A study from India’s Central Water Commission revealed that 85% of India’s water resources are used for agriculture, yet 65% of farmers rely solely on rainwater, making them vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations.
Do You ever think why?
Farming, the backbone of global food security, faces increasingly complex challenges. From unpredictable weather patterns to dwindling water resources and deteriorating soil quality, modern-day agriculture is under immense pressure. These challenges directly impact farmers’ ability to produce high-yield, high-quality crops, threatening both their livelihoods and the food supply chain. As climate change intensifies, farmers must turn to innovative and sustainable solutions to maintain productivity and profitability. Therefore, India's irrigation infrastructure is not uniformly developed across the country. While some regions, particularly in northern India, benefit from extensive canal systems and tube wells, a large portion of the agricultural land, especially in rain-fed regions like central and southern India, lacks reliable irrigation facilities. This leaves many farmers dependent on the monsoon rains for their water supply.
Challenges Faced by Farmers
- Unpredictable Weather Patterns: Climate change has led to erratic rainfall, with long dry spells followed by heavy rains. This inconsistency in water availability severely disrupts crop growth cycles, reducing yield and quality.
- Water Scarcity: Water resources are becoming increasingly scarce due to over-extraction, droughts, and poor irrigation practices. For farmers, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, water scarcity limits their ability to irrigate crops effectively, leading to reduced harvests and financial losses.
- Soil Degradation: Intensive farming practices, deforestation, and overuse of chemical fertilizers have degraded soil quality. Poor soil structure and compaction reduce water infiltration and root development, further decreasing agricultural productivity.
Although agriculture employs about 58% of India’s workforce, it only contributes around 17-18% to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), indicating the sector's relatively low productivity.
The Role of Alsta Hydrogel in addressing Farming Challenges
One such solution is Chemtex’s Alsta Hydrogel, a super absorbent polymer designed to address critical issues in water management and soil health. It is potassium polyacrylate-based super absorbent polymer, has the capacity to absorb 300-500 times its weight in water, storing it within the soil and gradually releasing it to crops as needed. This makes it particularly useful for farmers facing water shortages or erratic rainfall. By improving water retention, Alsta Hydrogel ensures consistent moisture availability, reducing the need for frequent irrigation and helping conserve water. This is crucial in drought-prone areas where water scarcity is a persistent issue.
Additionally, the product enhances crop yields by ensuring water availability during critical growth stages, leading to a potential 20-30% increase in yield, and improving the quality of produce, which can fetch higher market prices. Alsta Hydrogel also promotes better soil structure by preventing compaction and enhancing root development. Its long-term sustainability ensures that the soil remains healthy without environmental harm. While the initial cost may seem high, Alsta Hydrogel’s effectiveness lasts up to five years, providing farmers with long-term savings from reduced water use, higher yields, and improved crop quality.