Sustainable Development of Agriculture: Urban Waste Water a Viable Mean for Irrigation

World Commission on Environment and Development in "Our Common Future" (Brundtland, 1987) defines the sustainable development as "a strategy that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generation to achieve their own requirements". Developing countries have to face double challenge for sustainable agriculture, firstly to increase food production and secondly to maintain if not to improve resource and environmental quality. EI Bassam (1998) reported that per capita land required for food, oxygen and water security are 15–20 m², 6–10 m² and 3–6 m², respectively under controlled conditions. This could be achieved if innovative technical means and efficient material recycling systems are implemented. One of the biggest problems that agriculture will face in the years to come will be of availability of good quality water for irrigation purpose. The water available and the ultimate irrigation potential do not level up. Under ground water contributes to more than 70% of the total ultimate potential through minor irrigation. To cater to the depletion of good quality water alternate sources are being looked into.