Water efficiency in sustainable cotton-based production systems in Maharashtra, India

The public private partnership (PPP) project on ‘Water Efficiency in Sustainable Cotton-based Production Systems in Maharashtra, India’ is located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, characterised by a water-inefficient and water-polluting cotton cultivation system at a high and ever-increasing risk of rainfall variability. Smallholder farmers are faced with high water scarcity and insecurity. The consequences of this unsustainable situation include the loss and pollution of scarce and much needed fresh water resources; low yields, low quality, crop losses and crop failure; and as a consequence, reduced community health and safety; household income losses and sustained farmer indebtedness.

To address the same the PPP project aims to contribute to a substantial increase in water availability, water efficiency and reduced water stress for 20,000 cotton farmers. In addition it looks to contribute to sustainable livelihoods by facilitating the adoption of sustainable production practices that reduce production costs, increase yields and quality of produce. The PPP project will demonstrate water-efficient, sustainable cotton production at scale through close collaboration of key actors in and around the cotton value chain. The project will develop locally relevant technological and infrastructural solutions to reduce water scarcity, increase water efficiency by the farming community, and provide access to affordable finance to the rural population. In combination with the promotion of water-efficient and sustainable production practices, a positive business case for both female and male cotton farmers will be created that ultimately increases local and international buyer interest in the region and triggers better margins on high quality cotton for the farmers.