Overview
Introduction to the A4I Project
The launch of the A4I (Agriculture for Irrigation) project was marked by an insightful introduction from Dr. Rasha El-Kholy, President of The National Water Research Center. Dr. El-Kholy highlighted the pivotal research areas of the project, including Pepsi, A4I, and cost-effective solutions, providing an overview of the potential in each of these sectors. Further insights were offered by Mr. Peter Mollema, the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Egypt, who shared an intriguing observation about the Nile River’s bed composition and stressed the critical importance of river water supply to urban areas. Emphasizing the need for innovative approaches in water management, he outlined key focus areas: water sanitation, agricultural water use, and coastal zone management. The ambassador underscored the need for practical solutions, the significance of Cairo Water Week as a platform for collaboration among researchers and policymakers, and the imperative to revolutionize water usage, storage, and retention strategies.
Content of the A4I Session: Panel Discussion
The A4I session featured a panel discussion with esteemed experts including Dr. Khaled Chatila, Dr. Sherien, Eng. Gamal Elkasser, and Dr. Mohammed Saleh. The discussion revolved around the challenges in implementing advanced irrigation techniques and the intersection of water management and agriculture.
One of the key points raised was the evolution in irrigation methods to minimize water usage in agriculture, particularly in growing staple crops. The panelists expressed concerns over salinity issues arising from the transition from traditional flood irrigation to drip irrigation, emphasizing the need for crop-specific solutions. Another critical issue discussed was the necessity to address food security and safety, given that agriculture consumes 80% of Egypt’s water resources. There was a consensus on the need for modern irrigation methods, with ongoing cooperation between the Ministries of Irrigation and Agriculture to educate farmers and implement these techniques effectively.
The challenges of horizontal expansion and water salinity in expanding agricultural areas were also discussed. The panelists emphasized the importance of finding cost-effective and water-conserving irrigation methods suitable for desert reclamation projects. The importance of exchanging experiences to develop integrated solutions was highlighted, stressing the need to bridge the gap between farmers and researchers for sustainable and practical solutions.
Questions posed to the panelists focused on current and future challenges in the field, the importance of inter-ministerial cooperation, and the directions for collaboration between the Ministries of Irrigation and Agriculture. The representative from the Agriculture Resource Center underscored the challenges of food security and limited water resources, emphasizing the urgency of collaborative efforts, development of new tools and techniques, and addressing issues like salinity.
Dr. Hany Sweilam’s Perspective
Dr. Hany Sweilam, The Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, shared his views on the session. He highlighted the importance of land consolidation, daily monitoring of agricultural practices, and the role of small canals in efficient irrigation. Dr. Sweilam stressed the significance of educating farmers about financial management and the use of renewable energy, particularly solar power, to minimize energy consumption. He expressed enthusiasm for collaborative efforts with the Agriculture Ministry and emphasized the need to shift from center pivot to drip irrigation systems, urging a thorough analysis to convince investors of its benefits. He concluded by stressing the importance of communicating effectively with farmers, using successful examples like Kafr El-Sheikh’s drip irrigation, to enhance their awareness and problem-solving capabilities.