Approaches for enhancing water productivity in agriculture and horticulture under climate change scenario

Climate change being unavoidable and imperative, adapting to change with efficient management of resources is essential. Several options do exist, which needs to be applied practically to harness the positive benefits of climate change. These options can be related to policies, investments, institutions, water management, farming practices and capacity development, both within the water and agriculture sectors and beyond. Improving water productivity under irrigated ecosystem encompasses enhancing conveyance efficiency, application and distribution efficiency besides sustainable crop centric water management practices to improve yield and water use efficiency.Improved practices at field level relate to changes in crop, soil and water management. They include selecting appropriate crops and cultivars; planting methods; minimum tillage; timely irrigation to synchronize water application with the most sensitive growing periods called critical stages; deficit/water saving irrigation practices, micro irrigation; and improved drainage for water table control.