"Human beings must be cautious from now on. They must restructure their thoughts, plans and activities in accordance with the dictates of ecology. There is no alternative." P.R Sarkar, (January 1990) Ideal Farming part-2, Ananda Press-Culcutta.

Water - The life source

Sustainable agriculture should be environmentally sound, economically viable and socially acceptable. Water is the apex of the spinning top and even fertile land cannot yield without water. Deforestation, exploitation of water tables, climatic changes (e.g. high pressure systems over large seas) are examples of causes of drought.

Water Conservation

Rainwater is a vital ingredient for growing crops. It is thus important that one must maximise collection of rainwater where it falls. Water conservation can be accomplished by :

Afforestation - Certain trees attract rain clouds and when it rains the roots of the trees hold the water in their roots. In case of heavy rainfall the trees prevent flooding and erosion. Trees maintain an ecological balance and provide shade and food. Not all trees can be planted in the local environment. Trees like Eucalyptus - which were introduced in Malta from Australia can actually do harm to the local ecosystem. This tree is used to heavier rainfall and thus use a lot of water.

Water Reservoirs - Water should be stored so that when climatic conditions get dry this water can be used. Water can be stored in wells and storm waters should be diverted to reservoirs and man made ponds. Rainwater should be prevented from flowing to the sea

Boreholes are not recommended to be used. They cause neighbouring shallow bore holes to dry up. They also create stress on the local environment and the area becomes vulnerable to desertification due to the lowering of the subterranean water table. Elements and minerals which are harmful to the soil can get mixed up with the water table and contaminate it (e.g. salinity).

Water Management

Water is the most essential resource for agriculture. The present local supple of water is inappropriate. The fact that most of the water comes from desalination plants, is non-sustainable and expensive. When the use of desalination plants is unavoidable alternative forms of energy generation such as solar, pneumatic, for the production of electricity and their operation should be adopted. Privatizing the country's water management is also socially unacceptable. On the other hand, rainwater is self sustainable and inexpensive and its conservation should be encouraged.

The best policy for Malta is to plant as many rain-attracting trees as possible and to collect as much rainwater as possible during the rainy season.(Water harvesting)

Water reservoirs should be established in all rural low-lying areas and trees should be planted around them.

The Genista Research Foundation is concerned about water conservation on its farmland. One of the aims of the foundation is to balance its water consumption in relation to the amounts of water stored/collected from the previous rainy season.

Rainwater collection will revolutionise agriculture.