Amman, May 11 (Petra) — Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Al-Saud toured several water harvesting and agricultural sites in Jordan’s southern and southeastern Badia over the weekend to examine new water-efficient farming methods that utilize advanced irrigation technologies.
The visit, organized by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, focused on field experiments conducted by the Jordan Valley Authority in cooperation with the local private agricultural sector and Australian partners. The objective was to evaluate the impact of innovative techniques that significantly reduce water consumption, particularly in arid regions.
During the tour, Abu Al-Saud inspected water catchment facilities in the Al-Abyad area of Karak Governorate, where one basin alone had collected approximately 2.5 million cubic meters of water. He warned the public to avoid approaching these hazardous water bodies, especially with the onset of summer and rising temperatures. Many of these basins are located in areas with clay-rich soil, posing risks due to their unstable and slippery surfaces.
The minister also visited pioneering farms in the Disi basin and Wadi Rum, which are using treated water for agricultural purposes within tourist establishments in Aqaba. These farms are piloting advanced irrigation systems and soil management techniques aimed at maximizing water efficiency.
One of the most notable technologies reviewed was the application of “humisoil,” a locally developed method that combines innovative irrigation systems with fermented organic materials to improve soil structure, reduce salinity, and boost crop productivity. These experiments also demonstrated increased resistance to drought and pests, while helping mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Jordan Valley Authority has been implementing these techniques for over a year at pilot sites in Wadi Rum, Al-Dhulail, and the Jordan Valley. The composting process involves fermenting animal and plant waste for six months using environmentally friendly methods, which preserve essential nutrients and prevent the spread of harmful pathogens. The system also reduces fly and pest populations by eliminating breeding grounds.
Abu Al-Saud commended the efforts of Jordanian farmers and their private-sector partners, noting significant gains in wheat production. Crops planted using fermented organic materials and minimal irrigation yielded multiple harvests without the need for tilling or reseeding. In some cases, water use was reduced by more than 70 percent compared to conventional farming methods.
He stressed the need to scale up these successful practices across the country to support Jordan’s long-term water and agricultural sustainability goals. “These technologies offer a promising path forward for enhancing food security while preserving our limited water resources,” Abu Al-Saud said.
Secretary-General of the Jordan Valley Authority, Hisham AlHesa, emphasized ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure efficient water use and appropriate crop selection tailored to local environmental conditions. He also noted that authorities are exploring ways to utilize animal waste and wastewater byproducts to further support sustainable agriculture, particularly in fodder production.
//Petra// RZ
11/05/2025 11:25:19
