The Abu Dhabi Environment Agency (EAD) has announced that the application of scientific criteria for the calculation of crop watercourses and the use of modern technologies in agriculture provides about 500 million cubic meters of water annually, according to the crop calculator project and the water rationing program for palm trees, crops and forests in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. One of the most important projects implemented by the Commission within the strategic priority for the conservation of groundwater resources, within its five-year strategic plan (2016-2020).
The Commission explained that it conducted research on the consumption of water for many vegetables at the Abu Dhabi Food and Agriculture Authority (ADACH) Research Center. Five crops were studied: cucumbers, red peppers, cabbage, eggplants and tomatoes. The crops were harvested at the end of the season , To measure the productivity and water efficiency assessment, according to the unit quota of irrigation water. The outputs and results of this research were used to evaluate the crop calculator project, developed by the Commission to determine a fair water quota for farmers in the Emirate.
Acting Secretary General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri explained that the results of the project will contribute to activating the article contained in Law No. 5 of 2016 on the regulation of groundwater. The agreement stipulates the need to license and determine the quantities of water to be pumped from groundwater wells, Thus contributing to the rationalization of this vital resource, without affecting agricultural production.
"The project has been implemented in two phases for a period of two years, from August 2017 to July 2019," said Sheikha Al Hosani, Executive Director of Environmental Quality Sector.
The Commission noted that crop calculator technology, developed by the New Zealand Plant and Food Research Institute, was applied in the state to allocate irrigation water needs, pointing to this self-employment tool that reflects sustainable irrigation requirements.
The Commission revealed that the results of the project can provide about 40% of the use of water in the irrigation of palm farms, or the equivalent of 340 million cubic meters per year, while in field crops can save about 30% or 150 million cubic meters per year, Estimating the quantities that can be saved after the use of modern technologies in agriculture, which is about 500 million cubic meters annually.