With the slogan of ‘Integrated management of the irrigation sector for flexible and sustainable development’, the 1st Regional Conference for Irrigation & Agricultural Drainage in the Middle East 2024 has launched its sessions.

 

The event is being held under the patronage of Engineer Abdul Rahman Bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Fadhli, Minister of Environment, Water and agriculture, Saudi Irrigation Organisation (SIO) in cooperation with The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). 

 

SIO Chairman of the board of Directors, Eng Mohammed Ben Zaid Abu Heed said: “Over the past years, the kingdom has been keen to adopt many plans and strategies that would improve water services and maximise their benefits and its sustainability with a comprehensive vision and an integrated system of planning and work, in convenient with the vision of the Saudi Vision 2030 to achieves the objectives of the National Water Strategy, the strategy of the Saudi Irrigation Organisation (SIO) and the Saudi National Committee for irrigation and drainage.” 

 

Insufficient water sources

On behalf of the ICID President, Dr Marco Acier, ICID Honorary President, Dr Rajab Rajab, said the conference highlights the issue that is confronting the world of insufficient water sources.

 

Dr Rajab stressed the strategic importance of saving water, increasing agricultural production and ensuring adequate levels of food security, as the modern irrigation can play a crucial role in ensuring food supplies and supporting economic development in many countries, and financing for new irrigation projects that have been developed, which contributes significantly to improve productivity and increase the resilience of rural communities, through the most efficient use of water resources.

 

With the participation of 54 speakers from the Middle East and the world, the conference will continue till February 28, seeking to find sustainable solutions to manage available water resources and maximise the use of renewable sources to meet the increasing demand for water in the agricultural sector, in addition to promoting modern technologies.--TradeArabia News Service