The study looked at how important infrastructure like irrigation, electricity, and roads affects how much water is used to grow rice, wheat, and maize in different regions of China. They found that improving irrigation systems in areas with less water helped crops use water more efficiently, but it also increased the total amount of water needed. Building more infrastructure made it easier for regions to export virtual water from crops. The research suggests that when investing in farming infrastructure, it's essential to think about how it impacts water use and crop productivity in different areas, not just the economic benefits.