The new irrigation systems, namely, INLINE PRESSURE COMPENSATING DRIPLINE and ADJUSTABLE ONLINE DRIP SYSTEM, installed at two demonstration farms in the Western Region have started saving 46 per cent water.

These systems continuously adjust to varying water pressure, ensuring a constant flow rate. This curbs overwatering the plants & trees as per the current practices followed by Abu Dhabi Farmers.

The centre has distributed efficient irrigation systems to over 90 per cent of farms in the Western Region in the emirate and trained more than 6,000 workers in water-saving techniques.

In Abu Dhabi, UAE agriculture and related sectors consume about 72 per cent of the total water consumption in the emirate. Groundwater accounts for 94 per cent water consumption in the agriculture sector in the emirate. But the current usage of groundwater reservoirs is about 15 times more than the natural recharge rates, according to the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi.

To reverse the trend, the centre started introducing new irrigation systems and providing training to farm workers.

This requires constant Advice, Technical assistance, monitoring, vigorous follow up & educating the farmers.

Water is precious in this desert region & any move like this which curtails the water consumption must be hailed

Source: Gulf News & Zawya