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India’s agricultural sector, though pivotal to national food security and rural livelihoods, is increasingly strained by the unsustainable use of water, particularly in the cultivation of water-intensive crops such as sugarcane, wheat, and rice. These crops dominate the agricultural landscape and consume a significant portion of irrigation water, resulting in groundwater depletion, declining irrigation efficiency, and widespread environmental degradation. In the context of intensifying climate stress and mounting pressure on water resources, this study aims to assess the water productivity (WP) and environmental implications of these crops in major producing regions of India.
The research employs tools such as FAO CROPWAT, which integrates weather, crop, and soil data to estimate crop water requirements. Using this model, the study quantitatively evaluates how efficiently water is used in the production of key crops like wheat and sugarcane. Physical water productivity, along with blue and green water productivity, is calculated to provide a comprehensive understanding of water-use efficiency. A comparative analysis across selected crops and regions further reveals temporal and spatial variability in physical and economic water productivity, offering insights into regional disparities and potential areas for improvement.
Importantly, the findings of this research can contribute to a deeper understanding of virtual water exports i.e., the indirect export of India’s freshwater resources embedded in agricultural commodities. As water-stressed regions continue to cultivate and export water-intensive crops, this research offers valuable inputs for future policy directions, including crop diversification, incentivizing sustainable technologies, and national water management strategies. Ultimately, the thesis aims to support the transition toward a more water-secure and economically viable agricultural future for India.
Keywords: Water productivity, water intensive crops, crop water requirement, environmental implications, sustainable agriculture.
