Amit Kapoor and Hari Menon India’s concerted efforts towards achieving zero hunger and prioritising food security through social protection system have only enhanced since the COVID-19 pandemic. Working towards ensuring that all people, at all times, have access to basic food that is nutritious and essential for an active and healthy life, India, through its food security systems, has made efforts to address the multidimensional aspects of hunger.

This is particularly evident through schemes like public distribution systems, mid-day meal schemes, maternity entitlements, active efforts towards mainstreaming fortified foods, and national nutrition policy that target the issue of hunger and malnutrition, along with all other deprivations that intensify the problem at hand. India had activity engaged for 2023 to be declared as the International Year of Millets (IYOM) in the pursuit of promoting millets in diets as a source of nutrition. Even before India took over the G20 Presidency, the country volunteered to take forward the dialogue and processes in connection with the UN Food Systems Summit (2021), dealing with advancing equitable livelihoods for the UN Food System Summit 2021. 

During the G20 presidency, India, in its agriculture working group, pursued priorities aligned with its goal of achieving zero hunger. The four priorities were – (i) food security and nutrition, (ii) sustainable agriculture with climate-smart approach, (iii) inclusive agri value chains and food systems and (iv) digitalisation for agriculture transformation. The four priorities were seen as pillars that together foster means to achieving food security through climate-sustainable and resilient approaches, especially within the agri-sector. The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declarationcalled for  Eliminating Hunger as a top priority; the leaders committed to accelerating innovations and investments in increasing agricultural productivity along with reducing food loss and waste in order to build more sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture and food systems. Further, strengthening research and development on climate-sustainable and nutritiously diverse grains like millets was acknowledged as critical, given the adverse impacts of climate change .. Apart from this, the G20 Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition and the Millets and other Ancient Grains International Research Initiative (MAHARISHI) were also adopted as part of the 118 documents that were adopted and annexed with the Declaration. 

As per FAO, agri-sector remains a high-emission sector, with agri-food systems accounting for nearly 31% of emissions in 2020. Agriculture contributes to climate change and must be an integral part of the global response to global warming. Therefore, adaptation and adaptation-led mitigation practices in this sector are necessary for reducing the adverse effects of climate change and ensuring food security. As pushed by India during its agriculture negotiations, climate-smart approaches address trade-offs across economic and environmental goals, thereby minimising emissions per unit of output. Climate-smart agriculture aims to enhance food security and incomes and foster resilience sustainably. Sustainable agriculture also includes making agri-value chains sustainable and resilient. These would include developing insurance programs and embedding agricultural risk management tools, establishing early warning and market information systems, developing agricultural programs and promoting crop diversification, promoting and incentivising agricultural productions for the local market and building food systems at local levels. Not only does this investment serve as a linchpin for stimulating economic growth, but it also stands as a potent weapon in the fight against global poverty. 

Pursuing sustainable agriculture and food systems and mainstreaming it through multilateral forums like G20 has helped India achieve what stands to benefit consumers and producers. In the light of the need to raise productivity while moving towards food systems that are sustainable environmentally, economically and socially and that support quality and diverse diets, the G20 has achieved a consensus on increasing responsible investment in food systems, enhancing social safety nets and incentives for farmers to shift to sustainable agriculture practices and increasing productivity sustainably to ensure unimpeded food supply. In particular, the presidency has motivated a dialogue on climate-smart approaches for sustainable agriculture. Developing crop varieties that are more resistant to pests, diseases, drought, water logging, and salinity is also connected to agriculture conservation. The agriculture sector, comprising various plant and animal species, is prone to imbalances in the over-arching one-earth one-health. It has also been highlighted that the existing climate-smart practices and emerging agroecological and environment-friendly approaches could be scaled up with significant investments in building the knowledge base, developing technology and implementing non–degrading and resource–conserving production systems.

Additionally, it is equally important to ensure that demand-side factors that emanate from consumers are viable long-term and support green agriculture. Changing lifestyles lead to demands for customised diets, many of which adversely impact agri-systems. Keeping this in mind, emphasis should be on two aspects – introducing diverse sources of nutrition through local and traditional crops that often remain underutilised, like millets, and ensuring that the crops don’t lay undue disadvantage on food systems. Millets are nutrient-rich crops exceptionally well suited to dry climatic conditions. In this regard, the presidency brought consensus on broader dissemination of research related to millets. These efforts have successfully translated India’s domestic importance to the agri sector into substantive gains at a multilateral level through its call for urgent and imminent action for sustainable agriculture. 

(Kapoor is chair, Institute for Competitiveness, India and Lecturer, USATMC, Stanford University; Tweets @kautiliya. Hari Menon is director, India Country Office, BMGF).

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Sewage treatment is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater or sewage, primarily from household or industrial use, to make it safe for disposal or reuse. This process typically involves several stages to ensure that harmful pollutants, pathogens, and chemicals are effectively removed or neutralized. The main stages of sewage treatment are:

 

1. Preliminary Treatment:

• Screening: Large solids, such as rags, sticks, and plastic items, are removed through screens or grates.
• Grit Removal: Heavier particles, like sand and gravel, are separated through settling or mechanical processes.

2. Primary Treatment:

• Sedimentation: The wastewater is allowed to sit in large tanks, where suspended solids settle at the bottom, forming a sludge. Lighter oils and greases rise to the surface and are skimmed off.
• This stage removes about 60-70% of the suspended solids and some organic material but does not remove dissolved substances or microorganisms.

3. Secondary Treatment:

• This stage focuses on biological processes to break down organic matter further. There are several methods used:
  • Activated Sludge Process: Air is bubbled through the water to promote microbial activity, breaking down organic matter.
  • Trickling Filters: Wastewater is passed over microbial-covered surfaces, where bacteria degrade organic materials.
  • Aerated Lagoons: Wastewater is treated in shallow ponds, where bacteria decompose organic waste.
• Secondary treatment removes most of the remaining suspended solids and reduces biological oxygen demand (BOD) significantly.

4. Tertiary Treatment:

• Filtration: Water is passed through filters to remove finer particles and residual contaminants.
• Chemical Treatment: Sometimes chemicals like chlorine or ozone are used to disinfect the water, killing harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens.
• Nutrient Removal: Processes like denitrification are used to remove excess nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause environmental problems such as eutrophication in water bodies.

5. Sludge Treatment:

• Thickening: The collected sludge from the primary and secondary stages is thickened to reduce its volume.
• Digestion: The sludge undergoes biological treatment, usually in anaerobic digesters, where bacteria break down organic matter, reducing its volume and making it less odorous.
• Dewatering and Disposal: After digestion, the sludge is dewatered (through centrifuges, presses, or drying beds) and can either be disposed of in landfills, used as fertilizer, or incinerated.

6. Effluent Discharge or Reuse:

• The treated water (effluent) is either released into rivers, lakes, or oceans or is reused for purposes like irrigation, industrial cooling, or even as reclaimed water for non-potable uses like flushing toilets.

Effective sewage treatment is essential for protecting public health and the environment, ensuring clean water and reducing pollution in ecosystems. The specific methods and technologies used can vary based on the size of the plant, the volume of wastewater treated, and local environmental and regulatory requirements.

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Recycling and Reusing Water from Farm Ponds: A Sustainable Approach Recycling and reusing water from farm ponds is not only an effective way to conserve water but also offers significant benefits in terms of reducing operational costs for irrigation and aquaculture. Water recycling improves efficiency, lowers costs, and contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly farming practice. This approach is especially important in water-scarce regions where water management is a critical factor for agricultural productivity. Below, we’ll explore several key methods for recycling and reusing water from farm ponds.

1. Filtration Systems: Cleaning the Water for Reuse

One of the most important methods for ensuring that pond water remains clean and suitable for reuse is the installation of filtration systems. These systems help maintain water quality by removing impurities and preventing clogging in irrigation systems, as well as ensuring that the water is safe for aquatic life if fish farming is involved.

• Bio-Filters: These are natural filters that use bacteria, plants, or other microorganisms to break down organic material and remove harmful substances from the water. Bio-filters can be installed in farm ponds to improve water quality by converting organic pollutants (such as algae or waste) into less harmful compounds.
• Sediment Filters: Pond water often contains suspended solids such as silt, dirt, and debris, which can affect water quality and clog irrigation systems. Sediment filters help remove these particles, ensuring that the water remains clean for agricultural use or for fish farms. These filters typically have mesh or fabric that allows water to pass through while trapping larger particles.
• Floating Aquatic Plants: Aquatic plants such as water hyacinth, duckweed, or other aquatic vegetation can help purify the water naturally. These plants absorb excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause algae blooms and reduce oxygen levels in the water. They also provide a habitat for aquatic species and help with the removal of heavy metals and other contaminants, making the water more suitable for reuse in irrigation or aquaculture operations.

2. Water Reuse in Irrigation

Farm ponds are often used to store water for irrigation, especially in areas where rainfall is unpredictable or insufficient. Recycling pond water for irrigation can help reduce the reliance on fresh water sources, conserve resources, and minimize the cost of purchasing water.

• Efficient Water Distribution: Using pond water for irrigation helps reduce the need for external water sources. A major benefit of this practice is the ability to reuse the water for multiple cycles, thus reducing the need to replenish the pond. This system can be particularly beneficial during dry spells when natural rainfall is not available.

• Drip Irrigation System: One of the most efficient ways to reuse water from a pond is through drip irrigation. This system involves delivering water directly to the root zone of the plants through a network of tubes, emitters, or hoses. This method is highly efficient because it minimizes evaporation and runoff, which are common issues in traditional irrigation methods. Drip irrigation ensures that water is used sparingly and effectively, reducing waste and increasing the sustainability of farming operations.

• Soil Moisture Management: By recycling water from the farm pond, farmers can better manage soil moisture levels and ensure crops receive the right amount of water. This helps maintain healthy plants and reduces the risks associated with overwatering or underwatering. Recycling water through this system also enhances crop yield and supports consistent productivity in farming operations.

3. Aquaculture Effluent Recycling

For farm ponds used in aquaculture (fish farming), recycling and reusing effluent water provides an opportunity to create a closed-loop system that not only conserves water but also supports sustainable farming practices.

• Nutrient-Rich Effluent: Effluent from aquaculture ponds contains nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter, which are often byproducts of fish waste, uneaten food, and dead organisms. These nutrients can be beneficial for agricultural purposes if treated and reused effectively. By recycling this effluent, farmers can use it to fertilize crops, thereby reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

• Effluent Treatment: Before using effluent water for irrigation or other applications, it’s important to treat the water to remove excess ammonia, pathogens, and other harmful substances. This can be done through several methods, including settling tanks, biofilters, or constructed wetlands that naturally purify the water. Once treated, the effluent can be used to irrigate crops or even fertilize other ponds, creating a self-sustaining water system on the farm.

• Crop Fertilization: Nutrient-rich aquaculture effluent can act as a natural fertilizer for crops. The high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water stimulate plant growth, while other organic materials from the pond effluent contribute to soil health by enriching it with organic matter. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, lowers farming costs, and decreases the environmental impact of agricultural activities.

• Recycling in Other Ponds: The treated effluent water from aquaculture ponds can also be directed to other ponds for further use, either for irrigation or as an additional water source for other farming activities. This helps maximize the use of available water and prevents waste.

4. Evaporation Control: Minimizing Water Loss

Evaporation is one of the primary ways water is lost from farm ponds, especially in hot climates. Excessive evaporation can significantly reduce the water available in ponds, forcing farmers to rely more on external sources or additional replenishment. However, there are several methods to control and reduce evaporation from farm ponds.

• Shading the Pond: One of the most effective ways to reduce evaporation is by providing shade over the pond. Floating plants such as water lilies or water hyacinth can provide natural shade to the water’s surface, reducing exposure to sunlight and thus minimizing evaporation. Similarly, installing shade nets or artificial covers over the pond can achieve the same effect. These methods not only reduce evaporation but also help maintain the water temperature, benefiting both aquatic life and crops that rely on pond water.

• Reducing Wind Exposure: Winds can also increase evaporation from ponds. Establishing windbreaks around the pond, such as planting rows of trees or shrubs, can help protect the water surface from strong winds and reduce water loss due to evaporation.

• Aeration Systems: Installing an aeration system can help circulate the water and reduce surface evaporation. By keeping the water in motion, aerators can prevent the formation of a stagnant water layer at the surface, which can increase evaporation rates. Aeration systems also improve oxygen levels, which is essential for maintaining healthy aquatic life if the pond is used for fish farming.

Conclusion

Recycling and reusing water from farm ponds is an effective and sustainable approach that can greatly benefit farm operations. By employing filtration systems, reusing water for irrigation, recycling aquaculture effluent for fertilization, and controlling evaporation, farmers can conserve water, reduce operational costs, and minimize their environmental impact. These practices not only support water conservation but also contribute to increased farm productivity, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.

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Supplementing with Groundwater: Complete Details Groundwater supplementation refers to the practice of using groundwater to supplement the availability of surface water resources for various purposes such as irrigation, drinking water supply, industrial use, and even ecological management. Groundwater is the water that exists beneath the Earth's surface in soil pores and rock fractures, and it constitutes a significant part of the Earth's fresh water supply.

 

Groundwater supplementation has become an increasingly important strategy, especially in regions facing water scarcity or unreliable rainfall. In some cases, it involves the artificial recharge of groundwater, while in other cases, it involves extracting water from groundwater reserves to meet demand.

Here are the complete details on supplementing with groundwater, covering its sources, methods, benefits, challenges, and management practices.

1. Groundwater Basics

• What is Groundwater?

  • Groundwater is water that is stored underground in aquifers, which are permeable rock formations or layers of soil that can hold water.
  • It flows through underground channels and is replenished by precipitation that infiltrates the ground, a process known as recharge.
  • Groundwater is accessed via wells, springs, or boreholes, depending on the location and depth of the aquifer.

• Types of Groundwater:

  • Unconfined Aquifers: These are aquifers where water is directly replenished by precipitation or surface water and is typically closer to the ground surface.
  • Confined Aquifers: These aquifers are trapped between layers of impermeable rock and are usually deeper underground. Recharge to these aquifers is slower and often more difficult.
  • Artesian Aquifers: Confined aquifers where pressure forces the water to rise to the surface when tapped.

2. Methods of Supplementing with Groundwater

There are several ways in which groundwater can be utilized or supplemented to meet the demands of different sectors. These include:

• Extraction (Pumping):

  • Water can be extracted from underground aquifers using wells and boreholes. This method is common for municipal water supply, agriculture (irrigation), and industrial use.
  • Wells can be dug or drilled depending on the depth of the aquifer. Shallow wells tap unconfined aquifers, while deep wells are used for accessing confined aquifers.

• Artificial Recharge of Groundwater:

  • In some regions, the rate of groundwater extraction exceeds the rate of natural recharge, leading to depletion of aquifers. Artificial recharge is the process of enhancing the replenishment of aquifers through human intervention.
  • Common methods of artificial recharge include:
    • Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for direct infiltration into aquifers through recharge wells, ponds, or infiltration basins.
    • Recharge Wells: These are specially constructed wells used to inject water into aquifers.
    • Check Dams: Small dams built across streams to slow down surface runoff and allow water to percolate into the ground.
    • Percolation Pits: Small pits dug in areas with low surface runoff to enhance groundwater recharge.

• Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR):

  • This involves the controlled addition of water to an aquifer to restore groundwater levels or improve water quality. Techniques like infiltration basins, sand dams, and injection wells are used to manage recharge effectively.
  • MAR can help to store excess surface water during wet periods and release it during dry periods, acting as a form of seasonal water storage.

3. Benefits of Supplementing with Groundwater

• Reliable Water Source:

  • Groundwater can be a more consistent source of water than surface water, especially in areas with fluctuating rainfall or seasonal water scarcity.
  • It can be accessed even during dry seasons when surface water bodies may dry up.

• Agricultural Benefits:

  • Irrigation: Groundwater is crucial for agriculture, especially in regions where surface water is scarce. It allows farmers to irrigate crops throughout the year.
  • Farmers can access groundwater using wells, pumps, and tube wells to support crop production during droughts or off-season periods.

• Drinking Water Supply:

  • Groundwater is an essential source of drinking water, particularly in rural areas and places where surface water is polluted or not readily available.
  • In many developing countries, communities rely on wells and boreholes for potable water.

• Reduction of Surface Water Stress:

  • Supplementing with groundwater can reduce the pressure on rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, helping to conserve surface water resources for ecosystems and other uses.

• Improved Water Quality (In Some Cases):

  • Groundwater often has fewer impurities compared to surface water, as it is filtered through soil and rock layers. This can make it a cleaner and safer water source, especially in areas with poor surface water quality.

4. Challenges of Groundwater Supplementation

• Over-extraction and Depletion:

  • Over-extraction of groundwater can lead to the depletion of aquifers, especially in regions where water extraction exceeds natural recharge rates. This can result in lowering of water tables, making it more expensive and difficult to pump water.
  • In extreme cases, over-extraction can lead to ground subsidence, where the ground sinks due to the removal of water from underground spaces.

• Groundwater Pollution:

  • Groundwater is susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff (e.g., pesticides and fertilizers), industrial discharge, and improper disposal of waste.
  • Pollutants like nitrates, heavy metals, and pathogens can infiltrate groundwater, making it unsafe for consumption and damaging ecosystems.

• Salinization:

  • In coastal areas, over-extraction of groundwater can cause saltwater intrusion, where seawater contaminates freshwater aquifers, leading to the salinization of groundwater.
  • This makes groundwater unsuitable for drinking, irrigation, and industrial uses.

• Cost and Infrastructure Challenges:

  • The infrastructure for extracting and storing groundwater (e.g., wells, pumps, and pipelines) can be expensive, especially in areas with deep aquifers.
  • Maintenance and energy costs for groundwater extraction can also be significant, particularly if water tables are deep or declining.

5. Sustainable Groundwater Management

Given the importance of groundwater for multiple sectors and the challenges posed by its over-extraction, sustainable management practices are essential. Key principles of sustainable groundwater management include:

• Monitoring and Regulation: Regular monitoring of groundwater levels, quality, and recharge rates is necessary to ensure that groundwater extraction does not exceed the sustainable yield of aquifers.

• Efficiency in Water Use:

  • Promoting water-efficient technologies in irrigation, such as drip irrigation and sprinklers, can help reduce the amount of groundwater used for agricultural purposes.
  • Water conservation measures in households and industries can reduce demand for groundwater.

• Artificial Recharge Projects: Encouraging the use of artificial recharge methods can help balance groundwater extraction with natural replenishment. This helps maintain long-term groundwater sustainability.

• Public Awareness: Educating the public and stakeholders about the importance of responsible groundwater use and conservation is critical. Governments can provide incentives for water conservation and recharge efforts.

• Regulating Groundwater Extraction: Governments and agencies can establish regulations to control groundwater extraction, including permits, limits on extraction rates, and enforcement of water conservation practices.

6. Case Studies of Groundwater Supplementation

1. India:

   • India relies heavily on groundwater for irrigation, especially in rural areas. It has one of the highest rates of groundwater extraction globally. The government has implemented several rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge projects to supplement groundwater and reduce over-reliance on it.
   • The National Groundwater Recharge Project in India aims to restore groundwater levels through various artificial recharge techniques.

2. California, USA:

   • In California, groundwater supplementation plays a critical role in agriculture, especially during drought years. The state has implemented managed aquifer recharge programs, such as the California Aquifer Storage and Recovery Program, to improve groundwater sustainability.
   • The state also uses surface water banking, where excess surface water is stored underground for future use.

3. Australia:

   • In regions like the Murray-Darling Basin, groundwater is used to supplement water supplies for agriculture. Australia has developed a comprehensive system for monitoring and managing groundwater to prevent over-extraction and salinization.

Conclusion

Groundwater supplementation is a vital strategy for addressing water scarcity, particularly in regions with limited surface water resources or unpredictable rainfall. It plays a significant role in irrigation, drinking water supply, and industrial use. However, its sustainable use requires careful management to avoid over-extraction, pollution, and depletion of aquifers.

Innovative techniques like artificial recharge and managed aquifer recharge (MAR), along with efficient water usage practices, are crucial to maintaining a balance between water demand and the natural replenishment of groundwater resources. As climate change continues to affect global water systems, the sustainable management of groundwater will become even more critical for securing water supplies for future generations.

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