Water-Food Equation in Central and South Asia

Population growth and urbanization converge upon the Central and South Asia region, where water demand is expected to continue rising in order to support food production systems. In contrast, some freshwater resources are likely to be diverted from agriculture to provide water for other increasing demands, such as municipal and industrial activities. In such a context, achieving water and food security has become an entangled challenge in the region where most countries are net importers of major cereals. Ensuring both sides of the water-food equation complement each other needs insights into strategies that promote efficient use of available water resources to support efforts in achieving food security across the region. The following aspects of water resources management are needed in building a water- and food-secure future in the region by (1) promoting water conservation, water recycling and reuse; (2) ensuring sustainable water resources augmentation; (3) supporting productivity enhancement of underperforming land and water resources; and (4) addressing challenges beyond technical solutions accompanied by a call for sustainable intensification of agricultural production systems. Policymakers and water professionals need to recognize and treat water as a highly valuable precious resource for sustainable agricultural production systems and a cornerstone of the circular economy. The key to support efforts in ensuring water- and food-security in the Central and South Asia regions include pertinent political agendas and associated public policies, supportive institutions, strengthening institutional collaborations, and skilled professionals.