Agricultural Water Footprint Studies for Sustainable Agricultural Water Management -A Review

Abstract

Water footprint is defined as the amount of water consumed in production of any agricultural or industrial produce. It accounts the water consumed directly and indirectly for producing any industrial and agricultural product. Water footprint analysis helps in planning of the optimum utilization of water in any sector which subsequently leads to sustainable management of water resources. This review paper provides a review on the Water Footprint estimation methodology its merit and shortcomings, practical challenges with available data and resources for Indian context and worldwide. With increasing population and industrialization, availability of water and its judicious distribution is becoming challenging for the policy makers and strategist. Water foot print mapping of major crops will be helpful for development of new varieties which will be having higher yield with less water consumption. Traditional water consumption statistics, policies and awareness drives focuses on reducing water wastage and improving water use efficiency in domestic and industrial water use. Water footprint studies for various regions of India find that climate change and agricultural practices has significantly reduced the water consumption.