Oman tackles water scarcity with innovative irrigation techniques

To address potential water scarcity challenges, the Sultanate of Oman – represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources - is implementing a number of projects to improve the efficiency of water use in the agricultural sector.

One key initiative Al-Aflaj Agricultural Development Project, which aims to replace traditional flood irrigation methods with modern irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation. These systems are more efficient in their use of water, and they can help to save up to 70 per cent of water, an official source of the Ministry told the Observer.

The government is also providing technical and financial support to farmers who want to convert to modern irrigation systems. The Ministry provides engineering designs for irrigation systems, as well as tables of quantities and schedules for irrigation, the official said.

In addition to modern irrigation systems, the government is also exploring the use of other innovative water conservation techniques. For example, the government is developing guidelines for the use of treated wastewater and seawater for irrigation. These waters are not suitable for human consumption, but they can be used to irrigate crops.

Importantly, the government's efforts to improve water efficiency in the agricultural sector are essential to ensuring food security in Oman. By using innovative irrigation techniques, the government can help to conserve water and increase agricultural production.

Key initiatives currently under implementation:

• Al-Aflaj Agricultural Development Project: This project is being implemented in the Al-Aflaj region, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The project aims to improve the efficiency of water use in the region's traditional falaj irrigation system. The falaj system is a complex network of underground canals that has been used for centuries to irrigate crops.

• Technical and financial support project to convert traditional flood irrigation systems on well lands into modern irrigation systems: This project provides financial assistance to farmers who want to convert to modern irrigation systems. The government also provides technical support, such as engineering designs and irrigation schedules.

• Issuing controls and instructions for the use of tertiary treated wastewater and salt water in irrigating agricultural crops: This project aims to regulate the use of treated wastewater and seawater for irrigation. The government has issued guidelines that specify the quality standards for these waters and the crops that can be irrigated with them.

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