Drip Irrigation Improves Potato Yields and Saves Water

Dr. Jumah Quraishaat is a university professor who also works in agriculture. He owns three farms, including citrus and fruit orchards in Jarash, and a potato farm in Ramtha that harvests twice a year.

Part of his Ramtha farm was already using modern irrigation, but the other half still relied on traditional flood irrigation. This method used a large amount of water and was not efficient for the crops.

Dr. Jumah decided to upgrade the rest of the farm to improve efficiency. He turned to the Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) through the Housing Bank for Trade and Finance (HBTF). With their support, he financed a new drip irrigation system and agricultural mulch (plastic covers) for the potato crops.

The results were clear. The new system saves 131,000 m³ of water per season, which is 35% less than the old method. The use of mulch also protects the land, reducing soil erosion by more than 20%.

In addition to saving water, the farm is now more productive. The improved irrigation has reduced costs, and increased potato yields by 14.4 tonnes per hectare each year.

The total investment of US$ 56,417, supported by a 15% cashback incentive of US$ 8,463, has proven its value. Dr. Jumah’s investment shows how switching to modern equipment can reduce costs and improve production for Jordanian farmers.

The Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) in Jordan is developed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and is supported by the European Union (EU) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).