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.

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.

Summary (En)

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

Summaries (En) | What will happen to food production and global food security as water becomes increasingly scarce? What steps can we take to avert threats to global food supply, the environment and the livelihoods of those lacking access to clean water? Using state-of-the-art computer modelling to show how water availability and demand are likely to evolve, the book contends that if current water policies continue, so will high levels of food insecurity, environmental degradation, and water-related ill health. Further neglect of water issues could produce genuine water crisis, which in turn could lead to a food crisis. The authors show exactly which policies and actions could ensure sustainable and efficient water use, enough food for the world's people, and adequate drinking water for all. | Gift