Agriculture is India’s largest consumer of water. According to The World Bank; an estimated 114 million Indians will soon face domestic, agricultural and industrial water shortages. In fact, China and India, with one-third of the world’s people, have between them less than 10% of the world’s fresh water. Hence, water scarcity has a critical impact on agricultural productivity and hence, food security.
As per DuPont, it recognizes these challenges and is addressing them through a variety of new technologies and innovative agricultural practices. For example, in Andhra Pradesh, DuPont Pioneer seeds has introduced a new type of hybrid corn that requires less water and can thrive within the state’s changing climactic conditions. DuPont also worked with Punjab government to introduce crop diversification on growing diversified crop varieties like corn and rice to reducing water usage considerably. In both the states, DuPont took a well-rounded approach of creating awareness, holding crop seminars, distributing seeds and providing right agronomic services in these states. These efforts have helped farmers to maximize their yields and have sustained income through the year, without draining valuable water resources.
“There is an urgent need to reduce water use in agriculture by developing new technologies that will help to secure and enhance yields for the farmers. The combination of changes in grower practices, increased availability of drought tolerant seeds, crop protection and crop diversification as well as improved farmer education will increase not only yields but also reduce pressure on natural resources.” said Sharad Khurana, Business Leader, DuPont Pioneer.
DuPont Pioneer is the world’s leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability, and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with Service Delivering Success. ™
