which one is a water guzzling crop ?

Introduction:

Water is one of the most precious resources on our planet. However, with the increasing population and urbanization, the demand for water is also rising. Agriculture is the largest consumer of water, and the choice of crop plays a significant role in the water consumed. In this article, we will explore which crop is a water guzzling crop.

Water guzzling crops:

1. Rice: Rice is a staple food in many parts of the world and is the most water-intensive crop. According to studies, rice requires around 2,500 liters of water to produce 1 kilogram of rice. Moreover, rice cultivation is mostly done in areas where water is scarce, making it a water guzzling crop.
2. Sugarcane: Sugarcane is another water-intensive crop. It requires approximately 1,500 liters of water to produce 1 kilogram of sugarcane. Furthermore, sugarcane is often grown in areas that are prone to water scarcity, making it a water guzzling crop.
3. Cotton: Cotton is one of the most widely grown crops globally, and it requires a lot of water to grow. It takes around 10,000 liters of water to produce 1 kilogram of cotton, making it a water-intensive crop. Additionally, cotton is usually grown in arid and semi-arid regions, which are already under water stress.
4. Alfalfa: Alfalfa is a forage crop that is grown extensively for livestock feed. It requires around 3,200 liters of water to produce 1 kilogram of alfalfa. Moreover, alfalfa is mostly grown in dry regions, making it a water guzzling crop.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, agriculture is the largest consumer of water, and the choice of crop plays a significant role in the water consumed. Rice, sugarcane, cotton, and alfalfa are some of the most water-intensive crops, and their cultivation should be done cautiously in areas where water is scarce. Furthermore, policymakers should promote water-efficient crops and technologies to reduce the water footprint of agriculture.