India’s water governance reforms, particularly in Maharashtra, are recognized by the World Bank as crucial in shaping sustainable food production for a growing global population. The World Bank emphasizes the importance of smarter water management in agriculture to meet future food demands and create millions of jobs. The report, “Nourish and Flourish: Water Solutions to Feed 10 Billion People on a Livable Planet,” underscores the significance of India’s policy innovations in offering lessons for water-stressed regions.
The World Bank praises Maharashtra’s regulatory model as a global example, noting the state’s effective water resource management strategies. The report highlights the need for regulatory frameworks like Maharashtra’s Water Resources Regulatory Authority to enhance efficiency, ensure cost recovery, and attract investments into irrigation systems. It also points out the imbalance in global water use, with regions like South Asia facing overextraction while others underutilize available resources.
According to the World Bank, current water use in agriculture can sustainably feed less than half of the world’s population, with a sharp rise in demand expected by 2050. The report suggests that expanding irrigation within sustainable limits could potentially create around 245 million long-term jobs, particularly in developing countries. The World Bank stresses the importance of aligning investments in infrastructure, policies, and capital mobilization to maximize impact and enhance food security.
The report proposes a comprehensive framework that links water management, food production, and trade to help countries make informed decisions on irrigation expansion and water usage efficiency. It emphasizes the need for stronger institutions, improved water pricing mechanisms, and increased private sector involvement to enhance agricultural productivity. Globally, modernizing irrigation systems will require significant investments, with the report estimating an annual funding need of $24 billion to $70 billion through 2050.
