Water Use Efficiency through On-Farm Water Management

Techniques

ADAPTIVE RESPONSES TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Winston Shaw, Manager On-Farm Water Management Unit, NIC

National Irrigation Commission Ltd.

• The National Irrigation Commission (NIC) facilitates agricultural productivity in irrigated areas through the provision of reliable, efficient and affordable irrigation

• The chief role of the NIC is to provide irrigation services to the agricultural sector

On-Farm Water Management Unit

• Improve on-farm water management and water use efficiency through:

– Training both farmers and technical officers in water management and irrigation techniques

– The development of small scale irrigation schemes & rain water harvest systems with partnering agencies e.g. FAO, EU, UNDP, USAID

– Establish relevant farm demonstration plots

– Provides guidance on best practices in irrigation

Water Management Techniques

• Method of Water Application

• On-Farm Irrigation System Design

• Management of Soil Moisture

Water Application in Non Irrigated Areas

Water Application in Irrigated Areas

• Three Main Methods:

– Furrow/Surface

– Sprinkler

– Drip

Furrow Irrigation

Sprinkler Irrigation

Drip Irrigation

Low Application Rate

1- 4 L/H emitters flow. Flexible spacing .

Application rate to meet:

Plant requirement.

Soil infiltration.

Cost effective design.

Simplicity.

Water Demand

• There is an increasing demand Island wide on water for irrigation needs

• Consequently, there is a greater focus on water

conservation, not just in times of drought, but:

– in anticipation of future population growth, and

– Increased agricultural activities e.g. Agroparks &

MOAF Initiative “Grow What we Eat…”

Trickle Application System

• The most efficient and economical method of water application to crops

BENEFITS

Highly efficient water use

Integration of fertilizer application

Durable, long life dripline

Easy installation, operation & maintenance

Uniform distribution of water

Lower pressure & energy needed

Monitoring and Managing Soil Moisture

• Important in Water Management

• Irrigate based on information from the soil

• Prevents over irrigating

• Prevents water logging

• Minimize water loss

• Cost effective

Tensiometer

Tensiometer

Rainwater Harvesting in Agriculture

Rain Water Harvest Projects

• 11 Pilots sites were installed in South St. Elizabeth through funding and technical support from FAO

• 500,000 gallon storage and 5 x 0.25acre demonstration plots in St. Elizabeth – UNDP/GEF

• 6 RWH reservoirs in North Clarendon • 15 RWH reservoirs and small scale irrigation schemes

in 7 parishes funded by GOJ Adaptation (ongoing) • System featured:

– Catchment and storage – Solar powered pump – Gravity drip irrigation system

NIC/FAO RWH Project

Gravity Drip System

Way Forward

• Government/State Support • Develop and Implement Strategies in Water Use

Efficiency • Capacity Building in Water Management and

Climate Smart Techniques among farmers and technical officers

• Public Education • Adapt and Implement Current Technology • Continue Collaborative Work with International

and Local Partners

Demonstration Plot