Assessing the Water Footprint of Winter Wheat Cultivation for Ethanol Production in Uttar Pradesh, India

Afreen Fatima, Sadanand Yadavand Deepa Srivastava^*

Ecological Footprint Lab, Department of Chemistry, CMP Degree College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India

Corresponding Author E-mail:srivastavadeepa660@gmail.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.12.3.37

Abstract:

Water is a vital resource that underpins agricultural productivity, ecosystem health, and socio-economic growth. Its significance is particularly pronounced in meeting food and energy demands, especially in regions where water scarcity poses challenges. This study aims to evaluate the water footprint of ethanol production from wheat, focusing on six districts of Uttar Pradesh, India: Agra, Aligarh, Fatehpur, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, and Varanasi. The analysis examines water use across three stages: wheat cultivation, wheat straw production, and ethanol production, to identify regional variations in water consumption. The findings reveal notable disparities in water usage across the districts. Varanasi exhibited the highest water footprint for wheat cultivation at 932.7 m³/ton and wheat straw production 289.1 m³/ton. In contrast, Gorakhpur had the largest green water contribution during straw production 85.0 m³/ton. For ethanol production, Varanasi again recorded the highest water footprint (349.1 m³/ton), while Gorakhpur reported the lowest (282.3 m³/ton). These results underscore the importance of developing localized water management practices to improve resource efficiency and promote sustainable biofuel production systems.

Keywords:

Bio-fuel; Cropwat; Ethanol; Water Footprint; Water management; Wheat

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