CAIRO – Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam said that smart management of water resources is a key pillar of the second-generation Egyptian water system (2.0).
The ministry employs advanced tools such as mathematical models, digital platforms, machine learning, satellite imagery, and drone technology to ensure efficient and intelligent water management, he added.
Sewilam received a report on the progress of the “Supporting the Modernization of Water Resources Management in Egypt’s Agricultural Sector” project, which aims to strengthen water management in agriculture and tap into Spain’s technical expertise in the sector.
The initiative is expected to deliver social and economic benefits, improve water planning, promote integrated water resources management, increase irrigation efficiency, utilize agricultural drainage water, and safeguard water quality through modernized irrigation systems.
The project also fosters collaboration between specialized research centers in Egypt and Spain through technical exchanges and expert visits.
As part of the initiative, Egyptian specialists visited Spain to explore the latest smart irrigation and desalination technologies, including field trials, research centers, and water management authorities.
A key component of the project is the implementation of smart irrigation systems in five governorates, Alexandria, Beheira, Qalyubia, Dakahlia, and Sohag.
Systems are tailored to local economic, social, and environmental conditions to maximize water productivity, with plans to expand the approach nationwide.
