Farmers along the Orontes River are increasingly replacing flood irrigation with drip lines, saying the switch lets them keep crops alive through longer dry spells.
Growers who have made the change report using far less water for vegetables and orchards, and spending less on the diesel that powers their pumps.
"The first summer I didn't believe the numbers," said Fadi, who grows tomatoes and peppers. "The second summer I bought more pipe."
The upfront cost of pipes, filters and pumps remains the main obstacle for smaller farms. Some villages are trying shared purchasing to lower prices.
Agronomists recommend pairing drip irrigation with mulching to reduce evaporation further.
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