National savings in freshwater consumption in Iran by virtual water imports (a case study on cereals)

Abstract

AbstractImproper use of water resources for agricultural production has led to a global decline in freshwater resources because more than 80% of the world's freshwater resources are used for agricultural purposes. Most countries can compensate for the water restrictions for food production by importing virtual water through international trade of agricultural commodities by which virtual water is transferred from the production regions to the consumption regions. The present research aimed to investigate the possibility of national savings in freshwater consumption in Iran by importing virtual water of agricultural products (cereals) over the period of 2001–2018. The results show that importing cereals has contributed to national savings on freshwater consumption in Iran, amounting to 21 167 million m3 per year. The total saving is estimated at 381 011 million m3 out of which 53.18% is green water, 34.09% is blue water, and 12.73% is grey water.