‘Sacred, Finite National Resource’: President Murmu Demands Farm Water Innovation

At the National Water Conference in New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu issued a compelling plea for revolutionizing agricultural water use, labeling it a “sacred and finite national resource.” Her address to policymakers, scientists, and farmers underscored the dire state of India’s water security and the need for immediate, sustainable action.

Water: A Divine Legacy Under Threat

President Murmu elevated water beyond mere utility, calling it a spiritual and cultural inheritance. “Water nurtures our fields, our traditions, and our future,” she stated, warning of its depletion due to climate change, overuse, and inefficiency.

With 18% of the global population but only 4% of freshwater reserves, India faces a stark imbalance. Agriculture guzzles 80% of water supplies, often through wasteful flood irrigation—a system Murmu insists must evolve.

3 Pathways to Water-Smart Farming

1. Precision Agriculture

Murmu championed drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors, and AI tools to cut waste, citing Gujarat’s micro-irrigation success. “Every saved drop secures our children’s future,” she asserted.

2. Crop Diversification

She urged farmers in arid zones to replace water-hungry crops (e.g., paddy) with millets and pulses, aligning with national nutrition goals and reducing water stress.

3. Wastewater Recycling

Highlighting Israel’s 90% reuse rate, Murmu pushed for treated sewage in farming, especially near cities where freshwater is scarce.

Policy & Grassroots Action

While praising schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission, Murmu demanded faster execution and farmer training. Key proposals included:
– Village-level water budgets
– Community-managed conservation
– Stricter groundwater laws (noting Punjab’s critical depletion)

Blending Tradition with Technology

The President evoked ancient systems like johads (rainwater tanks) and baolis (stepwells), urging a return to collective water stewardship. “Our ancestors saw water as sacred—we must too,” she said.

Next Steps: A ‘Blue Revolution’?

The speech spurred discussions on a water-efficient farming task force. Startups showcased innovations like solar desalination, yet hurdles like funding delays and farmer resistance persist.

Murmu’s closing warning resonated: “Rhetoric won’t suffice—our survival demands action.” With 600 million Indians facing water stress, her message is a national imperative.

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