In irrigated as well as in rainfed areas, it is essential to work on the increase in water/ moisture-use efficiency of the crops. Since water is precious, suitable methods of irrigation and in-situ moisture conservation practices are to be adopted by the farmers on the basis of the suggestions made by the agricultural scientists of the country. In rainfed areas, suitable tillage can play a significant role in the conservation of moisture. Selection of crops and their varieties, fertilizer management and proper methods of sowing are the factors for increasing the moisture-use-efficiency and productivity. Methods of irrigations are to be modified in irrigated areas mainly to check the unnecessary loss of water.

In India, water scarcity is undoubtedly a long-standing issue considering its use for agriculture as well as for basic needs. Agricultural sector is responsible for 78% of water use in the country and demand for the sector will increase further with increasing population and transformation of diets. This article highlights issues is water-energy-food nexus and suggest technological and policy options for sustainable use of water. The high water foot prints of rice and wheat in traditional belts streamlines the much needed water availability based cropping pattern realignment across the zones. Technology assisted cultivation in the form of seed varieties or method of sowing or improved cultivation practices is advocated for long term sustainability. The higher irrigation efficiency sprinkler and drip irrigation systems and conservation agriculture, not only helps in reducing water footprints but also have potential to mitigate GHG emission. Management of postharvest food wastage will also play significant role in reducing environmental footprints.

The current financial crisis of irrigation sector is attributable to and characterized by inadequate budgetary allocations, low irrigation water rates and their poor recovery, inadequate maintenance of irrigation works, meagre financial resources available for organization and management, highly subsidized electricity for irrigation pumping and absence of any groundwater extraction charges and regulation policies. The 'business as usual' scenario of the irrigation sector, if allowed to continue, will add to the already severe financial crisis and make the perceived investments financially unviable and unsustainable. Sustaining the huge investment envisaged for the irrigation sector would require moving towards an "improved management" scenario.

Water is an essential recurring input for agriculture productivity and key to food security. Its availability in space and time has been a matter of great concern in many parts of the world. In India there is growing awareness about the scarcity of water under the increased water demand from agriculture and other sectors. Further, the projected reduction in water availability to the agriculture sector from the share of 89

Effect of hard water having 200, 298, 410 and 504 mg/litre harness on time taken for cooking and quality of cooked food was studied. Rice, dal and potatoes required relatively high time for cooking in water having hardness about of 200 mg/litre. As much as 5.49-37.00, 10.00-50.66, 1.01-17.17% more time was consumed in cooking rice, dal and potatoes respectively in water having hardness ranging from 200 to 504 mg/litre than in distilled water. The quality of food cooked in water having hardness of about 200 mg/litre was inferior as judged with the score card

Climate change presents significant challenges to global food, land, and water systems, with agriculture both contributing to emissions and vulnerable to climate impacts. Integrated farming systems (IFS) and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) provide solutions by enhancing productivity, resilience, and sustainability. IFS optimizes resource use by integrating crops, livestock, aquaculture, and agroforestry, while CSA focuses on practices like precision agriculture, water-efficient techniques, and soil carbon sequestration to adapt to climate change. Organic and natural farming reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, promote soil health, and enhance biodiversity. Transforming agricultural systems requires supportive policies, research, capacity building, and global collaboration. By adopting these approaches, agriculture can adapt to climate change, mitigate its effects, and ensure food security, contributing to global sustainability goals and building a resilient future for food, land, and water systems.