The Arid Lands Agricultural Research and Services Center was initially established as a special unit in 1994. It is part of the Agricultural Studies and Consultations Center at the Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University. On 26/9/2005, the unit was transformed into the Desert Agriculture Research and Services Center. It is currently affiliated with the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Agricultural Research in Desert Areas.

The center works on disseminating and applying modern agricultural methods while preserving the environment. It also focuses on preparing qualified personnel to implement these modern methods to assist farmers and investors. Additionally, the center conducts applied research to develop modern agricultural systems and assess their suitability for local conditions through research projects in collaboration with local and international organizations.

It operates as an independent center (in terms of technical, financial, and administrative aspects), located at the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Agricultural Research in Desert Areas, Ain Shams University.

Vision and Mission of the Center:

Mission: The center aims to discover, disseminate, and implement modern agricultural methods while preserving the environment and preparing qualified personnel to apply these methods in assisting farmers and investors. It also focuses on conducting applied research to develop modern agricultural systems and evaluate their suitability for local conditions through research projects with both local and international stakeholders.

Vision:

To enhance research in the field of modern agricultural systems and increase the efficiency of water and fertilizer usage to promote sustainable high-yield agriculture and solve the problems faced by farmers and investors.

To provide information and expertise to farmers, investors, and decision-makers.

To excel in training methods, supplying the community with qualified personnel to develop horticultural crop production and preserve the environment.

To implement various projects in the field of protected agriculture, soilless farming, and rooftop farming.

Objectives of the Center (Community Services):

To disseminate, develop, and implement rooftop farming for schools, government bodies, NGOs, and individuals.

To conduct plant and soil analyses and provide consultations for farmers and investors.

The center visits new lands and farms to assess their suitability for various types of farming and recommends suitable plant species according to soil type and irrigation water.

To conduct economic feasibility studies and environmental risk assessments for agricultural projects, including their full environmental impact.

To organize training courses in rooftop farming, soilless farming, protected agriculture, and soil and plant analysis for individuals, agricultural offices, and private agricultural companies.

To hold workshops and training courses in collaboration with various entities.

To conduct research, studies, and scientific consultations for organizations and individuals, both domestically and internationally, in the field of agricultural development.

To engage in technical cooperation with external bodies in implementing agricultural projects.