How A Marathon Could Impact Global Water Security

[Click Here]( ClECXw1XSAMaQUBRFRUUBFVXAFQAQwhbDAh3UQxSXA1PWlcOHR0=&ml=ClcAGggeDQNRSQ==&sl=ehlwGm0xSGErYU5UCApIEVBQA10QQARHXV9TXwAdVg4MRQg=&pp=0&ga=utm_source%3DSmartech%26utm_campaign%3DCampaign%2BID%2B-%2B223%26utm_medium%3DEmail%26utm_content%3D) to see the web version India has 18% of the world’s population, but only 4% of its water resources. This skewed equation, coupled with agriculture consuming more than 70% of the freshwater, exacerbates the pressure on water resources and makes it imperative for us to take appropriate measures to address the water crisis engulfing not just our country but the world. Bayer, a life sciences company with core competencies in the areas of health care & agriculture, is committed to resolving this water crisis and reshaping the future of farming through regenerative agricultural practices which focus on producing more and restoring more. [Regenerative agriculture]( ClECXw1XSAMaQUBRFRUUBFVXAFQAQwhbDAh3UQxSXA1PWlcOHR0=&ml=ClcAGggeDQNUSQ==&sl=ehlwGm0xSGErYU5UCApIEVBQA10QQARHXV9TXwAdVg4MRQg=&pp=0&ga=utm_source%3DSmartech%26utm_campaign%3DCampaign%2BID%2B-%2B223%26utm_medium%3DEmail%26utm_content%3D) holds the potential to improve farm productivity and farmer incomes, while helping diminish greenhouse gas emissions and water use, all at a significant scale. As part of its initiative to help conserve precious resources like water, Bayer pledged to make water an integral part of its business decisions through myriad activities to ensure timely action against the issues of food security and health, at the UN Water Conference, 2023. The company aims to play a leading role in promoting corporate [water stewardship]( ClECXw1XSAMaQUBRFRUUBFVXAFQAQwhbDAh3UQxSXA1PWlcOHR0=&ml=ClcAGggeDQNVSQ==&sl=ehlwGm0xSGErYU5UCApIEVBQA10QQARHXV9TXwAdVg4MRQg=&pp=0&ga=utm_source%3DSmartech%26utm_campaign%3DCampaign%2BID%2B-%2B223%26utm_medium%3DEmail%26utm_content%3D) and influencing other businesses and industries to join the bandwagon. Bayer is driving positive change in water productivity by transforming cropping systems in the relevant regions where the company operates. It is well-known that rice farming is responsible for around 43% of the world’s irrigation water withdrawals. To reduce this figure, Bayer committed to improving water use per kilogram of crop by 25% by 2030. A great example is Bayer's 'Rice Sustainability Initiative', that promotes climate-smart practices like [Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)]( ClECXw1XSAMaQUBRFRUUBFVXAFQAQwhbDAh3UQxSXA1PWlcOHR0=&ml=ClcAGggeDQNSSQ==&sl=ehlwGm0xSGErYU5UCApIEVBQA10QQARHXV9TXwAdVg4MRQg=&pp=0&ga=utm_source%3DSmartech%26utm_campaign%3DCampaign%2BID%2B-%2B223%26utm_medium%3DEmail%26utm_content%3D) to combat climate change and reduce water usage in rice production by about 1,000 liters per kilogram. The initiative aims to lower the greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health. Apart from water conservation efforts, Bayer also partnered with water advocate and ultramarathon runner Mina Guli, founder and CEO of Thirst Foundation, to raise awareness about water issues, through the Run Blue campaign. Through her marathons, Mina aimed raise awareness and mobilize people and companies across the world to deliberate about the need to save water in water stressed areas. The unique partnership saw Mina running 200 marathons, including marathons in Delhi, Varanasi, Thane, and Mumbai. With the realisation that worldwide water consumption could be 40% greater than its availability by 2030, the Run Blue initiative played a critical role in helping to galvanise private enterprises, governments, non-government organisations, and society to act on the impending water crisis. Bayer is taking the conversation forward in both B20 and G20 discussions. At the company level, Bayer is improving their operations and wastewater quality by preventing water pollution, complying and going beyond international and local laws. It strives to reduce emissions into water bodies with strict discharge limits for active ingredients. It applies stringent requirements to ensure the provision of safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to all employees at its site. By promoting sustainable practices that make farming operations less carbon-intensive and more climate-resilient, Bayer continues to work towards its vision of ‘Health for All, Hunger for None’, while conserving the planet for our future generations. This post is sponsored by Bayer.   -- [Click Here]( ClECXw1XSAMaQUBRFRUUBFVXAFQAQwhbDAh3UQxSXA1PWlcOHR0=&ml=ClcAGggeDQNeSQ==&sl=ehlmGm0xSGErYU5UCApIEVBQA10QQARHXV9TXwAdVg4MRQg=&pp=0&ga=utm_source%3DSmartech%26utm_campaign%3DCampaign%2BID%2B-%2B223%26utm_medium%3DEmail%26utm_content%3D) to unsubscribe from this newsletter.