by Drip irrigation, also known as trickle irrigation, is an irrigation method that saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants. In a drip system, tubing or dripline is fitted with emission devices such as spaghetti tubes, inline drippers, or emitters to supply water directly to the base of the plant in localized areas. Water is emitted at a very slow regulated rate from the tubes, usually at or near the root zone of the plants.
Benefits of Drip Irrigation over Traditional Irrigation Methods
The key benefits of drip irrigation over traditional irrigation methods like flooding or sprinklers are:
Water conservation: Drip MENA Drip Irrigation System can help conserve water significantly compared to flooding or sprinkling methods. Water loss due to evaporation or runoff is greatly reduced as water is supplied precisely at the root zone. Studies show water savings of 30-70% are possible with drip irrigation.
Increased yields: Precise soil moisture maintenance allows for optimum plant growth and higher crop yields from drip irrigation. Yields per unit of water applied are significantly higher under drip irrigation.
Fertilizer efficiency: Drip irrigation allows for targeted fertilizer application right at the root zone. This improves fertilizer uptake efficiency and reduces losses from leaching or surface runoff.
Labor savings: Drip systems require lesser labor for installation and maintenance compared to canal irrigation. Automated systems reduce labor needs further.
Energy efficiency: Low water discharge rates in drip reduce pumping needs significantly. Pressures needed are also lower compared to sprinkler or spray irrigation systems.
Land saving: Drip systems allow close plantation spacing since water is applied precisely near roots. This leads to increased cropping intensity and optimum land utilization.
Weed control: Precise moistening of soil decreases weed growth under drip irrigation compared to surface irrigation methods.
Cost effectiveness: Though initial investment costs are higher, drip irrigation proves cost-effective over the long run due to multiple benefits like water and fertilizer savings. Payback periods range 2-4 years in most situations.
Government Initiatives to Promote MENA Drip Irrigation System Market
Given the multiple environmental and agricultural benefits, many countries in the Middle East and North Africa region have initiated programs and schemes to promote wider adoption of drip irrigation. Some key government initiatives in countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Morocco, Egypt etc. include:
– Providing capital subsidies up to 50-80% of the total drip irrigation system cost to encourage farmers to install drip on their fields.
– Organizing extensive awareness and training programs for farmers on drip irrigation basics, system components, installation techniques, maintenance guidelines etc. Training centers have been set up across many countries.
– Financial incentives for agri-companies engaged in manufacturing drip components or supply of complete kits. This has promoted indigenous manufacturing and technology transfer.
– Offer of soft agricultural loans at lower interest rates for drip irrigation system procurement and adoption. Moratorium periods given for repayment.
– Technical support by agricultural extension workers for on-field layout, design and installation guidance to farmers adopting drip for the first time.
– Cropping intensification programs where farmers are supported to take an extra irrigated crop each year using drip. This boosts incomes and promotes faster return on investments.
Progress and Key Achievements in MENA Drip Irrigation System Market
– Saudi Arabia has nearly 1.2 million hectares under drip irrigation currently, mostly in southern Date palm orchards. The area is expanding at 10-15% annually.
– In UAE, over 85% of agricultural farms across emirates have installed drip irrigation systems. Total area covered exceeds 80,000 hectares.
– Egypt has transformed nearly 200,000 hectares under small-scale drip systems for row cropping and tree orchards. Over 20 agri-companies are engaged in local drip manufacturing.
– Morocco aims to increase area under drip to 500,000 hectares by 2030 from over 250,000 hectares currently. Berries, citrus and olives are witnessing major expansion under drip.
– Tunisia has adopted drip irrigation over 80,000 hectares for horticulture crops. Several Tunisian start-ups are innovating new concepts like fertigation automation.
– Turkey aims to achieve a target of 1 million hectares under drip by 2023 from over 600,000 hectares currently. Technologies like sprinkler integration are gaining popularity.
– Oman is promoting drip irrigation for high-water crops like banana under integrated farming systems. Nearly 50,000 hectares of banana, citrus and maize now produce additional winter crops each season through drip irrigation.
Future Prospects and Scope for Further Improvements in Drip Technology and Adoption
Though drip irrigation adoption has grown significantly across MENA countries in the past decade led by government support, further technological innovations and targeted interventions can achieve higher use efficiencies and savings. Some areas that offer opportunities include:
– Remote monitoring and control systems integrated with satellite imagery can facilitate precise irrigation scheduling based on real-time crop water requirements reducing wastage. Use of IOT sensors is increasing.
– Development of low-cost drip components suitable for small farms through innovations in material and manufacturing methods will boost access for smallholder farmers.
– Standardization of design, installation, and maintenance practices adapted to local soil, water source and cropping conditions through mobile apps or online courses for greater user-friendliness.
– Fertigation systems integrated with drip that optimize fertilizer dosing based on plant needs analyzed through soil and plant tissue testing can significantly raise nutrient use efficiencies.
– Micro-irrigation for orchards still relies on periodic flooding in many countries. Conversion of basin and furrow orchards to drip offers scope to capture additional water savings in the region.
– Partnerships among manufacturers, extension services and farmers to test new crop varieties can expand the range of crops that may benefit through custom-made irrigation practices under drip systems.
Thus, continued technological upgrades and innovative approaches relevant to local conditions in the MENA region are needed to further unlock the potential of drip irrigation systems in sustainably maximizing agricultural productivity and incomes for growers with reduced inputs and environmental impacts over the long-term.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
Ravina Pandya, a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.
