The SahiFasal campaign was initiated by the National Water Mission in 2019 that aims to promote farmers in water-scarce areas to plant crops that do not consume water but use water very efficiently; they are economically rewarded; healthy and nutritious; suitable to the agro-climatic and hydrological characteristics of the area; and environmental friendly.
Highlights:
♦ Raise awareness among farmers on proper crops, micro-irrigation, soil moisture conservation, etc.
♦ Make farmers switch from crops that consume a lot of water (such as rice, sugar cane, etc.) to crops that require less water (such as corn, maize, etc.).
♦ They are assisting policymakers in framing policies that make effective pricing of inputs (water and electricity).
♦ Improve the procurement and market of these alternative crops, establish appropriate storage areas, etc., and ultimately increase farmers’ income.
♦ In India, 85-89% of water consumption is used for agricultural purposes, while about 5% of water consumption is used for drinking and domestic purposes.
♦ Hence, even a small percentage saving of water in agricultural usage will significantly impact water availability for drinking and domestic purposes.
♦ Under the leadership of SahiFasal, a series of seminars are being organized in water-scarce areas of the country.
