The Growing Water Crisis in Agriculture
Agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater use, making water scarcity one of the most urgent threats to food security. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, intensifying droughts, and reducing arable land, putting immense pressure on water resources. By 2030, global water demand is expected to exceed supply by 40%, leaving half of the world’s population at risk of severe water shortages.
Impact on Food Security and the Global Economy
Without intervention, water scarcity could cause crop yields to decline by up to 50% in some regions by 2050, exacerbating food shortages. Additionally, economic losses related to water risks are projected to reach 6% of global GDP by mid-century. According to the UN, the global population is expected to surpass 10 billion by 2050, and food production must increase by over 50% to meet demand.
The Need for Data-Driven Solutions
Governments, agribusinesses, and farmers face increasing pressure to optimize water use while balancing the needs of urban populations, industries, and ecosystems. However, reliable data on crop-specific water needs, soil moisture, and irrigation efficiency has been largely unavailable – until now.
Hydrosat: Leveraging Satellite Technology for Smarter Agriculture
Hydrosat uses satellite thermal imagery to address agricultural water stress and improve efficiency. By providing precise, actionable insights, Hydrosat enables farmers to:
- Increase crop yields by up to 50% through targeted water and nutrient application.
- Reduce water consumption by 30% per hectare by identifying over-irrigation and drainage issues.
- Cut energy use and carbon emissions by 30% by optimizing irrigation and reducing reliance on inefficient systems.
Optimizing Water Productivity
Hydrosat’s framework assesses current water productivity, identifies inefficiencies, and provides solutions to maximize efficiency, including:
- On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency – Aligning water application with crop needs, reducing runoff, and preventing over-irrigation
- Water Reuse & Soil Water Capacity Enhancement – Recycling drainage water, improving split infiltration, and increasing water storage.
- Photosynthesis Enhancement – Optimizing planting dates, row spacing, and nitrogen management to maximize solar energy use.
A Sustainable Future for Agriculture
With growing global water scarcity, innovative solutions provided by Hydrosat are essential for ensuring food security, supporting farmers, and mitigating economic risks. By transforming agricultural water management, Hydrosat is paving the way for a more sustainable and productive future.