Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam followed up on the progress of a project to modernise water resources management in Egypt’s agricultural sector, being implemented in co-operation with Spain.
During a meeting with senior ministry officials on Sunday, Sewilam said smart water resources management is one of the key pillars of the second generation of the water management system, known as “Water 2.0”. He noted his ministry currently uses a range of smart management tools, including mathematical models, digital platforms, machine-learning programmes, satellite imagery and drone photography, to ensure smart and optimal management of water resources.
The minister added the project aims to improve water resources management in Egypt by drawing on Spanish technical expertise, generating social and economic benefits, improving water planning and management, promoting integrated water resources management, raising irrigation efficiency, increasing the use of agricultural drainage water and preserving water quality.
The project also seeks to strengthen co-operation between specialised institutions and research centres in Egypt and Spain with extensive experience in water resources management projects, through expert visits and technical exchanges and by benefiting from their expertise in implementing such projects.
It also involves introducing smart irrigation systems in five areas in the governorates of Alexandria, Beheira, Qalyubia, Dakahlia and Sohag, representing diverse agricultural patterns across Egypt.
Those systems will be tailored to the needs of each area and farmer, taking into account economic, social and environmental factors, with the aim of promoting the use of smart irrigation technologies that increase productivity per unit of water and eventually expanding their application to other areas.
