Bihar Agriculture Minister Sounds Alarm on Looming Water Crisis, Urges Conservation Efforts
In a stark warning delivered in Patna, Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav appealed to citizens and farmers on Tuesday to prioritize water conservation, emphasizing that water scarcity is poised to become a major future crisis. He stressed that without widespread conservation efforts, conflicts over water resources could escalate into wars.
Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Program: A Strategic Response to Depleting Resources
Minister Yadav detailed how the agriculture department has integrated its foodgrain production initiatives with the vision of the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali (JJH) program, launched by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar seven years ago on October 2, 2019. This program was developed following extensive consultations with state lawmakers to address the urgent need for sustainable water management.
Human and organic life cannot be imagined without water, Yadav stated, highlighting the severe challenges posed by rapid population growth, uncontrolled urbanization, deforestation, and imbalanced water usage. These factors have led to a fast depletion of underground water reserves and a declining water table, exacerbating environmental degradation.
Comprehensive Conservation Measures Underway
The JJH program encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at revitalizing water bodies and promoting sustainable practices. Large-scale renovation efforts are targeting ponds, tanks, wells, rivers, and drainage systems, including traditional structures like 'aahar' and 'paeen'. Additionally, initiatives are in place to remove encroachments from ponds and construct check dams in hilly regions to enhance water storage capacity.
Beyond infrastructure, the agriculture department is actively encouraging sapling plantation and rainwater conservation techniques. A significant emphasis is being placed on organic farming and vegetable production, particularly in districts along the Ganga River, which have been designated as an organic corridor.
Promoting Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Scientific Methods
To adapt to changing environmental conditions, the introduction of climate-resilient crops such as bajra, madua, cheena, and koni is being promoted. Agriculture Director Saurabh Suman Yadav noted that farmers are adopting scientific irrigation methods to optimize water use.
Model climate-resilient farming activities are being implemented in 190 villages, with connections established to 1,710 additional villages to replicate success. Furthermore, 2.5 acres of land under each Krishi Vigyan Kendra have been allocated for a 50-year period to support these conservation and agricultural advancements.
Minister Yadav made these remarks during a function at the Krishi Bhawan auditorium, celebrating the achievements of the JJH program. He reiterated that if conservation does not gain popularity, the next major global conflict could be fought over water, underscoring the critical importance of immediate and sustained action.
