There are many policies, initiatives and laws that have been put in place to address the water scarcity crisis in the agricultural sector by international organizations and developed countries. Which, if the appropriate choice is made for the nature of each country and its resources, the benefit will be great.
Efficient use of water
Dr. Assem Abdel Moneim, a water consultant, says that the most efficient use of water is necessary along the food value chain. A third of food produced for human consumption globally is lost or wasted each year. Therefore, measures to prevent, reduce, reuse and recycle food loss and waste are part of the solution to use water resources more effectively.
Therefore, countries resort in the event of water scarcity because they rely on food trade with other countries that have an abundance of crops. However, due to political, environmental and health conditions – such as the Ukraine war and the Corona epidemic – trade between countries stops and we return to the local product to provide goods to the population.
Cropping change is one of the solutions to save irrigation water. It would provide new social and economic benefits including income, employment and revenue. However, it has negative effects that lead to a decrease in the productivity of using land resources and an increase in salinity. As well as the negative impact on the health of the ecosystem.
In the state of Uzbekistan, a policy of changing cropping structures was used – whose objectives include increasing food security – saving water and increasing social benefits – so the wheat crop was cultivated instead of alfalfa under conditions of groundwater and irrigated land for about 200 thousand hectares. It was found that the rate of evaporation is equal for the two crops. The experience showed that switching from cultivating winter wheat as a substitute for alfalfa did not save irrigation water. However, it naturally led to an increase in the amount of production as a result of the increase in the cultivated area. What enhances food security. However, it has a negative impact on the amount of feed available for animal production.
In order to use the cropping combinations policy, it is necessary to study the determinants and objectives and inventory the available resources for cultivation well. To be generally consistent with the agricultural policy objectives of the state and not with individual objectives.
The bottom line in the water shortage crisis and the search for thirst-resistant crops with high food productivity is that all experts stressed the need to encourage farmers at the level of the Republic to grow new plants. It has water-saving features and can be relied upon in the food crisis that threatens the world due to the Ukrainian war.
