Pollution's Impacts on Agriculture
Agriculture plays a very important role in the health, economic, and daily lives of people everywhere in South Asia. Most people live off of their agriculture by eating their products and/or selling them. For example, in Pakistan nearly 70% of rural population depends on agriculture(Pakissan.com). Water pollution has a very big impact on how well agriculture grows, if it grows at all. Water is a necessity in agriculture and farming because everything needs water to survive. When the water used to grow crops is polluted with chemicals and sewage, it can destroy the crops and the health of the consumer. While there are some treatments to clean the water, there are no ways to remove the poison that lies beneath the surface.
Not only is agriculture being affected by water pollution, it is adding to it. For example in India, pesticides have been used 750% more compared to the mid 1900's (Global Water Forum). A main problem between water pollution and agriculture is it's link to the economy of these developing countries. Most of the workers in South Asia are rural and agricultural and base their entire lives off of things that are killing them. The toxic water that is used to grow the crops seeps chemicals and pollution into the ground. It is left there creating a harsh living area for the crops. Once the crops have all been diminished from this toxic environment there now poses the threat of not enough food. This is one of the most populous areas in the world and food production needs to increase, not decrease. If water pollution continues to threaten agriculture it may lead to a lack of food and the imminent death of millions.
Not only is agriculture being affected by water pollution, it is adding to it. For example in India, pesticides have been used 750% more compared to the mid 1900's (Global Water Forum). A main problem between water pollution and agriculture is it's link to the economy of these developing countries. Most of the workers in South Asia are rural and agricultural and base their entire lives off of things that are killing them. The toxic water that is used to grow the crops seeps chemicals and pollution into the ground. It is left there creating a harsh living area for the crops. Once the crops have all been diminished from this toxic environment there now poses the threat of not enough food. This is one of the most populous areas in the world and food production needs to increase, not decrease. If water pollution continues to threaten agriculture it may lead to a lack of food and the imminent death of millions.