Water resources are under huge pressure given the current projections for population increase and demand for food on the one hand, and climate change on the other. By 2050, with an expected world population of 9 billion, scientists expect we’ll need 57% more water to sustain the population with current practices.
Farmers across the globe are constantly facing floods, droughts and extreme weather conditions which threaten their livelihood, and water shortages threaten farmers’ long-term viability and profitability.
Conserving and better managing water supply is the only way forward. As a major user of global freshwater resources (70%), the agriculture sector can make a major contribution to securing a sustainable crop production at a lower environmental burden.
This is why we’re collaborating with growers, researchers and other stakeholders to develop and leverage water smart solutions to better manage water resources and sustainably achieve better harvests with less water. From seeds designed to produce better harvests with less water to digital tools that can tell growers when, where and how much water is needed—we’re committed to advancing water-conservation agriculture for the benefit of farmers, people and the environment.
As the leader in the market, we have a responsibility towards our customers and the planet. Safely feeding a growing population while conserving precious resources such as water on a limited amount of farmland is the agricultural paradox the world is facing and where Bayer is fully committed to being part of the solution.
We believe that innovation plays a major role in water conservation. The adoption of water smart solutions and the right tools and technologies will enable farmers to better manage water resources and grow crops in a sustainable manner.
We are using and developing digital tools to help growers track water usage and provide guidance on where and when to irrigate their fields. We are joining forces with key partners to promote the use of modern and efficient irrigation systems. Additionally, we’re researching and testing new crops that provide better harvests using less water.
Automation with smart irrigation technology allows water and crop protection products to be applied in the right quantities, in the right place, and at the right time. Farmers are able to mitigate the impact on the environment, using up to 60 percent less water compared to traditional irrigation methods. The technology, which is a part of a collaboration between Bayer, Netafim and BGN Technologies, can also be used to apply crop protection precisely and directly to the plants, reducing the amounts of fertilizers and other resources used.
Bayer plant scientists continue to pursue modern breeding methods to develop locally adapted seed varieties that have higher flooding and drought tolerance. For example, our submergence tolerant Arize™ hybrid rice seeds are specially designed to survive in flash flood conditions, producing consistent yields even under unfavorable weather conditions.
Too much or too little water can adversely impact crop production.
When farmers need water solutions, Bayer dispatches its Drought Team to the rescue. See how this group works collaboratively to create solutions for the most complex problems.
