Multiple Cropping in Some Countries of the Middle East

Double cropping has a long history in the Middle East. This chapter explores the factors that are to be practiced commercially for multiple cropping. Some of these factors are climate, water, early maturing varieties, machinery, proper cropping patterns and rotations, and farmer motivation. The climate of the middle eastern countries is mostly arid at low latitude in the temperate region. The availability of adapted early maturing varieties is an important factor in multiple cropping. Farm mechanization and the availability and proper use of farm machinery represent an important factor in sequential cropping. Cropping patterns and rotations must be well designed for the different climates, soils, crop adaptations, and markets of the region. Multiple or at least double cropping is the general practice in the irrigated arable land of Egypt. Multiple cropping in Syria is in practice but to a small extent and limited to irrigated areas.