India is facing a severe water crisis due to rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns, impacting the cotton farming sector significantly. Data from The Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas predicts that by 2050, a massive 31% of global GDP, totalling $70 trillion, is at risk due to high water stress. India, Mexico, Egypt, and Turkey.
India’s cotton industry, a vital part of the economy, is threatened by its heavy water usage. The lack of water-saving irrigation techniques in traditional farming worsens resource depletion and environmental issues. Cotton, known as “white gold,” is a key crop in India but its cultivation strains water resources, especially with climate change-induced water scarcity.
The lack of adoption of water-saving irrigation technologies in conventional cotton farming exacerbates challenges in India. Drip irrigation and laser land leveling are proven methods to minimize water wastage and maximize efficiency, but their adoption remains limited in the cotton belt. Stakeholders must prioritize promoting these technologies.