The podcast episode of “Waqrat” addresses important topics related to water management and agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, focusing on the role of the General Commission for Irrigation in this field. Omar Al-Juraisi hosts Dr. Fouad Al-Sheikh Mubarak, discussing the history of the commission, its current objectives, and its future in light of Saudi Vision 2030. The significance of groundwater, the challenges of its consumption in agriculture, and the efforts toward using treated water as an alternative are highlighted. Throughout the conversation, the guest discusses the impact of these efforts on food and environmental security in the country, as well as the agricultural practices adopted by the commission to ensure the sustainability of water resources.
The dialogue expresses the concerns that farmers live with regarding water usage and the necessity of proper planning to preserve this vital resource. Modern technological aspects in irrigation and agriculture are also addressed, along with the commission’s role in guiding farmers towards using advanced and efficient irrigation techniques. The discussions also focus on the social and economic aspects of the changes taking place in the agricultural sector and their impact on farmers and the community at large. The guest offers future insights on upcoming projects and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the government and farmers to achieve the desired goals of preserving water resources and ensuring food security.
The General Commission for Irrigation and Its History
The General Commission for Irrigation was established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be the responsible authority for managing and distributing water in agricultural areas. The history of the commission is linked to Al-Ahsa Oasis, which is considered one of the oldest agricultural regions in the world. The oasis has existed for over 4000 years, where farmers relied on natural springs to supply their crops with water. Over time, Al-Ahsa experienced a decline in groundwater levels, necessitating the establishment of organized irrigation and drainage projects to ensure the continuity of agriculture. The Irrigation and Drainage Authority in Al-Ahsa was created in the early 1990s, and this authority later evolved into the General Commission for Irrigation as part of the ministry’s efforts to better organize and manage water resources. The commission is distinguished by its ability to incorporate modern technologies into the irrigation and drainage system, contributing to improved efficiency in water use in agriculture.
The Shift in Groundwater Consumption
In recent years, the Kingdom has observed a significant increase in groundwater consumption due to reliance on traditional agriculture. This has led to the unsustainable depletion of water sources. Therefore, the General Commission for Irrigation has taken serious measures to reduce groundwater consumption by implementing modern irrigation systems and developing strategies for the reuse of treated water. For example, drip irrigation and smart irrigation techniques have been adopted, helping farmers reduce water consumption by up to 50%. This shift is not just an improvement in efficiency, but a necessity to face the water challenges the country is encountering. The commission also aims to raise awareness among farmers about the importance of rationalizing water use and transforming traditional agriculture into sustainable agriculture using treated water.
Treated Water in Agriculture
Treated water is considered a vital new source to enhance agricultural production in the Kingdom. The General Commission for Irrigation aims to increase the use of treated water in agriculture, targeting a 70% use of treated water by 2030. Water is treated in multiple stages, ensuring the removal of impurities and harmful substances before being used in agriculture. Studies have shown that using treated water does not harm crop quality, making it a safe and effective option to meet the agricultural needs of the Kingdom. The commission is also working on establishing infrastructure to effectively distribute treated water, enhancing its ability to meet the needs of farmers in various regions. Success in using treated water will significantly contribute to enhancing water and food security in the Kingdom.
Challenges
Future Prospects
Despite the significant progress made by the Public Authority for Irrigation, there are still many challenges it faces in achieving its goals. Among these challenges is the need to improve awareness among farmers about the importance of using modern irrigation techniques and their positive impacts on productivity. Additionally, substantial investments are required to develop the necessary infrastructure for effective distribution of treated water. There is also an urgent need for coordination among various government and private entities to enhance sustainable water resource management efforts in the Kingdom. Despite these challenges, the outlook appears promising with the increasing public awareness of the challenges facing water resources and the adoption of new technologies that help ensure the sustainability of water resources and improve food security in the Kingdom.
The episode was summarized using artificial intelligence ezycontent
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