Cairo, Egypt, 12-14 February 2019
The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture “Estidamah” has investigated “Water Use Efficiency in Modern Greenhouses” in the 25th Int’l. Annual Fertilizer Forum & Exhibition organized by the Arab Fertilizer Association (AFA) from 12 to 14 February 2019, at the Nile Ritz Carlton, Cairo, Egypt.
Mr. Radhi AlForaidi, Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs Manager, made a detailed presentation where he introduced the latest technologies of “Water Use Efficiency Modern greenhouses. Three levels of technology were tested. The low-tech greenhouse – a plastic tunnel greenhouse cooled using a pad and fan system – is normally used for year-round production. On the other hand, the mid-tech greenhouse – covered with glass and cooled using the pad and fan system while regulating the amount of ventilation through frequency-controlled fans had production increased by more than 2 kgs/week; meaning that more than 70 kgs of yield increase on an annual base. Furthermore, while the high-tech greenhouse proved the most efficient in water use – consuming less than 4 liters per kg of tomato – it turned out to be less feasible.
The Forum attracted a wide range of key stakeholders, including Presidents, CEOs, Chairmen, Managing Directors, Commercial & Marketing Managers, traders, chief economists, agronomists, consultants, technology groups, trade organizations, research institutes, investors, regional & international organizations related to fertilizer technology and environment.
The Forum elaborated on a number of vital topics, including fertilizer policies and factors impacting the fertilizer industry. The event also overviewed the global supply and demand markets, the global oil and gas outlook and implications for the fertilizer markets, fertilizer use in Africa and the sustainable development of the fertilizer industry. In addition, the Forum explored the chances of working towards world food security and how to protect the environment and resolve economic challenges.