Irrigation Projects Launched to Boost Agriculture in Northern Homs
The Water Resources Directorate in Homs, in partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation, has launched a vital project to rehabilitate the “Al-Hayya” and “Haboub Al-Reeh” irrigation canals in the province’s northern countryside. This initiative aims to enhance the delivery efficiency of Orontes River water to agricultural lands, reduce water waste, and support the sustainability of local agricultural activity.
Mohammad Al-Hussein, the Director of Water Resources in Homs, stated that the project is designed to improve irrigation infrastructure serving approximately 1,000 hectares of farmland. It is expected that these improvements will benefit roughly 65,000 residents in the region. The rehabilitation work, which commenced about a month ago and is scheduled to span three months, covers a 14-kilometer stretch. Activities include clearing the canals, reinforcing their banks, and regulating water flow through the construction of side gates to ensure precise and organized irrigation for fields.
Maher Al-Halabi, a member of the project’s supervisory body, added that work currently underway in the village of Tir Maaleh includes the maintenance and renovation of metal water intakes, as well as concrete work to ensure the safety and efficiency of water flow. Al-Halabi noted that teams have encountered technical challenges due to the accumulation of silt and debris resulting from long-term neglect, confirming that the project has now reached the midpoint of its first phase.
Local farmers in Tir Maaleh have welcomed the initiative. Farmer Hassan Mohammad Awad Omran explained that clearing the canals will directly contribute to improving crop quality and ensuring the availability of necessary irrigation water. Furthermore, he highlighted the positive environmental impact of eliminating stagnant water pockets and waste that previously hindered agricultural operations.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy by the Water Resources Directorate to promote collective irrigation management. Water user associations have been established to take responsibility for managing and maintaining irrigation systems. This approach encourages farmer participation in preserving the infrastructure, which serves as a lifeline for agricultural activity in the northern Homs countryside, ultimately aiming to increase agricultural production and improve the incomes of farmers in the region.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
