The Eastern Agricultural Zone will start a programme in September to enhance the awareness of farmers about the benefits of using modern irrigation systems.
Some farmers still use the old methods that consume a lot of water, affecting underground storage. However, owners of new farms use modern systems.
Ibrahim Abdul Rahman Ali, director of the zone in Fujairah, said the programme is essential.The programme includes lectures and meetings with farmers. The benefits of adopting modern methods to save water and harvest good crops will be explained.
These methods also save energy and fuel, reduce manpower, use of fertilisers and pesticides, production costs and cut weeds which harm crops.
He highlighted the ministry's efforts in supporting farmers with agricultural requirements and tools.
Ali said the ministry provides farmers with all types of modern irrigation systems at 50 per cent of their cost to get as many farmers as possible to use them.
"A total of 71 applications for installing modern systems have been presented by farmers in the East Coast for the new agricultural season 2003-04. We have completed installing 55 systems, and are still receiving more applications."
Fifty-seven applications were received by the zone during the previous agricultural season 2002-03. Thirty-one systems were installed, but the other applications were turned down because applicants ignored procedures.
The total agricultural area covered by modern systems is increasing. Twenty-seven farms covering over 1,053 square km were provided with modern irrigation systems in 2002, and other farms covering 387 square km were also provided with the new systems during the first five months of this year.
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