Reham Mohamed grew up in Egypt where she studied Integrated Pest Management to assist with her father’s farm. News of an imminent disruption to the River Nile’s water supply inspired Mohamed to research new methods in preparation for the future.
“We may start suffering from the limiting of water in Egypt very soon, so I started thinking about a project where I can help my country,” said Mohamed.
She applied for a Borlaug Fellowship Program grant, which allowed her to spend three months at Purdue University. Here, she worked in the lab of Horticulture Assistant Professor Krishna Nemali, a leader in hydroponics. Dr. Laura Ingwell, Research Assistant in Entomology, also served as a co-mentor.
Mohamed shared, “The Nile for Egypt is like a lifeline because we depend on this kind of water for everything. For drinking, for irrigation, for everything.”
Nemali believes maximizing the efficiency of water use could greatly aid Egypt in the years to come. “Hydroponics saves water,” said Nemali. “We use approximately 10% of what outdoor agriculture uses. Egypt is building many greenhouses with hydroponic systems. Their knowledge is very basic. It’s brand new to them. They want to send their scientists here to understand the fundamentals.”
The grant’s arrangement will keep Nemali, Ingwell and Mohamed’s partnership going over the next two years and includes a reciprocal visit where Nemali will travel to Egypt to continue his work with Mohamed.
External Link: Purdue helps Egypt go with the flow