EVALUATION OF ON-FARM IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS BY USING SIMULATION MODEL

Abstract

Water resources in Egypt are limited as the main source is the Nile River (55.5 billion m3) and about 80% of all resources are consumed in agriculture. Therefore, it is imperative to use modern irrigation systems not only in the new land but also in the old lands. Accordingly, policies of irrigation development and rationalization of water use should be based on proper water management in old land by following the strategies of On-Farm Irrigation Management which increase crop yield and water use efficiency. The Egyptian irrigation system is considered one of the foremost complicated systems within the world. The Nile River irrigation system fed from the high Aswan dam comprises a vast network of privately-owned feeder canals, main canals and branch (secondary) canals which deliver water to the privately owned Mesqas (tertiary channels) and water is conveyed from the Mesqas to the field by farm ditches or (merwas). Both Mesqas (Lateral canale) and Marwas (Privat canale owned, operated and maintained by farmers. Operation of the system has traditionally been based on rotational water deliveries to individual branch canals, International Fund for Agricultural Development. (IFAD 2012) Developing the system in the field by changing from a below earthen Marwa to low pressure buried UPVC irrigation pipelines and irrigating the farm by using butterfly valves and hydrants systems or changing them by lined lifted (U-section).