Water conservation is crucial for India’s sustainable future. Geospatial technologies offer valuable insights by pinpointing areas with high water usage and providing strategies to optimize it. In agriculture, where irrigation plays a vital role, GIS can identify inefficiencies and recommend solutions to enhance water management, ultimately supporting conservation efforts.
Advanced Remote Sensing Technology: Recent advancements in satellite-based remote sensors, have significantly improved the monitoring and mapping of surface water resources. These technologies enable detailed and accurate assessment of land cover changes over extended periods.
Modification of Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI): The study utilized the MNDWI technique to assess land cover changes and classify them into five categories: fallow land, vegetation land, developed land, moisture soils, and surface water bodies. MNDWI is proven to be efficient in identifying water bodies and tracking changes in land cover over time.
Significant Land Cover Changes: Over the past two decades, the study area has experienced notable changes in land cover. Fallow land and vegetation lands have decreased, while developed land, moisture soils, and surface water bodies have increased. This highlights the dynamic nature of land use and the impact of human activities on the environment.
Challenges of Water Scarcity: Water resources in semi-arid regions face significant stress due to factors such as population growth, agricultural irrigation, pollution, and climate change. The scarcity of freshwater is a critical issue that hampers sustainable development and can lead to conflicts over water resources.
Importance of GIS and RS Techniques: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques provide powerful tools for understanding and managing natural resources. These technologies offer real-time, precise information on various geographical formations and landforms, aiding in effective water resource management and planning for sustainable development. The study’s findings and methods can be applied to other regions facing similar water scarcity challenges.
How modern farming technologies can help in water management
Proper water management could be the backbone of successful farming in India, where agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy, employing over 50% of the workforce. However, according to the Government of India, nearly 60% of agricultural water is wasted due to inefficient practices. Trimble’s intelligent water management solutions, including advanced grading, drainage, and land-forming systems, empower farmers and contractors to optimize water usage, cut costs, and enhance crop yields, effectively tackling these critical challenges.
