Food production consumes underground water reserves with a dramatic pace

Food production consumes underground water reserves in many parts of the world, such as the pace of nature could replace it – BBC reported the findings of a new study.

The global market for foodstuffs is depleting water sources in many parts of the world quicker than they can naturally be refilled.

The complex trade is increasing pressure on non-renewable groundwater, mainly used for irrigating crops such as rice, wheat and cotton.

Around 43 percent of the water used to irrigate crops around the world comes from underground aquifers, as opposed to rivers and lakes. Many of these sources are being used up quicker than they can be refilled from rainfall.

The study appeared in a recent issue of Nature. (MTI)