Bushra Ansari and Sowmya Rajaram | Published: 15 April, 2024

It hasn’t been a good week for women in India. When a 28-year-old Spanish-Brazilian vlogger was gangraped in Jharkhand, US journalist David Josef Volodzko posted on social media about India being an unsafe country for women. To this, the National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma responded, accusing him of “vilifying” India. She then purported to respond with “statistics” and “data” (sans sources) that “over 6 million tourists arrive in India every year, many of them are single women, and they holiday safely.” So let’s look at what the data actually says.

As per the Women Peace and Security Index 2023 released by Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, India ranks 128 out of 177 countries in terms of women’s inclusion, justice, and security.

The latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals that the rate of crimes against women in India (calculated as crimes per 100,000 of the women population) increased by 12.9% between 2018 and 2022. In India, the reported crimes against women per 100,000 women population is 66.4 in 2022, in comparison with 58.8 in 2018. This increase could be due to a number of factors, including an increase in actual crimes, an improvement in reporting mechanisms, and a growing willingness of women to speak out about their experiences of violence.

The statistics in “Crime in India 2022”, the annual report by NCRB, show that a total of 13 States and Union Territories recorded crime rates higher than the national average of 66.4. Delhi topped the list at 144.4 ,followed by Haryana (118.7), Telangana (117), Rajasthan (115.1), Odisha (103.3), Andhra Pradesh (96.2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (93.7), Kerala (82), Assam (81.2), Madhya Pradesh (78.8), Uttarakhand (77), Maharashtra (75.1), and West Bengal (71.8). The rate of crime in Uttar Pradesh — which contributed nearly 15 percent of the cases in India — stood at 58.6.

“India takes the safety of women very seriously, evidenced by its implementation of stringent laws over time,” Sharma said in her response. Yet, despite the enactment of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005), the majority of crimes against women under the Indian Penal Code were of cruelty by the husband or his relatives (31.4 per cent). This was followed by kidnapping and abduction of women (19.2 per cent), assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty (18.7 per cent), and rape (7.1 per cent), NCRB records state.

There is more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the crime rate per 100,000 women population jumped from 56.5 in 2020, to 64.5 in 2021. A number of factors could have contributed to this, including reverse migration, social isolation, and economic strain. These factors can aggravate existing tensions within households and create additional stressors, leading to increased violence.

A lack of economic independence further cripples women’s ability to protect themselves from abuse and harassment. Despite legal frameworks, most women are not entitled to a share in property, due to established social norms. Also, women’s participation in the labour force is mostly in the informal economy, which gives them little access to social protection.

In the workplace too, women face a higher risk of gender violence. Data tells us that women’s quest for financial independence actually seems to augment their risk of facing harassment within professional settings. This, despite the existence of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 (commonly known as POSH Act). As per NCRB, the victim count for workplace sexual harassment against women has increased from 402 in 2018 to 422 in 2022. This is cause for concern, because it is well-established that women actually under-report crimes against them due to fear of repercussions, inadequate awareness, and societal biases.

Globally too, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a serious and pervasive issue. According to the World Health Organization, at least one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, and nearly one in 10 girls has experienced forced intercourse or other sexual acts.

In India, this is exacerbated by entrenched gender bias and patriarchal social norms, which allow women little agency, and prevent them from reporting crimes against them for fear of repercussions. So, what can we do?

We need a systemic change, which can only happen through a multi-faceted approach. Gender-transformative approaches can be implemented via childhood education and household- and community-level interventions. Innovative methods such as gameplay can be used to involve both men and women in gender equality initiatives. Other methods include changing cultural attitudes, reforming policy and law, increasing support services for survivors, and conducting more information campaigns, workshops, and training programmes, and designing intervention programmes based on data.

Initiatives such as Government of India’s One Stop Centre (OSC) scheme (launched in 2015) help by providing a range of integrated services under one roof including police facilitation, medical aid, legal aid and counselling, psycho-social counselling, and temporary shelter to women affected by violence or in distress. Currently, 752 OSCs are operational across India, which have assisted over eight lakh women. Civil societies, SPOs, ASHA workers, SHGs, religious/faith-based institutions, and government initiatives can also play a vital role in raising awareness about gender-based violence through social gatherings and networking sites. These entities can raise awareness through educational campaigns, community outreach, and media engagement. They operate by organising workshops, leveraging social media, and collaborating to address gender-based violence and promote a culture of respect and equality.

VAWG has serious social, economic, and cultural implications. it has been linked to higher rates of poverty, poor health outcomes for women and their children, and lower levels of education and economic participation. Discussing VAWG in India is the first step to addressing it, and we must let the data and evidence guide us toward implementing solutions that create a safer and more equitable society for women.

Bushra Ansari is a Data Analyst, and Sowmya Rajaram is a Communications professional at ISDM DataSights, a singular online data hub under the umbrella of the Indian School of Development Management (https://www.isdm.org.in/), which hosts comprehensive data, knowledge assets and tools for analytics and research on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Tusharveer Singh and Bushra Ansari | Published: 10 April, 2024

Extreme weather events have had a profound impact on human lives in India. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods, tropical cyclones, heatwaves, and storms, has increased in recent years, resulting in many negative social and economic consequences. As a result, India’s rank in the Climate Change Performance Index 2023 is 8 out of 64 countries, dropping from 7 in 2022.

According to the Centre for Science & Environment, India experienced extreme weather events on 86% of days in 2023, resulting in a high number of casualties, as well as crop damage, and destruction of homes. Close to 3,000 people were killed, over 80,000 houses were destroyed, 1.84 million hectares of crop area was destroyed, and more than 92,000 livestock perished. These events have a widespread impact across the country. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, the social and economic costs of these extreme weather events, including their impact on household consumption, livelihoods, and migration, are a growing concern. It requires urgent attention and effective mitigation strategies.

1. The Ministry of Earth Sciences reported that 58% of all lives lost in India in 2022 were because of extreme weather events such as lightning and thunderstorms.

Figure 1: Total deaths due to extreme weather events in India in recent years

Source: Ministry of Earth Sciences

2. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, climate change has led to significant migration in India. India is the fourth worst-hit country in the world when it comes to climate change-induced migration, with more than three million people forced to leave their homes in 2020-21.

By 2050, India alone will see 45 million people being forced to migrate from their homes due to climate disasters, which is three times the current number. A report published in December 2020 by ActionAid and Climate Action Network South Asia showed that across India, about 37.5 million people will be displaced by 2030, and an estimated 62.9 million by 2050.

These displacements have a pattern, the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) has found in their study, Connecting the dots: Climate change, migration and social protection, published in 2021. Their findings show that the majority of migrants are from low-income states like Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh. This migration is both seasonal and permanent in nature, mainly undertaken by marginalised populations, who depend primarily on agriculture. Climate impacts act as stress multipliers, particularly for those who are already socio-economically vulnerable, driving them towards distress migration.

The Pulitzer Centre study shows how heatwaves, droughts, and excess rainfall are destroying the livelihoods of millions of poor people in India, who suffer the worst consequences of global warming.

Figure 2: Internal displacement due to 176 extreme weather events experienced between 2016-2022 in India

Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre

3. India, with its diverse geography and population density, faces multiple challenges from extreme weather events. To address these challenges, the Indian Government has undertaken certain initiatives.

For instance, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) set up a National Disaster Alert Portal called ”SACHET” in 2023. The portal puts out regular alerts for endangered people in areas that could be affected by extreme weather events. The SACHET portal has disseminated 12.73K alerts in various states of India during times of crisis.

The Council on Energy Environment & Water (CEEW) also published a statewise vulnerability score ranking in 2021. The ranking found that Assam is the Indian state most vulnerable to climate change. Several factors are responsible for Assam’s extreme vulnerability. chief among which is the presence of the expansive Brahmaputra and Barak river basins, and Assam’s fast dwindling green cover.

Figure 3: Statewise Vulnerability

Source: Council on Energy Environment & Water Report

4. One of the ways to address the impacts of climate change, including migration, is through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Under the Companies Act, 2013, certain companies are mandated to allocate a portion of their profits towards CSR, and some have done so by directing their efforts towards environmental conservation, climate change adaptation, and helping build resilience to environmental challenges. Some of these initiatives include projects supporting biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy, all of which contribute to environmental sustainability and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Further, There is also a growing need to address climate-induced migration within the CSR framework. India, being one of the countries most affected by climate change-induced migration, has seen millions of people being displaced from their homes due to climate-related events. Humanitarian aid for climate refugees is being considered as part of CSR initiatives, aiming to provide support for those displaced by climate change, as reported by India Development Review (IDR).

This shift towards recognising and addressing climate-induced migration within the CSR landscape reflects an awareness of the need to support vulnerable populations impacted by environmental challenges. From 2019-21, however, there was no significant increase in CSR expenditure, due to the impact of Covid-19 from 2020 onwards.

Figure 4:The allocation of CSR expenditure for environmental concerns has been minimal over the years compared to total CSR contributions

Source: Ministry of Corporate Affairs

In conclusion, the impact of climate change on migration in India is a pressing and complex issue that requires urgent attention and comprehensive policy responses. Vulnerable populations, particularly those in low-income states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, have been disproportionately affected by this issue, leading to widespread displacement. These populations encounter socio-economic challenges like having to learn new skills to be relevant in the labour market, continuing their education, and overcoming language barriers. Recent research recognises climate change as a major factor in driving migration, and underscores the need for proactive measures to address its vulnerable migrants.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in India have started to acknowledge and respond to these challenges by focusing on environmental sustainability and supporting climate-resilient livelihoods. However, there is a need for enhanced collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to develop and implement holistic strategies that can effectively address the complex interplay between climate change, extreme weather events, and migration in India.

Tusharveer Singh and Bushra Ansari both work at ISDM DataSights, supported by Capgemini.

The Social Enterprise Revolution: Redefining Success in India

In the vibrant tapestry of India, a new thread is being woven into the fabric of its business landscape. Gone are the days when solely chasing profit defined success. Today, a wave of for-profit social enterprises (FPSEs) are redefining success, proving that businesses can be powerful catalysts for positive change while generating financial returns.

These FPSEs are tackling some of India's most pressing challenges – poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and environmental degradation – across diverse sectors, from agriculture and sanitation to education and renewable energy. Their emergence signifies a paradigm shift in how businesses in India perceive their role, demonstrating that social impact can be an integral part of a sustainable business model.

Motivations for the Rise of FPSEs in India

Several factors are fuelling the rise of FPSEs in India:

Growing Social Consciousness: Indian consumers, particularly the young and tech-savvy  millennial generation, are increasingly making consumption decisions based on a company's social and environmental responsibility. FPSEs resonate with this growing social consciousness, offering products and services that address societal needs while ensuring ethical practises.

Untapped Market Potential: India's vast base of the pyramid (BoP) population, with its unique needs and aspirations, represents a significant untapped market. FPSEs see an opportunity to serve this population segment, not just as customers, but also as active participants in the value chain, creating shared prosperity.

Supporting Government Initiatives: Recognising the potential of FPSEs in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering inclusive growth, the Indian government has launched several initiatives. These include:

Startup India: This flagship initiative aims to create a vibrant ecosystem for startups, including FPSEs, by providing them with easier access to funding, streamlined regulations, and incubation support.

Stand Up India: This scheme specifically focuses on promoting entrepreneurship among women and Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) by facilitating bank loans for setting up greenfield ventures, including FPSEs.

The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): This mission aims to promote sustainable agricultural practises through various schemes and programmes, providing opportunities for FPSEs working in the agricultural sector.

Innovation and Technology: Advancements in technology are enabling FPSEs to develop innovative solutions for social problems, making them more scalable and efficient. For example, mobile technology is being used to deliver healthcare services to remote areas, while blockchain technology is being used to ensure transparency and traceability in supply chains.

Examples of Thriving FPSEs in India

India is home to a diverse and vibrant FPSE ecosystem, with enterprises making significant contributions to various social and environmental challenges:

Aravind Eye Care System: This renowned FPSE provides high-quality, affordable eye care services to low-income communities, restoring vision and empowering individuals.

Selco India: Committed to clean energy access, Selco offers solar power solutions to rural areas, improving lives and livelihoods while combating climate change.

Akshaya Patra: This FPSE tackles malnutrition by providing nutritious mid-day meals to millions of underprivileged schoolchildren, contributing to their overall well-being and educational attainment.

Million Meals: Focused on addressing hunger, Million Meals delivers nutritious meals to low-income communities at subsidised prices, ensuring food security for the most vulnerable.

Challenges Faced by FPSEs in India

Despite their immense potential, FPSEs in India face several challenges:

Balancing Profit and Social Impact: Striking the right balance between financial sustainability and social impact remains a constant struggle. FPSEs often face the pressure to prioritise profit to secure funding and remain competitive, potentially jeopardising their social mission.

Access to Funding: Traditional funding sources like banks might be hesitant to invest in FPSEs due to perceived risks associated with their dual mission. Additionally, complex legal structures and stringent regulations can make it difficult for FPSEs to access alternative funding sources like impact investing.

Impact Measurement: Measuring and quantifying the social impact of an FPSE's work can be a complex task, requiring specialised expertise and resources. Lack of robust impact measurement frameworks can hinder their ability to attract investors and donors and demonstrate their effectiveness in achieving social goals.

Regulatory Environment: The current regulatory framework might not be fully optimised to support the unique business models of FPSEs. Complex bureaucratic processes, rigid labour laws, and lack of specific policy frameworks for FPSEs can hinder

A Collective Responsibility

The FPSE movement in India represents a promising pathway towards a more equitable and sustainable future. However, realising its full potential requires a collective effort from various stakeholders:

Government: By fostering a supportive regulatory environment, promoting impact investment, and facilitating collaboration between sectors, the government can create a thriving ecosystem for FPSEs.

Businesses: Established businesses can play a significant role by partnering with FPSEs, leveraging their expertise and resources to scale their impact. Additionally, businesses can integrate social considerations into their own operations, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive business environment.

Investors: By recognising the potential of FPSEs and investing in their ventures, impact investors can play a pivotal role in driving social change.

Social Sector Organisations: Collaboration between FPSEs and social sector organisations can lead to the development of more comprehensive and effective solutions to social challenges.

Individuals: Consumers can actively support FPSEs by making informed purchasing decisions and advocating for businesses that prioritise social responsibility.

By working together, all stakeholders can contribute to the success of the FPSE movement in India, paving the way for a future where businesses serve as powerful catalysts for positive social change.

The FPSE landscape in India is constantly evolving, with new challenges and opportunities emerging. As the sector matures, a continued focus on innovation, collaboration, and impact measurement will be critical to its success. By harnessing the collective talent and resources of diverse stakeholders, India can position itself as a global leader in the FPSE movement, inspiring and guiding other nations on their journeys towards achieving sustainable and inclusive development.

Social change initiatives in India are driven by a collective desire to make a positive difference. Billions of dollars are poured into programs aimed at tackling complex issues like poverty, education, and healthcare. But often, the impact of these programs is difficult to measure, leading to a nagging question: are we truly achieving lasting change?

This is where Results-Based Program Management (RBPM) steps in as the missing piece. RBPM is a structured approach that equips program managers with the skills and tools to design, implement, and monitor programs strategically, ensuring they deliver measurable social impact.

Why Results-Based Program Management Matters in India

India's development sector faces unique challenges. Here's how RBPM can address them:

• Focus on Outcomes, Not Outputs: Many programs measure activities (outputs) like workshops conducted or meals served. RBPM emphasizes measuring outcomes, the actual change achieved in people's lives (e.g., increased literacy rates or improved health outcomes). This ensures resources are directed towards programs with demonstrably positive impacts.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Social change is complex. RBPM equips program managers with the skills to collect and analyze data throughout the program cycle. This data informs crucial decisions about resource allocation, program adjustments, and future interventions, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness.
• Transparency and Accountability: With RBPM, stakeholders like donors and beneficiaries have a clear understanding of program goals, how progress is measured, and the results achieved. This transparency fosters trust and accountability, leading to greater support for impactful programs.

Empowering Changemakers: The ISDM Results-Based Program Management Certificate Program

The ISDM Results-Based Program Management Certificate Program equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a leader in driving social change through effective program management.

• Developed for the Indian Context: The curriculum is designed specifically for the Indian development sector, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by social change organizations in the country.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program delves into all aspects of RBPM, from understanding program design principles to crafting a robust monitoring and evaluation system.
• Interactive Learning: The program offers a unique blend of instructor-led sessions, project-based learning, case studies, and coaching, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
• Networking and Growth: Connect with a community of passionate development professionals and build your network to further your career and social impact goals.

Who Should Take This Program?

This program is designed for:

• Aspiring Program Managers: Individuals seeking a career in program and project management roles within the development sector.
• Development Professionals: Those looking to enhance their existing program management skills and advance their careers.
• Changemakers: Anyone passionate about social change who wants to learn how to design and implement programs that create lasting impact.

Invest in Making a Difference

The ISDM Results-Based Program Management Certificate Program is an investment in your ability to make a real difference. By mastering RBPM, you'll gain the skills to:

• Design programs with clear goals and measurable outcomes.
• Manage resources effectively and efficiently.
• Lead and motivate teams to achieve program objectives.
• Make data-driven decisions for continuous program improvement.
• Become a recognized expert in program management within the development sector.

Take the first step towards a fulfilling career driving social change. Enroll in the ISDM Results-Based Program Management Certificate Program today!

Program Details:

• Duration: 3 months (60 hours)
• Delivery Mode: Online live sessions
• Cost: INR 60,000 + taxes (scholarships available)

Bushra Ansari | Published: 01 April, 2024

How do women in India spend their time? Apart from paid work, community activities, cultural engagements, religious practices, volunteering, and sports, many women spend a significant amount of time on household duties. The data points to a significant gender influence here - women predominantly shoulder unpaid responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, and caregiving, while men are generally more engaged in paid work.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that globally, men spend an average of 83 minutes per day on unpaid care work, while women devote three times more time with 265 minutes. In India, the gender gap is even more pronounced, women spend 297 minutes daily on unpaid care work, compared to men who spend only 31 minutes. India's first Time Use Survey (TUS), conducted by the National Statistical Organization (NSO) in 2019, gives us more insight into this gender gap.

1. The average time women spend on unpaid work is 7.3 times that of men

*TUS activity classification as per International
Classification of Activities for Time Use Statistics 2016 (ICATUS 2016)

The gender disparity in time allocation is the highest with regard to time spent on unpaid domestic work and caregiving services, followed by employment and related activities. The ILO estimates that unpaid care work is amongst the most critical barriers preventing women from joining and remaining in the workforce. This disproportionate burden of unpaid care work creates “time poverty”, which limits women’s ability to engage in paid work and acquire the skills they need for better job opportunities.

2. The highest duration of time women dedicate to paid employment is observed in the western and southern areas

According to a report titled "Viewport 2022: Top Cities for Women in India", which analysed Indian cities on four metrics – women's ease of living, women's safety, women’s representation rate in employment and women’s empowerment initiatives, the South and West regions attract more women, with average scores of 46.17 and 41.13, respectively. North Indian cities rank third (36.03), followed by the Central (31.17) and East (29.43) regions.

In the southern states of India, women's participation in regular jobs is higher compared to the northern states due to a highly educated society and women's freedom in decision-making. On the other hand, North India tends to be more patriarchal and feudal, leading to more restrictions on women's behaviour, and limited access to work opportunities.

3. The north-eastern regions showcase the least disparity in time allocation for household work between women and men

The northeastern states, known for having societies with a more gender-neutral outlook, have higher male participation in domestic household work compared to other regions of the country. For example, the existence of matrilineal societies in Meghalaya, where children receive their mother's last name, husbands move into their wife's home, and the youngest daughters inherit the ancestral property.

Women in the northeast dominate public spaces. Women of all age groups can be found running small and big businesses. Asia's largest all-women 'Mother's Market' is in Manipur, where only married, divorced, or widowed women set up stalls to sell everything from daily essentials to fancy items.

4. Cleaning and cooking show the most pronounced gender gap in household tasks

Most households prefer home-cooked meals; thus, it is not surprising that a major part of women's time is allocated to cooking. Cooking has been associated with the female identity and ascribed gender roles, so much so that men in India are seldom encouraged to learn how to cook.

Social norms dictate that women perform unpaid labour. The consequences for straying from the norm can be harsh. OXFAM India’s 2019 household care survey found that one in three respondents thought it acceptable to beat a woman for failing to care well for the children or for not attending to a dependent, ill or adult member in the household.

Women in India often have to juggle multiple responsibilities, which can lead to stress, burnout, and a lack of time for themselves. It is important to address the gender divide in household duties and paid employment to create a more equitable society for women in India. This can be done by challenging traditional gender roles, providing more economic opportunities for women, and challenging social norms. For instance, in Jharkhand, a workforce of over 50,000 skilled women masons has defied stereotypes by building toilets under Swatch Bharat Mission, contributing significantly to the state's attainment of open-defecation-free status.

Additionally, accessible crèches would reduce the time and energy women have to spend on childcare. Similarly, schemes to ensure the availability of drinking water (Jal Jeevan Mission) and cooking gas (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) would reduce the time women have to spend on collecting water and firewood. Moreover, steps to ensure women’s right to property and assets can help provide them with financial security and recognise their contribution to the household.

Bushra Ansari is a Data Analyst at ISDM DataSights, supported by Capgemini.

Kshitij Sarawgi and Bushra Ansari | Published: 02 April, 2024

Water is indispensable to life on Earth, and its scarcity is a global concern. This scarcity can decrease food security and reduce access to water for industrial and domestic purposes. It also has broader economic, humanitarian, and ecological implications.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, irrigation in agriculture accounts for 70% of water use worldwide. Intensive groundwater pumping for irrigation depletes groundwater resources and has negative environmental consequences, causing a significant economic impact on the agricultural sector and beyond.

In India, too, the majority of water consumption is for irrigation in agriculture, as per the Central Ground Water Board.

Source: Dynamic Ground Water Resource of India by Central Ground Water Board

1. It is therefore concerning that India is facing an increase in water scarcity. Northern India, particularly, experiences significant groundwater depletion. While the nation's average Groundwater Extraction was 60.08% in 2022, an improvement from 63.33% in 2017, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan bucked the trend, exceeding the groundwater extraction by 100% in 2022.

The Green Revolution of 1960, marked by the adoption of water-intensive high-yield seed varieties, boosted agricultural production from 55 million tons at the time of independence to 260 million tons of food grains today, but strained water resources. In Punjab and Haryana, the epicentre of this revolution, groundwater depletion surpasses natural replenishment rates by 65%, and 34%, respectively. Free/ heavily subsidised electricity to run pumps, and no cost for water initiated to support the Green Revolution, led to excessive irrigation, exacerbating the depletion of groundwater.

Although mandated by Section 55 of The Indian Electricity Act, 2003, nationwide electricity metering remains largely unimplemented due to resistance from farmers' unions, making farmers lackadaisical about their usage. Free water and power are so politically popular in the economies of farm states that leaders do not suggest a change for fear of not being elected to power.

Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti

2. Let's look at water consumption numbers by various crops in India and analyse further why certain states are experiencing groundwater depletion.

Rice, a staple food globally and in India, demands 3000 – 5000 litres of water per kilogram for production. India, the second largest producer and consumer of rice, also emerged as the largest exporter in 2023, accounting for 40% of global rice exports.

Source: Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2022

The above graph shows that Punjab's per-hectare rice production surpasses West Bengal's by 43.33%, despite Punjab cultivating only around 76% of West Bengal's total rice production. This difference is why West Bengal, despite being the largest producer of this water-intensive crop, hasn't depleted its water resources at the same alarming rate as Punjab has.

While wheat cultivation is less water-intensive compared to rice, it still requires 900 - 1000 litres of water per kilogram of production. However, because of its importance as a staple food in India, it still consumes a significant amount of water during cultivation.

Source: Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2022

Punjab and Haryana produce around 43% and 30% of the total wheat yield of Uttar Pradesh, the largest producer. However, their per-hectare rates exceed that of Uttar Pradesh by approximately 16% and 25% respectively. This further shows the impact of the Green Revolution, and consequently, the over-exploitation of groundwater resources in the North-Western states of Punjab and Haryana.

Sugarcane, a crucial cash crop, requires 1500 – 3000 litres of water for 1 kg of its produce. Used in diverse industries like sugar, biofuel, paper and pulp, it also contributes substantially to economies worldwide. Globally, India ranks second in both sugarcane and sugar production, but leads as the highest consumer of sugar, consequently dominating the global sugarcane and sugar market.

Source: Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2022

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka produce only 8.73% & 35% of what Uttar Pradesh produces. However, the per hectare rate of production of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is much higher than that of Uttar Pradesh, the largest producer by almost 26% and 17% respectively. This explains why both these states have been coloured red (refer figure 2), with a 70% extraction of their groundwater resources.

Uttar Pradesh holds a significant position in the production of all these three crops: it's the second-largest producer of rice, and the largest producer of wheat and sugarcane in India. Despite having lower per-hectare production rates compared to other states, the sheer volume of these water-intensive crops cultivated in Uttar Pradesh might have contributed notably to the depletion of its water tables, resulting in an overall extraction rate of 70%.

3. The World Bank has helped the state government of Punjab pilot an innovative scheme to save electricity and conserve groundwater, namely “Paani Bachao, Paisa Kamao”. The scheme incentivises farmers to reduce groundwater usage. According to the World Bank, around 300 farmers were enrolled and given cash incentives to save electricity used for irrigation, resulting in water savings of between 6 and 25 percent without any adverse effect on the yield.

But to address water-related issues at a large scale, it is imperative to embrace alternative farming methods, particularly organic farming. Techniques such as Saturated Soil Culture (SSC), Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) offer viable alternatives to rice cultivation.

In AWD, irrigation is delayed until a certain period after ponded water disappears, unlike in traditional methods, where it is done immediately. Water table in the field is monitored using a simple perforated field water tube. When the water level is 15 cm below the surface of the soil, it is again flooded to a depth of around 5 cm. The water in the rice field needs to be kept at 5 cm depth to avoid any water stress that would result in severe loss in rice grain yield.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) reports that AWD has enabled Bangladeshi farmers to reduce rice water requirements by up to 30%, while also conserving diesel and electricity for water pumps, and increasing Boro rice yields by 500 kg per hectare. Further, practices such as mulching, tilling, and crop rotation can aid in preserving soil nutrients and conserving water, particularly in sugarcane and wheat cultivation.

Kshitij Sarawgi and Bushra Ansari both work at ISDM DataSights, supported by Capgemini.