Algae Revolutionizes Irrigation

Integrating algae as an irrigation technique can boost water retention and support sustainable cultivation of medicinal plants like Brahmi

In a country like India, where about 45 per cent of the population depends on agriculture for livelihood, water scarcity poses a serious threat. Due to climate change, droughts are becoming increasingly common and many regions are facing drastic water scarcity. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, agriculture accounts for approximately 70 per cent of global freshwater withdrawals and this is constantly becoming a challenge.

Medicinal plant farming can offer a sustainable income to farmers. But with climate change being a grave concern, their farming practices have to reform. One sustainable solution which could potentially solve the water scarcity faced by these cultivators is—algae.

Imagine a farmer who earns his income from a piece of land. With limited rainfall and extinguishable water sources like wells or ponds, the unavailability of water makes it hard for him to earn a living. His crop yield is also decreasing gradually. Due to the emerging need of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi), the farmer decides to grow this crop. But since it requires moderate to high amounts of water, the farmer is unable to sustain the Brahmi plant.

Then the farmer thought of a brilliant plan! He was aware that there are specific algae species growing between crop beds in water channels which can help improve soil moisture, add organic matter, and boost microbial activity. By encouraging algae growth in water channels, he could benefit from enhanced irrigation efficiency, and make agriculture more sustainable and climate-resilient. He could also lower dependence on chemical fertilizers and therefore reduce costs.

The farmer’s land has loamy soil, which is ideal for water retention without waterlogging. So, firstly he divides the land into raised beds with water channels alongside medicinal crops. The farmer finds a specific type of algae, called the Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria), and cultivates it in water channels along with growing Brahmi over the raised beds.

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms naturally found in lake ecosystems. Some of their species secrete extracellular polymeric substance which act as a “molecular glue” binding soil particles together, increasing soil’s overall water holding capacity. Aggregated soils with higher porosity allow better water infiltration, reducing runoff, and maintaining the required moisture levels for Brahmi plants.

So, with the help of this technique, farmers can grow Brahmi while saving water. It is cost-friendly as it uses locally available resources. Brahmi is highly demanded for its healing properties such as reducing stress and inflammation. Applying this sustainable method can help build a future that goes hand-in-hand with development.