Rain Water Management and Efficiency in Rainfed Agriculture

Currently، much of the water resources in Iran are used in agriculture. As a result، most of the water losses are related to this section. Iran is a developing country and it is located in the arid and semi-aridregions of the world. In these conditions، drought and shortage of water is one of the main challenges in agricultural production. Therefore، development of sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions depends on the increase in water usage efficiency in these regions. Rainfed agriculture، with 80percent of the earth''s harvested area، yields 62 percent of the food production for the population of the world. Now، the benefits of rainfed agriculture especially in the production of food for a growing world population، is highly considered. Rainfed agriculture has distinct and different characteristics compared to irrigated agriculture and integrated management of water can increase food production by 75 percent and it is an essential step in order to avoid starvation. Due to climatic conditions in Iran and restrictions in water resources and fertile land، providing optimal management and use of water in agriculture can play a key role in food production. Therefore، the rational use of water in agriculture requires proper planning، and new methods of management. And rainwater harvesting are important in this way for rainfed agriculture.