We are rapidly moving towards water crisis, with increasing and conflicting demands – drinking, agriculture, health, sanitation, construction etc. In India, the issue is seriously compounded with growing populations, multiplying needs and unabated wastages and pollution.
Water if used judiciously can meet the essential needs of the growing population. It is also important to conserve and recycle this scarce resource. Traditionally farming was based on the local agro-ecological situation, taking the rainfall pattern into consideration. While water intensive crops were grown only where there was copious rainfall, drylands focused on hardy crops.
Farmers through generations knew that water was a common resource and had knowledge to conserve and nurture the resource. Its time we understand the seriousness of the issue and take note of such water management measures that preserve and protect our ecology.
http://www.agriculturesnetwork.org/magazines/india/water-lifeline-for-livelihoods/