Egypt accelerates canal digitization and irrigation reform
Ministries advance water management coordination to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen national food security
CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) — Egypt’s Ministers of Water Resources and Irrigation and Agriculture have reviewed ongoing joint initiatives aimed at improving water governance and increasing farm output during a meeting of their bilateral coordination committee.
Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam reiterated the importance of sustained cooperation between the two ministries, emphasizing that resolving operational challenges through close coordination would enhance water system efficiency, support farmers, and reinforce food security.
Daily News Egypt reported that Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk highlighted parallel efforts to improve crop performance, raise yields, and implement integrated agricultural planning to meet national food supply objectives.
A key agenda item was the completion of the first phase of the private irrigation canals digitization program earlier this month. The joint project created a centralized digital database covering more than 22,000 private canals extending over 17,000 kilometers across 11 irrigation directorates in seven governorates. The data collection process was conducted by 44 specialized field teams.
Officials said the digital platform will allow continuous monitoring of canal conditions, identify maintenance responsibilities for beneficiaries, assist in planning rehabilitation works, and facilitate the formation of water users’ associations.
The initiative is expected to improve water distribution equity and strengthen long-term resource management.
The ministers instructed technical teams to proceed with nationwide expansion of the database, including further data entry, staff training, and implementation of a defined timeline to cover the Nile Valley and Delta regions.
The meeting also examined measures to expand modern on-farm irrigation methods such as laser land leveling and raised-bed farming, which reduce water consumption while enhancing irrigation efficiency and crop quality.
Authorities reaffirmed regulations requiring modern irrigation systems in newly reclaimed sandy lands.
Both sides agreed on the establishment of a central joint unit to supervise irrigation development projects and oversee the deployment of modern irrigation technologies from planning to performance evaluation.
Additional discussions addressed coordination on irrigation and drainage upgrades in areas managed by the land reclamation authority as part of broader national strategies to advance agricultural sustainability and optimize water resource use.
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