Morocco and Jordan will test new MIT smart irrigation tech: The Global Engineering and Research (Gear) Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has built a low-cost, solar-powered irrigation system to reduce water waste in agriculture, according to a statement. The drip irrigation system delivers water and nutrients in controlled volumes directly to plant roots, helping to reduce water use by 20% to 60% compared to normal irrigation methods. The tech will be field tested in Morocco, Jordan, and Kenya, the statement notes.

These tech advances are in high demand: The global demand for fresh water will outstrip supply by as much as 40% by the end of the decade, with nearly 80% of the world’s 570 mn farms located in water-stressed regions, the statement notes.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

• The UAE and Lootah talk biofuels production: The UAE’s Energy and Infrastructure Ministry held talks with Dubai-based alternative fuels producer Lootah Biofuels to explore pathways to expanding the Emirates’ biogas production volumes. (Statement)
• ADB pumps USD 350 mn into Egypt: The African Development Bank (ADB) plans to fund Egyptian private and public sector projects with up to USD 350 mn by the end of the year. The funding will go to projects in the infrastructure and energy sectors. (Al Sharq Business)