Amman: The Royal Scientific Society (RSS) has concluded a specialized training course on agricultural and groundwater drainage aimed at improving irrigation water-use efficiency, enhancing agricultural productivity, and preserving soil fertility in Jordan. The course was organized under the SafeAgroMENA project, which promotes the safe and sustainable use of wastewater in agriculture. The project is implemented by RSS in cooperation with the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands and is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a focus on strengthening capacity in sustainable water management and supporting the use of non-conventional water resources.
According to Jordan News Agency, the training aimed to enhance participants' skills in applying modern practices and technologies for the design and management of agricultural and groundwater drainage networks, in response to growing challenges linked to water scarcity and climate change. Secretary-General of the Jordan Valley Authority Hisham Hayasa said the course aligns with the authority's strategy to prioritize agricultural drainage projects in the coming years due to their role in improving water-use efficiency and supporting sustainable agricultural production.
He noted that the Jordan Valley Authority is implementing a project funded by the Dutch Embassy to apply agricultural drainage concepts in several agricultural basins in the Jordan Valley. He stressed the importance of utilizing the expertise gained by participants in implementing the project's activities and achieving its objectives.
Director of the Water, Environment, and Climate Change Center at RSS Muayyad Sayed said the course reflects the society's role in building national capacities and transferring international expertise in integrated water resources management. He added that RSS seeks to support national institutions with modern knowledge and technologies to address water scarcity and strengthen agricultural sustainability.
He said RSS, through its regional and international projects, provides platforms for cooperation and exchange of expertise between international experts and national institutions, contributing to the development of local competencies and advancing scientific and innovative solutions in water and agricultural management.