Promote water conservation in agriculture and improve the use efficiency of farmland irrigation water

Ministry of Water Resources of the People’s Republic of China (

Government

)

#SDGAction50836

Description

The Chinese government has always attached great importance to SDG 6.4 (substantially increase water-use efficiency), and regarded “water conservation priority” as the fundamental policy for water conservancy in the new era.
Agriculture is a water guzzler and the focus of water conservation. China promotes the intensive, economical and efficient utilization of water resources in irrigated areas through the construction and modernization of supporting facilities at large and medium-sized irrigation areas, promoting efficient water-saving irrigation technologies in light of local conditions, deepening the comprehensive pricing reforms for water used in agriculture, etc.
The effective utilization coefficient of farmland irrigation water is a key indicator of the efficiency of irrigation water use and the level of water conservation in agriculture, and has been included in the most stringent assessment of water resources management system for many consecutive years. Monitoring is conducted every year and the measurement results of the coefficient of nationwide irrigation areas on different scales are obtained.

Expected Impact

N/A

Partners

Local water conservancy departments at all levels, universities and research institutes

SDGS & Targets

Goal 6

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

6.1

By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all

6.1.1

Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services

6.2

By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations

6.2.1

Proportion of population using (a) safely managed sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap and water

6.3

By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally

6.3.1

Proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows safely treated

6.3.2

Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality

6.4

By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity

6.4.1

Change in water-use efficiency over time

6.4.2

Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources

6.5

By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate

6.5.1

Degree of integrated water resources management

6.5.2

Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation

6.6

By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes

6.6.1

Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time

6.a

By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies

6.a.1

Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan

6.b

Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

6.b.1

Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management

False

Feedback

Action Network

Timeline

N/A

Entity

Ministry of Water Resources of the People’s Republic of China

SDGs

Region

Asia and Pacific

Other beneficiaries

Water-using farmers

Website/More information

N/A

Countries

China

Contact Information

Haiyou, second-level researcher

ggc@mwr.gov.cn