Spatial variations in protected agriculture in Al-Muthanna Governorate and ways to develop it

Abstract

         Protected agriculture is one of the most important modern and advanced farming methods in the study area, as it is of great importance in providing local income and raising the economic level. The number of greenhouses and plastic tunnels reached (677) greenhouses and plastic tunnels in which vegetable crops (okra, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant) are grown, which contribute to meeting the needs of the local market for the population, and which positively contributes to providing food security for the population. The area cultivated with protected vegetables reached (50 dunams), distributed between the area of ​​plastic greenhouses, which reached (17 dunams), and the area of ​​plastic tunnels, which reached (33 dunams). The quantity of production from plastic greenhouses reached (56 tons), while the quantity of production from plastic tunnels reached (48 tons).

        The research also revealed a clear spatial disparity between the administrative units of the study area, as the Warka district appeared to occupy the first rank in the number of plastic tunnels, as their number reached (580) plastic tunnels with an area of ​​(24 dunams), while some administrative units lack the presence of protected agriculture. The study revealed many problems and obstacles that constitute an obstacle to the development of protected agriculture in the study area, and plans and solutions were put in place that contributed to the expansion of this type of agriculture.