ADAFSA Champions Water Conservation Efforts For Sustainable Agriculture On World Water Day 2025

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is dedicated to preserving water resources, which is crucial for the sustainability of agriculture and natural resources for future generations. ADAFSA addresses challenges like renewable water scarcity, high salinity, and declining groundwater levels by implementing innovative solutions to optimise water use in agriculture.

ADAFSA has been actively promoting the use of recycled water in agriculture. In collaboration with strategic partners, over 1,600 farms in Abu Dhabi have been connected to recycled water networks. This initiative is part of a larger plan to encourage the use of recycled water for irrigation purposes.

The authority is advancing modern irrigation technologies such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and smart systems to boost productivity while reducing water usage. ADAFSA is also developing an "Electronic Irrigation Calculator" that will help farmers determine crop water needs based on local weather conditions. This tool will soon be accessible to all farmers.

To ensure equitable distribution of irrigation water, ADAFSA provides it through collective stations to around 6,660 farms across Abu Dhabi. The distribution is based on available resources at each station. The authority is expanding its reliance on non-traditional water sources, especially for farms facing groundwater depletion.

ADAFSA encourages farmers to adopt efficient practices like regular maintenance of irrigation systems and replacing traditional methods with modern technologies. These efforts are supported by targeted awareness and extension programmes aimed at driving sustainable agricultural growth while protecting water resources.

In 2024, ADAFSA organised 11 awareness campaigns focusing on guiding farmers towards best irrigation practices. These included regular maintenance of irrigation networks, using modern systems tailored to crops, watering at optimal times, and adhering to approved allocations for each crop.

Global Standards and Certifications

The authority adopts global best practices in agriculture to conserve water and other natural resources. To date, 1,534 farms have received the Abu Dhabi Good Agricultural Practices (AD GAP) certification under the Global Good Agricultural Practices (Global GAP) standards.

Marking World Water Day 2025 on March 22nd under the theme "Glacier Preservation," ADAFSA highlighted its intensified efforts to rationalise water consumption in agriculture. These initiatives aim to ensure sustainable agricultural growth while safeguarding vital water resources.

Farmers are encouraged to utilise innovative technologies like hydroponic systems known for their high efficiency in assessing crop water requirements accurately. ADAFSA collaborates with farm owners and relevant entities to enhance resource efficiency in agriculture and explore alternative sources for sustainability.

With inputs from WAM