revisiting the current food policies that are heavily skewed on cereals must be revisited . Further , bringing policies that favor crop diversification , encouraging farmers to grow less water-intensive crops like pulses or maize , are the need of the hour .
Focus on long-term solutions
“ Crop diversification is a significant step toward improving water use efficiency and adopting more sustainable agricultural practices .”
Crop diversification is a significant step toward improving water use efficiency and adopting more sustainable agricultural practices . This approach reduces the overall demand for water by choosing less waterintensive crops and ensures a more balanced intake of essential nutrients , enhancing nutrition security . These can result in significant reduction in water footprint for example , of India ’ s rice crop , which remains at a staggering 2020 m3 against the global average of 1325 m3 ( Source : UNESCO-IHE Institute of Water Education , 2010 ). Additionally , it disrupts the cycle of pests and diseases associated with monoculture farming , reducing the need for excessive pesticide use and promoting healthier farming practices . Crop
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