Exploring innovative water-saving solutions worldwide, from underground rain devices in India to clay liquids for desert farming in the US. Learn about projects in Cyprus for eco-friendly wastewater reuse and how farmers are tackling water scarcity challenges.
Innovative farming techniques in India involve 'bungaroos' to store rainwater underground, improving crop yields.
Arizona's use of a special liquid in desert soil reduces water needs and enhances crop growth.
Deep dives
Water Efficiency in Farming Techniques
Efficient water usage in agriculture is crucial due to factors like climate change and high demand for water by sectors like agriculture. In Arizona, a technique involving a special liquid that transforms desert soil into a water-retentive sponge has been implemented. This innovation has shown promising results by significantly reducing water needs and enhancing crop growth, particularly in dry regions facing severe droughts.
Water Collection Innovations in India
In India, small-scale farmers like Kinjilbha faced challenges with waterlogged land during monsoons. Biplab Paul developed 'bungaroos,' hollow pipes that store rainwater underground during floods, providing a sustainable irrigation solution. These devices have drastically improved crop yields and livelihoods, empowering communities to grow crops throughout the year and increase household incomes.
Wastewater Reuse in Cyprus
The island of Cyprus faces water scarcity, leading to innovative solutions like reusing treated wastewater for agriculture. Professor Maria Luizadou introduced a system that removes salt from wastewater, making it suitable for crop irrigation. This project not only addresses water scarcity but also generates chlorine from leftover saline residue, showcasing a sustainable approach to water resource management.
Just over a quarter of people on the planet live in water stressed countries. And our increasing demands for water as well as climate change is putting even more pressure on this finite resource.
We take a look at how Indian farmers are growing crops with a device that stores rain underground. Plus how a test farm in the US uses a special clay liquid to grow vegetables in the desert. Finally we visit a project in Cyprus that could help coastal cities clean and reuse their wastewater in a more eco-friendly way.
Presenter: Myra Anubi
Producer/reporter: Claire Bates
US reporter: Anthony Wallace
Series Producer: Jon Bithrey
Editor: Tom Bigwood
Sound Mix: Andrew Mills
(Image: Biplab Paul demonstrating his bhungroo device in Gujarat, India, Biplab Paul)
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