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Why are drought-resistant crops useful in sustainable agriculture?

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A row of cattle with brown and black coats eat feed from a long trough in a South African feedlot, separated by wooden fencing. — Feed Feedlot cattle eating grain in an intensive animal farm in South Africa.

Drought-resistant crops are a vital component of sustainable agriculture because they play a key role in water conservation, which is essential given that agriculture accounts for approximately 70 percent of global freshwater use.1

By planting crops that are naturally adapted to a region's climate or specifically bred to withstand moisture shortages, farmers can significantly reduce water waste. These crops are particularly useful because they:1

Minimize Irrigation Needs: They reduce the reliance on intensive irrigation methods, such as surface flooding, which often lead to significant water loss through evaporation and transportation.1
Enhance Resilience: Drought-resistant varieties, such as sorghum, can reduce moisture emission (transpiration) and temporarily slow their growth during periods of water scarcity, resuming development when conditions improve.2
Support Resource Efficiency: By requiring less supplemental water, these crops help preserve limited freshwater resources and reduce the energy consumption associated with pumping and transporting water for irrigation.1

Integrating these crops into farming systems helps maintain ecosystem health and ensures that agricultural practices remain viable for future generations despite changing environmental conditions.1