Sustainable strategies for water, energy, and food waste management in India

Food, water, and energy security problems are important current challenges for India, since rapid population growth amidst environmental and climate change pressures accelerates resource scarcity. Since agriculture is one of the biggest consumers and producers of water and energy, an integrated approach is needed to balance resource use and production. The WEF Nexus approach takes on board a holistic, inclusive vision of sustainable development aimed at balancing both the demands of people and the environment using qualitative and quantitative modeling. In India, this is very applicable due to the emerging water crises and energy demands that will definitely threaten food security. A multi-layer model of governance for the Indian context has been proposed in this paper, focusing on the issues of water and food in the region through participatory governance and stakeholder management. Projected to be over 1.6 billion by 2050, India's population also depends on food security through sustainable agriculture, dietary changes, and less wastage throughout the supply chain. The LCA can thus be a tool in developing evidence-based strategies on the sustainability of food production and consumption. The present paper has applied the Nexus approach in carrying out an evaluation of resource security in India and has identified areas that require substantive investment: low-carbon energy systems, improved water governance, and innovative agricultural practices. The critical interlinkages between water, energy, and food sectors call for integrated policies that address resource limitations while fostering sustainable growth. The sustainable development goals in an increasingly complex, dynamic world.