Building Circular Economy Models for Recycling Black and Grey Water for Food Security
Building Circular Economy Models for Recycling Black and Grey Water for Food Security
Authors : Pooja Gupta and Dhiraj Santdasani
Economic development of a region where agriculture is the mainstay of livelihoods of
majority population, encompasses two crucial aspects- inclusive growth and poverty
reduction. If the agriculture sector fares well, both these vital aspects strengthen, resulting
in sustained economic development for the region. The state of Tamil Nadu has always
performed well ahead of other states with a stellar record production of 10.1 million
tons of food grains in the year 2011-12 and, highest productivity of sugarcane and other
important crops such as oilseeds and maize. Unfortunately, the growth rate in agriculture
over the last decade has taken a dip because of rainfall deficit and limited or non-availability
of sufficient water for irrigation.
Irregular rainfall over time has resulted in substandard production of standing crops dependent on rain-fed conditions. There is a need for renewed innovative methods to meet the ever-increasing requirement of food, in view of the limited scope for expanding cultivation under irrigation.
The Nilgiris district in the state of Tamil Nadu in India is home to several indigenous
communities, flora and fauna whose livelihood interaction is shaped by the water flow
landscape. Nilgiris has a population of 7.35 lakhs with over 40 percent of total working
population associated directly or indirectly with agriculture making it the principal
source for livelihood in the region (Census 2011). Nilgiris is known for cultivating exotic
vegetables such as carrots, beans, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, beetroot, garlic, strawberries
etc.
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