Economic Development – Baghdad
The Ministry of Agriculture has announced a new initiative aimed at utilizing solar energy to power irrigation systems in desert regions, leveraging groundwater resources. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to optimize water usage and address water scarcity challenges.
“The ministry is committed to developing strategies that enhance water conservation and tackle climate change impacts through various measures,” officials stated.
To achieve this, the Ministry is promoting modern irrigation techniques such as fixed, pivot, and drip systems, along with expanding cultivated areas by drilling wells in desert locations equipped with irrigation technology.
Furthermore, the ministry encourages farmers to adopt solar energy solutions to operate irrigation systems effectively in these arid areas.
Mahdi Sahar, the ministry’s administrative undersecretary, emphasized that: “Implementing solar energy for irrigation not only decreases reliance on electrical power but also helps reduce production costs while improving the country’s food security by increasing the yield of economic crops.”
Sahar elaborated that one effective method to rationalize water use and combat scarcity involves developing crop varieties suited to local environmental conditions. This includes strategic selections such as wheat, rice, barley, yellow corn, and various vegetable crops known for their drought resistance and high productivity in the Iraqi climate.
To stay updated with more news, subscribe to our channel on Tilekram
