The current water crisis in Bangalore has recently garnered attention in the media. Despite living over a thousand miles away in the state of Bihar, which is abundant with water, water conservation remains a crucial concern for me as a farmer, especially in light of the impacts of climate change. The looming threat of hot and warm winds on our farmlands motivates me to constantly seek more efficient ways to utilize water to maintain crop productivity.
Throughout my 34 years as a farmer, I have come to appreciate the transformative power of technology in agriculture. One such example is micro-irrigation, which allows for precise regulation of water delivery to crops. This not only prevents wastage but also significantly enhances yields due to efficient water usage.
The high temperatures in our region, which can soar up to 45 degrees Celsius, pose a significant threat to our crops. However, we have been able to counter this through innovative techniques such as utilizing micro sprinklers for microclimate management in orchards. This has been instrumental in protecting our litchi fruits from damage during extreme dry periods.
Before adopting micro-irrigation, losses in mango and litchi crops were inevitable. However, with the integration of micro-irrigation systems and other technological advancements such as real-time weather stations and soil sensors, we have drastically improved our crop outcomes.
Embracing technology in agriculture extends beyond enhancing crop productivity; it also holds promise in conserving water resources. I have taken upon myself to impart this knowledge, welcoming over 8,000 farmers to my farm over the last four years to showcase the potential of technology in revolutionizing their farming practices.
Moving forward, I am eyeing the implementation of automated fertigation, a method that will enable me to fertilize crops through the irrigation network. Furthermore, I have an ardent desire for the adoption of GMOs and gene-edited seeds to promote water and fertilizer efficiency, despite facing resistance from my government.
While my home state remains water surplus, other parts of India, such as Bangalore, grapple with severe water scarcity due to unregulated groundwater withdrawals and weak monsoon seasons. The situation calls for strict measures, including mandatory rainwater harvesting to replenish groundwater.
Looking ahead, I remain optimistic about the intersection of technology and water conservation, even as I witness the distress in Bangalore. It serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role that technology can play in judicious water management, driving home the importance of conserving this invaluable resource and utilizing it prudently.
Sudhanshu Kumar is a farmer based in Nayanagar, Samastipur District, Bihar, India, who specializes in maize, wheat, litchi, mangoes, bananas, and guava. Recognized as the most technologically advanced farmer in Bihar, Sudhanshu’s efforts in revolutionizing agriculture fuel his unwavering commitment to encouraging sustainable practices within the farming community.