Introducing Dr Asad Qureshi, a senior Scientist in irrigation and water management at the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture. This visionary expert has dedicated his career to the critical realm of water resources and environmental management, and today, he shares groundbreaking insights on water management in the agricultural sector.
The discussion kicks off with a focus on water security in the Gulf, where renewable water resources are scarce. Driven by the quest for food security, Dr Qureshi’s project seeks to unleash the untapped potential of wastewater for agricultural purposes.
With a staggering 11 billion cubic meters of wastewater produced annually in the Gulf states, Dr Qureshi delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by this resource. He sheds light on the expense of desalinating drinking water, only to use it once before disposal. The concept of utilizing wastewater for crop production emerges as a game-changer.
The episode also unveils the urgency of transforming agricultural water usage in the UAE. Groundwater depletion and declining quality pose pressing challenges for farmers. Dr Qureshi and his team's innovative research offers a glimmer of hope, yet obstacles in government acceptance persist.
Not to be missed, this episode is brimming with revolutionary ideas and a vision for a greener, more resilient agricultural landscape. Join us as we explore the untapped potential of wastewater and the path to transforming water management in the agricultural sector. Find the full episode on ‘Water Use in Agriculture’ here.
SECRETARY GENERAL, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION IRRIGANTS D’EUROPE