Seih Al Kheir, the Western Region, 10th Aug. 2010 (WAM) : In the presence of a number of agricultural experts and farmers and farm owners from the Western Region, Rashed Mohamed Al Shariqi, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Farmers' Services Centre and Director General, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, inaugurated the first Irrigation Demonstration Farm here today.

Set up by Abu Dhabi Farmers' Services Centre (FSC) with a view to demonstrate to farmers the potential of modern and efficient irrigation technology to improve water efficiency in agricultural production, it is part of the FSC's efforts at helping farmers in the emirate achieve higher productivity and better quality of crops, as well as to minimize the use of natural resources such as water.

Speaking on the potential transformative role of the modern irrigation systems on agriculture in the region, Rashed Mohamed Al Shariqi said the transition to the new system will eventually result in the reduction of water use for farming by 40% in the next five years. "We are living in an extremely dry region. Preserving water is like preserving life here. The developmental strategy of the Government of Abu Dhabi places great emphasis on the preservation of natural resources. It also aims to mitigate the harmful effects of certain agricultural practices on the environment," he pointed out.

"The irrigation demonstration farm opened today will guide and encourage the region's farmers to adopt modern and efficient systems that reduce the use of water and increase agricultural productivity. I call upon our brothers in the farming sector to cooperate with the efforts of the government which are aimed at preserving the nation's resources and improving the people's quality of life," Al Shariqi added.

Mubarak Ali Al Qusaili Al Mansouri, Executive Director of Agriculture, ADFCA and Governing Board Member, Farmers' Services Centre, disclosed that the demonstration farm is modeled after the farms in the region in terms of size and design so it is easier for the farmers to implement the system in their farms in an easy manner. "Given the amount of water wasted in traditional farming practices, the new system promises unprecedented gains for the farmer, including higher productivity and ease and efficiency of operations. Current irrigation practices are unsustainable and have a detrimental effect on the natural environment. Up to 60% of water applied on farms in Abu Dhabis Seih Al Kheir area is wasted by current irrigation practices," he pointed out.

This demonstration farm is the first of its kind with a further eight irrigation demonstration sites to be developed by FSC over the coming year throughout Abu Dhabis Western Region. Farmers will be able to visit these sites with FSC experts to learn more on the benefits of improved irrigation practices. The sites will also be used for training days with farmer groups. Through practical demonstrations, the benefits of improved irrigation systems will be showcased. Farmers will be able to seek assistance from FSC to implement similar improvements on their own farms.

The facilities at the demonstration farm include a water storage system, pump station and filtration system, pressure compensating fixed flow emitters, automatic irrigation systems and, most importantly, a water metre. The storage system will prevent back-flow of irrigation water carrying chemical fertilizers back into groundwater which leads to groundwater pollution.

The pressure compensating fixed flow emitters have the capability of discharging a fixed flow of water. Besides, it ensures uniform distribution of water no over or under watering of any part of the field. Without pressure compensating mechanisms, up to 10% loss of water occurs due to higher discharge at start of irrigation line than at end of line. As a result, it leads to higher water efficiency for the farm.

Automatic Irrigation Systems enables irrigation valves to be controlled automatically and programmed by Farmer, decreasing water wastage caused by valves being operated manually by farm workers. Most importantly, the water meter enables Farmers to monitor and record accurate water consumption, allowing for the most effective and efficient irrigation system to be developed to suit each individual farm.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.