31% of global GDP ($70 trillion) is at risk surprisingly from high water stress by 2050, according to the latest data from the World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas. India, Mexico, Egypt and Turkey are expected to bear the heaviest of this crisis, while contributing half of GDP.
The cotton sector, which supports millions of farmers and contributes significantly to India's GDP, is under threat due to its heavy dependence on water. The lack of widespread adoption of water-saving irrigation technologies in traditional cotton farming is making worse resource shortages and contributing to environmental and agricultural concerns. Traditional irrigation methods worsen environmental degradation by contributing not only to water loss but also to soil erosion and water pollution.
To address these challenges, stakeholders should prioritize widespread adoption of water-saving irrigation technologies in cotton cultivation. Government support and incentives can play an important role in making these technologies accessible to small farmers, whom are forming the backbone of the cotton industry.
As India faces double-sided challenges such as climate change and water scarcity, by adopting sustainable practices and encouraging collaboration amongst stakeholders, the country can pursue a path for more resilience and prosperity for its cotton industry, can sustain the livelihoods of millions of farmers while preserving precious water resources for future generations.
