President Murmu’s Urgent Call for Sustainable Water Use in Farming
In a landmark address, President Droupadi Murmu declared water a “sacred, finite national resource” and called for urgent innovation in agricultural water management. Speaking at a national conference on sustainable farming, she warned of dire consequences for food security and rural economies if water waste continues unchecked.
India’s Water Crisis: A Ticking Time Bomb
President Murmu highlighted the rapid depletion of groundwater in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu, where farming consumes 80% of freshwater. “Water is our civilization’s lifeline, yet we extract it faster than nature can replenish,” she said. Flood irrigation, she noted, wastes billions of liters annually, exacerbating scarcity.
4 Key Innovations to Transform Farm Water Use
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Micro-Irrigation Revolution:
Murmu pushed for nationwide adoption of drip and sprinkler systems, which can slash water use by 50% while boosting yields. She urged states to expand subsidies and training for small farmers. -
Shift to Drought-Resistant Crops:
Millets and pulses—requiring less water than rice or sugarcane—were championed as “climate-smart Shree Anna.” -
Tech-Driven Solutions:
AI, IoT sensors, and satellite mapping can optimize irrigation. Murmu called for agri-tech partnerships to scale these tools. -
Revive Traditional Systems:
Rajasthan’s khadins and Tamil Nadu’s eris (ancient tanks) exemplify community-led conservation. “Our ancestors mastered water harvesting—we must relearn,” she said.
Policy Reforms & Farmer Incentives
Murmu demanded stricter groundwater laws, fair pricing, and rewards for water-saving practices. She spotlighted the Per Drop More Crop scheme but stressed faster on-ground execution.
A Unified Mission for Water Security
The President framed conservation as a shared duty: “Industries must recycle, cities must reduce waste, and farmers must innovate.” Her closing warning: “Delay risks our children’s future.”
Why This Matters
With 600 million Indians facing water stress, Murmu’s speech signals a critical turning point. Bridging tech, tradition, and policy could secure India’s water future.
— By [Your Name], NextMinuteNews
