For farmers in the Punjab region of India, water shortages are a harsh reality, and ahead of the publication of a UN report Interconnected Disaster Risks, three rice cultivators have been talking about the challenges they face due to the scarcity of water and the solutions they are adopting.
Water is crucial to rice farmers and when it is lacking, they tend to rely on groundwater.
Globally, water taken from underground reservoirs supports 40 per cent of agriculture, but if groundwater levels fall, it becomes harder to reach over time.
In Punjab known by some as India’s breadbasket, groundwater is being depleted faster than it is being replenished.
Three farmers from Punjab explain how they experience water scarcity and how they deal with it.
UNU-EHS/Polina Schapova
Amandeep Singh, landowner and farmer.
‘Not just a problem for future generations’
Amandeep Singh: Ten years ago, the groundwater here was between nine and 12 metres deep, while today it is found between 18 and 21 metres.
We very much rely on groundwater, as we only have access to canal water once a week, which is not sufficient for us.
Every year, we have to dig deeper to reach the groundwater. This is not just a problem for future generations, but something we experience today already. Reaching the groundwater is very expensive, but we landowners have no choice.
Because of the reduced groundwater level, not only landowners, but everyone will face losses. We will no longer have water for farming or drinking. Without it, there will be no farming, and therefore no future for landowners.
UNU-EHS/Polina Schapova
Harjeet Singh
Harjeet Singh: The groundwater we use for our paddy fields is not being recharged from above. However, without rains, we have to use groundwater, as canal water is not available here.
Seven to eight years ago, we could reach groundwater at 4.5 metres deep, while now it is only reachable at 21 metres. The declining water level affects my income, and I cannot afford to install a borewell.
It would be devastating if the groundwater disappears, and it is important that the world understands our issue, as only then something can happen. One person alone cannot do anything. Only when we come together and make a collective effort something can change.
Before the groundwater becomes unreachable or runs out completely, we will have to save rainwater in lower places. For now, there is no other solution.
UNU-EHS/Polina Schapova
Vishvajeet Singh Jyani
Combining tradition with technology
Vishvajeet Singh Jyani: Over the years, we have noticed that the rainfall and weather patterns have been quite erratic. The canal water and groundwater we depend upon has also become unreliable.
At our family farm, the main motto is, “traditional wisdom with modern technology”. My father was also a farmer and used many traditional techniques. I completed an education in computer studies, and together we have combined our core strengths by integrating traditional techniques with modern research and technologies to implement good management of natural resources.
The main water source we are provided with is canal water that comes from the Harike wetlands and the Satluj River. We store that water by using our water management system, or we put it in the field. Sometimes, we have to supplement it with groundwater.
The integrated water management system is very important to us because it helps us to save water when it is not required in the field. It functions as a back-up system which supplements our canal water and groundwater.
If there is excess rainfall in the field, we store that as well. Whenever we experience drought-like conditions we can use it to water our land.
We have done much to help the groundwater recharge and are currently very happy that we can reach it between three and six metres.
When groundwater becomes scarce and reaching it goes beyond the possibilities local farmers have, the state and central government will step in. They have already developed plans and have, in some states, even implemented those. Farmers are being incentivized to plant crops other than rice and equally water-guzzling crops.
If you want farmers to save groundwater, simply telling them to preserve it does not work. If they get incentives to plant other crops, farmers will need no convincing. As farmers are the backbone of the country, if they follow suit, society will follow.
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‘Not just a problem for future generations’ Amandeep Singh: Ten years ago, the groundwater here was between nine and 12 metres deep, while today it is found between 18 and 21 metres. We very much rely on groundwater, as we only have access to canal water once a week, which is not sufficient for us. Every year, we have to dig deeper to reach the groundwater. This is not just a problem for future generations.
Amandeep Singh’s testimony sheds light on the pressing issue of water scarcity faced by Punjab farmers. It is evident that the reliance on groundwater is not sustainable in the long run, and immediate solutions need to be implemented to address this crisis.
‘Not just a problem for future generations’Amanda Smith: Ten years ago, the groundwater here was between nine and 12 metres deep, while today it is found between 18 and 21 metres. We very much rely on groundwater, as we only have access to canal water once a week, which is not sufficient for us. Every year, we have to dig deeper to reach the groundwater. This is not just a problem for
Ten years ago, the groundwater here was between nine and 12 metres deep, while today it is found between 18 and 21 metres. We very much rely on groundwater, as we only have access to canal water once a week, which is not sufficient for us. Every year, we have to dig deeper to reach the groundwater. This is not just a problem for us, but for future generations as well.
‘Not just a problem for future generations’ Amandeep Singh: Ten years ago, the groundwater here was between nine and 12 metres deep, while today it is found between 18 and 21 metres. We very much rely on groundwater, as we only have access to canal water once a week, which is not sufficient for us. Every year, we have to dig deeper to reach the groundwater. This is not just a problem for future generations, it’s affecting us right now.’
‘Water scarcity is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention. It’s concerning to see how farmers like Amandeep Singh are struggling due to the depleting groundwater levels. Sustainable solutions must be implemented to ensure a secure future for agriculture in Punjab.’
Ten years ago, the groundwater here was between nine and 12 meters deep, while today it is found between 18 and 21 meters. We very much rely on groundwater, as we only have access to canal water once a week, which is not sufficient for us. Every year, we have to dig deeper to reach the groundwater. This is not just a problem for future generations.
‘Not just a problem for future generations’, as Amandeep Singh mentioned, the groundwater levels in Punjab have drastically dropped over the past decade. Farmers like him are facing the consequences of water scarcity as they rely more on groundwater due to inadequate canal water supply. The situation requires urgent attention and sustainable solutions to ensure the survival of agriculture in the region.
Ten years ago, the groundwater here was between nine and 12 metres deep, while today it is found between 18 and 21 metres. We very much rely on groundwater, as we only have access to canal water once a week, which is not sufficient for us. Every year, we have to dig deeper to reach the groundwater. This is not just a problem for future generations.
Isn’t there any governmental support planned for the farmers in Punjab facing such severe water shortages?
Indeed, the water scarcity issue in Punjab is not just a concern for the future but a stark reality we deal with daily. Our reliance on groundwater has grown significantly as canal water access remains insufficient. Without intervention, the situation will only worsen over time. However, governmental support is essential to address the challenges faced by farmers like us in Punjab.
Ten years ago, the groundwater here was between nine and 12 meters deep, while today it is found between 18 and 21 meters. We very much rely on groundwater, as we only have access to canal water once a week, which is not sufficient for us. Every year, we have to dig deeper to reach the groundwater. This is not just a problem for us.
Ten years ago, the groundwater here was between nine and 12 metres deep, while today it is found between 18 and 21 metres. We very much rely on groundwater, as we only have access to canal water once a week, which is not sufficient for us. Every year, we have to dig deeper to reach the groundwater. This is not just a problem for future generations.