One Water, One Soil, One Health

According to the Indian Council on Agriculture Research (ICAR) Vision 2050 document, India’s overall water consumption is projected to increase by nearly 50%, along with an increased water demand on irrigation water which is expected to rise to about 1745 billion liters per day (BLD) by 2050, compared to 1658 BLD in 2000. Simultaneously, food demand is expected to grow from 280 million tons in 2020 to approximately 400 million tons by 2050. This rapid increase in demand, along with the overexploitation of natural resources, is putting a lot of stress on the country’s water and soil systems. Change in weather patterns is increasing these challenges, altering water cycles, degrading soil quality, and increasing the vulnerability of agricultural productivity.

Unsustainable farming practices, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, and poor water management are leading to soil nutrient loss (0.5–1.3 million ton annually), declining food quality, and increasing risks of malnutrition and food- and water-borne diseases. These interconnected issues underline the need to view water, soil, and health as a single, integrated ecosystem rather than isolated components.

This IC activity, “One Water, One Soil, One Health,” is motivated by the recognition that sustainable management of water and soil resources is foundational to human and environmental health. It seeks to promote a systems-based approach that links agricultural practices, water management, and public health outcomes. This approach aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Through this initiative, we aim to:

• Encourage collaboration among researchers, engineers, technologists, environmental scientists, and policymakers to co-develop sustainable and science-based solutions.
• Promote the use of standards, data-driven tools, and integrated technologies for monitoring and improving water and soil quality.
• Encourage capacity building and community-level interventions for sustainable water–soil–health management.
• Support innovation that enhances resilience, food security, and public health while ensuring resource sustainability.
• Identify opportunities for new standards development

In essence, this activity will help create a platform to advance research, awareness, and standards-based interventions that recognize the interdependence of water, soil, and health as the foundation of sustainable living and environmental stewardship.

The work will engage closely with regulatory bodies, civil societies/think tanks, and government agencies focused on water and agriculture, helping align innovation with policy and standards development. The activity will also reach out to the startup community where there is significant effort from MSMEs in the agriculture and water verticals. It also contributes to sustainability goals and action efforts, creating long-term societal and environmental benefits.

To learn more about the program and how to join the One Water, One Soil, One Health activity, please express your interest by completing the One Water, One Soil, One Health interest form