Chinese scientists have proposed a new irrigation strategy aimed at countering water scarcity and safeguarding food production. The novel approach involves adopting water-saving technologies across existing farmland and utilizing the conserved water to irrigate newly developed agricultural areas.
Sea-news.az reports citing Xinhua, that the study published in the journal Nature Food evaluated the production of corn, wheat, and rice. According to researchers’ calculations, if the implementation of current irrigation technologies continues as planned, water consumption for these three primary crops could decrease by 9.4 percent by 2030. However, this projection falls short of China’s targeted 25.5 percent water savings goal.
The researchers recommend applying advanced irrigation technologies to corn fields alongside a moderate expansion of irrigated acreage, while advocating for stricter water resource conservation in wheat and rice cultivation.
The scientists emphasize that in addition to upgrading irrigation networks, breeding climate-resilient crop varieties and introducing modern farming practices are essential. These measures could significantly contribute to preserving water resources and ensuring long-term food security.
