Syrian agricultural researchers and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are working to improve irrigation planning through a global initiative aimed at helping countries manage water resources more efficiently amid climate and development challenges.  At a workshop in Damascus on Monday, officials and technical experts reviewed progress under the Irrigation Mapping for Agricultural Water Management (IRMA) initiative, which uses satellite imagery, field data and geospatial analysis to map irrigated land, assess crop water needs and identify areas facing the greatest pressure on water resources.  The initiative is intended to provide policymakers with data-driven tools for agricultural planning, investment decisions and water management at a time when Syria’s irrigation infrastructure has been affected by years of war and recurring drought conditions.  FAO officials said evidence-based planning and stronger coordination among institutions are essential to improving agricultural productivity and building resilience to climate-related risks.  According to participants, the project’s expected outcomes include the development of detailed maps of irrigated areas, assessments of land suitability for agriculture and estimates of crop water requirements. The data will support long-term planning and help direct resources toward regions with the greatest needs.  Tammam al-Hammoud, assistant minister of agriculture for plant production affairs, said the initiative seeks to improve water management practices, expand the use of modern irrigation technologies and reduce drought-related risks.  Emmanuel Moncada, acting FAO representative in Syria, said agriculture remains central to Syria’s recovery efforts and stressed the importance of strategic investments and sustainable management of water resources.  Mohammad Manhal al-Zoubi, director of the Natural Resources Research Department at the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, said Syria’s participation in IRMA provides access to scientific tools and standardized methodologies for agricultural and water-resource planning.  The next phase of the project will include the launch of a global IRMA platform in Rome in October, with Syrian experts expected to participate.  The IRMA initiative provides participating countries with standardized irrigation and land-suitability data intended to support agricultural planning, water allocation and climate-adaptation efforts. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency