Better policies and good governance practices are needed to encourage farmers to make better use of water, the Food and Agriculture Organization said Monday.
The message from the FAO came on the eve of the International Decade for Action "Water for Life 2005-2015," to be launched Tuesday -- World Water Day -- by the United Nations and Governments.
Agriculture is the biggest water consumer. On average, according to FAO, it takes one ton of water to produce one kilogram of wheat. Most of the water used by crops comes from the rain stored in the soil.
Irrigation covers 20 percent of cultivated land, but it represents 40 percent of the world's agricultural production. By securing access to water, it plays a strategic role in ensuring agricultural production.
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