Enhancing Water Productivity in Agriculture: Field Visits to Follow up on the implementation of the Modern Irrigation System

Qena/Minia, Egypt - As part of the "Enhancing Water Productivity in Agriculture" project, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and funded by the Government of Japan, a series of field visits were conducted to monitor the implementation of various project activities aimed at improving water use practices and promoting sustainable agriculture in Egypt.

The project team conducted a field visit to Qena Governorate to assess progress in small-scale projects implemented under agricultural innovation and modern irrigation systems. The visit began with an inspection of a solar-powered irrigation system in Janabiya Khuzam, designed to improve water-use efficiency and promote clean and sustainable energy sources. Representatives from the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and Water Users' Associations discussed the importance of applying modern solar-powered irrigation systems and their role in supporting Egypt’s agricultural sector.

The team also visited a startup specializing in agricultural waste recycling, which produces textile materials and soil fertilizers from banana plant residues. This initiative reflects circular economy practices in agriculture, offering multiple benefits such as reducing agricultural waste, creating new job opportunities, and supporting environmentally friendly production.

The project team also visited the Faculty of Agriculture at Minia University, where they met with Professor Hamdy Ibrahim, Dean of the Faculty, and Professor Mahmoud Abdel Hadi, Executive Director of the Agricultural Training and Production Center. Discussions focused on the role of modern agricultural practices, innovative irrigation technologies, and water management in ensuring the future of Egypt’s agricultural sector.

Following the university visit, the team traveled to the Farag Canal Branch to inspect the implementation of a modern irrigation network, which will be powered by solar energy. The system aims to enhance irrigation efficiency and improve agricultural productivity.

These efforts highlight the project’s commitment to achieving agricultural sustainability in Egypt through the adoption of modern irrigation techniques, support for agricultural innovation, and collaboration between academic institutions and the private sector to build a more efficient and productive agricultural future.