Introducing the Subject
Water is an important in the food industry because of its primary constituents. Water conservation and reuse minimizes water prices and susceptibility to water shortages. Despite the amount of water on Earth, people only have access to 0.3%. When extreme weather, a global pandemic, and poor water management are all added together, concerns about water scarcity become even more important. World population 1/4 lives in water challenged areas, with 2/3 encountering extreme water scarcity at least once a year.
“During the summer of 2020, one-third of the US population endured moderate drought”
The United Nations Water Development Report estimates that by 2050, demand will be up to 30% above the current level. The highest global water consumption is due to agriculture (and industrial uses. Rising food demand entails an increased need for resource efficiency at both the agricultural production level and at the remaining stages of the food value chain, including food processing, packaging, and transportation.
According to the United Nations Water Development Report, demand will be up to 30% higher than it is now by 2050. Agriculture and industrial applications consume the most water on a worldwide scale. Rising food consumption necessitates better resource efficiency in agricultural production as well as food processing, packaging, and transportation.
Here are the Top 3 Food Industry Water Saving Trends
Waste Water Management
During processing, most plants use a lot of water to clean. Businesses must decide how to deal with the wastewater generated. The majority of waste water is returned to the environment. Many firms are working on high-tech methods to help businesses find secondary applications for wastewater. Aquacycl, a start-up based in California, has invented a microbial fuel cell capable of treating wastewater while also generating electricity. The technology eliminates 70% of suspended particles and high carbon and sulphur levels. This results in water recycling for cooling and other industrial activities.
Irrigation with Precision
Crop irrigation consumes around 70% of the world's fresh water. The state-of-the-art monitoring systems will ensure that irrigation water is used efficiently. Ceres Imaging, based in California, collects aerial photos of fields and analyses them using crop-specific data models. Ceres uses colour infrared imaging to assess soil water content and its patented Water Stress Index to detect irrigation concerns. BrioAgro, a Spanish AgTech business, offers AQUA, a vineyard and greenhouse watering system. Improved irrigation methods also assist farmers in conserving water. Drip irrigation is accomplished by installing tubing "drip lines" along crop rows. The drip lines have water drippers on them at regular intervals so that each plant gets the right amount of water.
Indoor Agriculture
Indoor farming allows growers to control evaporation and soil drainage. The amount of water applied to each plant can be controlled precisely by automated devices. Indoor-grown food need no triple-washing. This is because it is growing in a clean and regulated environment. Numerous indoor farming businesses tout impressive water conservation rates.
Wrapping Up
These strategies are useful because it can help the food business conserve water. Focusing on process, equipment, building, and personnel can help develop a water reduction strategy.
Conserve Water, Preserve the Earth!