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Water-a Limiting Resource for Sustainable Agriculture in Bangladesh

M A Hossain*
Soil Resource Development Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh

M N A Siddique
Soil Resource Development Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Water has become a critical and scare resource during dry (Rabi) season for irrigated agriculture, domestic and other uses which is a serious threat to sustainable agricultural development in Bangladesh. Scarcity of water resources in optimum space and time depends on different hydrological and agro-climatic factors including human interventions. River course change, Excessive abstraction of ground water for agriculture by shallow and deep tube well, seasonal variability, shift of critical rainfall period, intensity of rains, higher water use cropping pattern and irrigation inefficiency for rice based farming are among key factors which govern the water resource utilization and degradation in Bangladesh. In addition, possible increase in temperature due to climate change will bring a radical change in the management of both surface and ground water resources. It is said that South Asia might experience a 30 percent drop in agricultural production by 2050. And if water becomes limiting the situation will aggravate further. As rice is dominating in the cropping pattern of Bangladesh significant increase in irrigation water use efficiency will lead to substantial saving of the precious resource which could be used for other crops, livestock and human domestic consumption. Appropriate water management practices, efficient irrigation techniques and low water consuming cropping patterns are needed for sustainable agricultural productivity in Bangladesh.

Keywords: Water; Seasonal variability; Water use; Irrigation; Groundwater and Agriculture

Location:

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Water management

Objectives:

Objective of this paper was to examines current water resource use, seasonal availability, trend of irrigation demand, and abstraction of groundwater and highlighted means of efficient water use in agriculture which will lead to sustainable water use for agriculture in Bangladesh.

Methodology:

This paper is prepared by reviewing secondary data, reports, published papers in national and international journals and periodicals. It discussed details on-Hydro-ecological scenario of Bangladesh; Ground water levels and abstraction in Bangladesh; Water scarcity in Bangladesh; Rice based cropping pattern and irrigation scenario; Rainfall variability, weather and water Scarcity; Water-saving technology developed by IRRI; Low water consuming cropping pattern for sustainable agriculture and Conclusion.

Source of Information: EC Agriculture Volume 1 Issue 2 - 2015: 124-137.

Article Link (Online Journal): https://www.ecronicon.com/ecag/agriculture-ECAG-01-000012.php

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Water use for livelihood, agriculture, industry and infrastructure has increased during last few decades in Bangladesh. Water resources have become vulnerable and inadequate for agriculture. Water availability is not optimum as and when required for irrigation to its efficient utilization. There are many agro-climatic variables which governs water resource in Bangladesh such as water conflicts, groundwater extraction, irrigation based rice farming, and inadequate water flow in rivers during dry and off seasons, variability in rainfall events and inefficient irrigation. The cumulative effects of these factors have led to water scarcity situations of varying extent for agriculture of Bangladesh; especially for dry season crops and irrigation based rice farming during Boro Season. Agricultural industry and or practices of Bangladesh require to be shaped into water saving technologies, and adoption off efficient water use will greatly contribute towards ensuring food security and water resource balancing in Bangladesh. Thus, developing innovative practices to save and optimize water use for agriculture will be significant strategic measure and challenge to ensure future food, water and ecological security in Bangladesh. Research emphasis and development of modern water-saving agricultural technology, low water consuming cropping pattern and efficiency in irrigation in the critical period and or dry cultivation period is required, and need to be implemented without delay to ensure strategic water and fresh water balance. Government should explore ways to increase the participation of farmers in promoting and implementing programs related to sustainable water use during irrigation in dry season rice cultivation. This could speed up the adoption of new water saving methods of sustainable agriculture and facilitate the exchange of ideas among various stakeholders.

Knowledge Management: Journal