In a few decades, we will be paying a fortune for water and perhaps even for air to breathe. It is time we started examining some of our water policies. It would be a good thing to ‘import’ water if the cost benefit analysis indicates that it is worth it. For example, Egypt imports more than 50 per cent of its wheat although it is capable of growing its entire requirement.
By doing so, it is saving its own water and is effectively importing water contained in the wheat. Similarly, we too should examine importing those agricultural products whose import will help us save water. Sugar comes immediately to mind. Sugarcane is one of the most water-consuming crops.
By allowing import of sugar, we would dissuade growing of sugarcane, thus saving water which can be used for other more water-efficient crops. But sugar is a very political product and hence it remains to be seen whether government has the courage to even think of such ideas.
T R Ramaswami, Mumbai