ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF VIRTUAL WATER USE IN AGRICULTURE

Abstract

The article reveals the relevance of determining the most effective and environmentally sound ways of  using water resources in irrigation and fertigation systems. At the same time, it is necessary to minimise  the negative impact on the environment and maximise the economic benefits of agricultural production, promote the adaptation of agriculture to climate change and ensure food security. The indicators of economic efficiency of water use for irrigation, namely water productivity and economic water productivity, are considered. The need to maintain a balance between the economic and environmental needs of society in terms of water use is justified. Thus, when planning and using irrigation technologies, the priority should be to achieve not the maximum, but the optimal level of yield with minimum specific costs and production costs. To ensure environmental safety, it is necessary to analyse indicators that characterise the quality of not only water but also land resources. Ways to improve the efficiency of water use in irrigation have been proposed. In particular, the use of modern irrigation systems, increased utilisation, avoidance of water losses, introduction of water-saving technologies in agriculture, modernisation of irrigation systems, increased crop productivity, reduced risk of loss or underperformance of planned harvests, increasing income through long-term contracts for the supply of products at more favourable prices, developing new organisational and economic models for agribusiness with the creation of clusters, using treated water for irrigation; providing financial state support to agricultural enterprises that use irrigation systems. A promising mechanism for trading virtual water could be a new environmental policy tool – a border water use adjustment mechanism.