To help tackle this, ICRISAT, part of the CGIAR consortium, has established several village-level wastewater treatment units, known as constructed wetlands, in partnership with local governments and private companies to supply safe water for irrigation.
"Three years ago, before using the treated wastewater, I was totally dependent on rain.
Now, with access to treated domestic wastewater all year, Serigudam has steady yields and is able to rotate crops, which has led to them diversifying their income.
"In summer, I grow sorghum on a quarter acre using treated wastewater and this gives me 600 kg that I set aside for my own consumption.
Safe wastewater recycling provides an additional reliable water source for irrigation, enhances crop yields for farmers and ensures safer food supply.
"Many villagers warned me against consuming sorghum grown with village wastewater, but I use this treated water as I can see the benefits.
"Since the last two years of using treated wastewater, I am better off.
Earlier with untreated wastewater the yield was about 500kg less."
"Now that there is water throughout the year, I rented 1.21ha of land near the wastewater source to help me with irrigation.
With total treatment capacity of 863 m³ per day it can irrigate one hectare land at each village or provide water to nearly 3,000 rural households for domestic consumption[1].