Prof. Hoekstra coined a term in relation to virtual water – ‘water footprint’. This is the total water consumed by an individual or by all the individuals in a country. This gives an idea of how much water is required by a person for one year. This value for India accounts to 5,69,000 litres/person/year. It is possible to reduce the water footprint by changing the food habits. This is generally based on the cultural habits and economic development of 

a country. It is obvious that a meat-based diet has more virtual water than a vegetarian diet. Dr. Davy Vanham from the European Commission has conducted several studies on the diet of various European countries. He found that the growing demand for animal products has increased the water-use and it is necessary to move to a vegetable-rich diet to preserve water resources. 

Similarly, it is easy to argue that water-intensive crops such as nuts, spices and oil should be grown in countries that have large water resources and should be transported to other countries and vice-versa. However, it is easier to propose such ideas than to implement them. In real life, this is interconnected with other issues such as land availability, labour, energy, etc.

Q-1:Who coined the term "water footprint"? Q-2: What is Water footprint ?                      

Q-3: How it is possible to reduce Water footprint ?                                                            

Q-4: What Dr.Davy Vanham found in his studies ?

Q-5 :Why it is easier to propose such ideas than to implement ?