Estidamah Participates in the 8th Scientific Agricultural Conference (ESAC-2018)

^{Karak, Jordan, 15-17 October 2018}

Representing the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah), Dr. Jouke Campen, Wageningen University & Research, discussed the latest technologies of “Water Use Efficiency in Protected Horticulture” in the 8thScientific Agricultural Conference (ESAC-2018), organized by the Faculty of Agriculture at Mutah University, Karak, Jordan during the period 15-17 October 2018.

In his presentation, Dr. Campen stated that Estidamah tested three levels of technology. The low-tech greenhouse – a plastic tunnel greenhouse cooled using a pad and fan system – is normally used for year-round production. The mid-tech greenhouse – with glass covering which is also cooled using the pad and fan system while here the amount of ventilation can be regulated through frequency-controlled fans. Production in this type increased by more than 2 kgs/week; meaning that more than 70 kgs of yield increase on an annual base. While the high-tech greenhouse was the most efficient in water use – consuming less than 4 liters per kg of tomato – it proved to be less feasible.

Organized under the theme "Agricultural Challenges and Sustainable Development", the conference provided a forum for a deep discussion of the challenges and new trends in the fields of agriculture, water, food and environment. The event brought together professionals, academics, and farmers and specialists in agriculture, water, food and the environment to establish better cooperation among researchers in the universities, research institutions and specialists in these fields at local, regional and international levels.

As well, ETC and ICARDA held a dedicated session on “Technology and Innovation for Agricultural Development”. The main objective of the session was to exchange views of regional and international experts on how to use technology as one of the means of implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) to develop a sustainable agricultural sector in the region. The session provided a forum to discuss pathways in which green technology can be used to reduce hunger, enhance prosperity. Moreover, the session offered experts and academicians the opportunity to discuss the prospect of using technology and innovation to develop further the agricultural sector, alleviate poverty, achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the region and support networking of regional professionals working on technology and agriculture to ensure complementarity and coordination.