Temporal variation in export and import of virtual water through popular crop and livestock products by India

Abstract

Virtual water (VW) is defined as the water required in the production of goods. The objective of the study is to quantify the temporal variation in the virtual water trade in India from the year 2006–2016 through popular food and livestock products. Water management issues need to consider the VW trade since food production consumes large amount of water. The study was carried out using the data of exports and imports of food and livestock products of India as well as their VW consumption. Through the products considered in the study 496.9 Gm3 and 237.2 Gm3 of water is traded virtually in the form of exports and imports respectively during the period 2006 to 2016. The maximum export of VW were mainly through rice, maize and buffalo meat, while the imports were through cashews, pulses and wheat; rest of the food items contributing negligible amounts. This study will enable the water managers of the country to prioritize the export and import of products by considering the VW which will result in sustainable management of groundwater resources in India, which is already under threat due to climate change as well as degradation in quality due to geogenic and anthropogenic sources of contamination.