Water management is an important challenge for sustainable agriculture. Agricultural uses, primarily irrigation, account for almost 70% of global water withdrawals. Plant science technologies help make water use more efficient, helping to reduce the environmental footprint of productive agriculture. Water matters to the plant science industry and we are committed to providing research, products and technologies that protect and preserve precious water resources on and off the farm - now and for generations to come.

Water matters to the plant science industry. Agriculture accounts for some 70% of all water use, and water management is becoming one of the key collective challenges to achieving sustainable development worldwide.  As the world population grows and pressure increases on natural resources, the plant science industry is committed to its responsibility to protect water resources through the promotion of a range of agricultural techniques and technologies including improved land management systems, good agricultural practices, and biotechnology. Our two main targets are to increase the efficiency of agricultural water use (more “crop per drop”) and ensure crop protection practice assures high water quality standards.

If agricultural production is to be sustainable, water resources must be used more efficiently and water quality maintained or improved, while still increasing agricultural productivity. A 1% increase in water productivity could potentially make available extra 24 litres of water a day per head of population. (click for more facts and figures)

CropLife International has put together a publication of water-related case studies from around the world to increase awareness and understanding of the water challenge and the plant science industry's contributions to addressing it.

Agricultural uses, primarily irrigation, account for almost 70% of global water withdrawals.  This amount is expected to increase in the next thirty years to support the expected 20% increase in the amount of irrigated land.  Currently, irrigated land accounts for approximately one-fifth of the total arable area in developing countries – which also account for 75% of the world’s total irrigated areas.

Clearly, numerous changes in current water uses must be undertaken to ensure that today’s water needs can be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.  Investments in irrigation and water management technology are central to the agricultural component of the water challenge.

Other specific areas which will have a big impact on sustainable use of water in agriculture include adoption of advanced land management and farming techniques, investment in research and development, continuing promotion of good agricultural practices and stewardship, and addressing the water needs of communities around the world. Together, these programmes will help boost water productivity and the growth of crop yields.