Kuwaiti Agricultural Expert: Developing Modern Technologies to Address Water Scarcity and Limited Agricultural Land

Cairo, August 15 (KUNA) -- A Kuwaiti agricultural expert called on Saturday for the development of modern technologies in the agricultural sector to overcome the challenges facing Arab countries, particularly water scarcity and limited arable land. This came in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) by Engineer Abbas Abdul-Rida, President of the Kuwait Society of Agricultural Engineers and President of the Union of Arab Agricultural Engineers, following his participation in a meeting of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development.

Abdul-Rida emphasized the importance of developing agricultural technologies to increase productivity and improve resource-use efficiency through the adoption of modern irrigation systems, smart irrigation, protected cultivation (greenhouses), and the use of renewable energy to power irrigation and agricultural production facilities. He explained that the use of these technologies would reduce water and energy consumption, enhance production efficiency, and improve resource utilization, stressing the importance of achieving sustainability in agriculture to contribute to strengthening Arab food security.

He added that the organization’s meeting today discussed the role of organic agriculture in supporting the Arab food security system, enhancing the sustainability of the agricultural sector, and preserving natural and environmental resources in a manner consistent with the needs and agricultural capacities of Arab countries. In this regard, he highlighted the importance of exchanging experiences and successful practices among Arab countries, and strengthening cooperation and coordination among agricultural institutions, organizations, and unions to contribute to the development of modern agricultural practices, improve production efficiency, and achieve greater sustainability and food security.

He considered food security one of the most prominent challenges facing the Arab world, calling for leveraging Arab agricultural expertise and capabilities and supporting the role of agricultural engineers in formulating and implementing policies and programs that contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

Abdul-Rida expressed his appreciation for the efforts undertaken by the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development to support and develop the Arab agricultural sector, noting the importance of continuing specialized meetings that bring together experts, policymakers, and professionals, opening new horizons for cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

A number of experts, specialists, and researchers in agricultural affairs from various member states participated in the meeting of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, affiliated with the League of Arab States, held at its headquarters in Cairo. (End) M.M. / M.N.F.