As part of the National Water Research Center’s (NWRC) commitment to field follow-up and continuous support for its research projects, Prof. Dr. Sherif Mohamady – President of the NWRC – conducted a field visit to the Toshka Research and Studies Complex. This came following his accompaniment of His Excellency the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation during a tour in Aswan Governorate.
The visit began with an inspection of the complex’s main building and a follow-up on the ongoing construction work, where he observed the progress being made in the internal sections. He was accompanied during the tour by Dr. Abdel Hamid Khater from the President’s Technical Office.
He then proceeded to the research farm affiliated with the complex, where he reviewed the ongoing research experiments, including a trial of cultivating Egyptian cotton using the drip irrigation system. He praised the importance of these experiments in supporting the state’s efforts to rationalize water use and increase productivity.
Prof. Mohamady also inspected the newly added area to the complex, which spans approximately 5 feddans and has been planted with palm offshoots taken from original trees on site. He also followed up on innovative solutions to combat sand encroachment in cooperation with the Canal Maintenance Research Institute.
During the visit, Prof. Dr. Sherif Mohamady held a meeting with the complex’s team, including engineers, technicians, and workers. He listened to the key challenges they face due to the complex’s remote location in the Abu Simbel area and expressed his deep appreciation for their dedication and efforts. He reaffirmed the NWRC’s continued support for the scientific research system at the site.
He also emphasized the importance of staying up to date with developments in scientific research and working to diversify funding sources through expanding efforts to attract external support. This, he noted, would enhance the sustainability of research activities and reduce reliance on the government budget.
At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. Mohamed El-Sherif – Director of the Complex Unit – gave a presentation highlighting the major research and operational achievements during 2024–2025. He also outlined the future vision focused on the widespread adoption of modern irrigation systems, maximizing water use efficiency, and studying the impacts of agricultural development on the local climate in the Toshka region.
