Water Footprint Analysis of Wheat Cultivation in the Ganga Yamuna Doab Region – Implications for Sustainable Water Management

• The research focuses on the Water Footprint (WFP) of wheat cultivation in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab (GYD) region, which is known for feeding 9–14 % of the global population. The findings revealed that blue water footprints constituted the predominant share at 88 %, followed by grey (8 %) and green (4 %) water footprints. Within the grey WFP, nitrogen-related components were dominant, while potassium-related components were negligible across districts. • The region's heavy dependence on blue water (freshwater and groundwater) makes it highly vulnerable to climate change, which could significantly reduce production levels. The average total WFP for wheat cultivation in the GYD region was 1165 m³/ton, lower than the global average of 1830 m³/ton. • The blue Water Footprint (WFP) in the GYD region averaged 1034 m³/ton, significantly lower than global averages. Out of 26 districts, 17 had blue WFP figures below the regional average, indicating efficient water usage practices in those areas. • The grey WFP, indicating water pollution from fertilizer applications, averaged 98 m³/ton, higher than the national average for India. The study introduced sub-components for grey WFP, focusing on contributions from Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potassium (K), which have often been overlooked in previous studies. The research investigates the Water Footprint (WFP) of wheat cultivation in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab (GYD) region, highlighting grey WFP sub-components like Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potassium (K). Blue water footprints dominated (88 %), with nitrogen-related WFP leading among grey components. The average total WFP for wheat in GYD was lower (1165 m 3 /ton) than the global average. Variations in blue WFP were observed across districts, with efficient water usage in some and higher values in others due to rainfall distribution and agricultural practices. Green WFP averaged 40 m 3 /ton, indicating varied resource utilization. Grey WFP was higher (98 m 3 /ton) than India's national average, influenced by urbanization, excessive fertilizer usage, and intensive agricultural practices. Precision farming techniques offer opportunities for greywater footprint reduction. Expert recommendations stress data validation and consider variations in planting/harvesting dates and growing season duration for improved sustainability. Soil characteristics are pivotal in defining crop rooting depth, especially in rain-fed regions. Data validation from reputable sources is crucial for accuracy and reliability.