Real-time data from soil sensors helps KP farmers end irrigation uncertainties, saving water by 30% and reducing fuel costs.
PESHAWAR:
Farmers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are beginning to save significant amounts of water and improve agricultural productivity with modern soil moisture sensor technology.
Experts believe that developing this technology across KP could help make agriculture more resilient to climate change while easing pressure on Pakistan’s dwindling water resources. Initial findings, based on Punjab’s experiences, indicate substantial benefits.
The technology, known as the Soil Water Moisture Sensor Network, has been installed at the Tarnab Research Farm and some agricultural areas in the province. 50 sensors have been installed in Charsadda district and 60 in Mansehra. Sensors provide real-time data to farmers, allowing them to irrigate crops only when necessary rather than relying on guesswork or traditional schedules.
Speaking to The Express PK Press Club, Dr Gulzar Ahmed, research fellow at the Pakistan Scientific Research Centre, said the initiative was a joint effort with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). He explained that the sensor system works on three signals, similar to traffic lights, allowing farmers to easily understand their irrigation needs.
“The sensors are connected to a mobile app that provides real-time data. Farmers can check soil moisture levels from home and decide if their fields actually need water,” he said. This approach not only avoids overirrigation, but also helps conserve scarce water resources.
“This project aims to promote water research and significantly reduce the amount of water used in agriculture,” Dr Ahmad said, adding that consultations are also underway with international water-saving institutions.
Kifayat Zaman, project manager at KP, said the initiative was part of a UK-funded program called Responsibility for Water Resources in Pakistan. “The program was launched in Punjab in 2021, while in KP it started in 2024,” he said.
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“Farmers who previously irrigated their crops four to six times in a season now only do so three to four times,” Zaman said. “This saved water by 25 to 30 percent.”
According to Zaman, soil moisture sensors are designed to improve water demand assessment, supply management and overall governance of the water sector. “One of the main objectives of this program is to strengthen coordination between government institutions and improve the overall water management system,” he added.
He noted that climate change and its impacts are becoming increasingly visible to farmers across the province. “Irregular rainfall, rising temperatures and water shortages are directly affecting agriculture. With the help of this technology, farmers can not only optimize water usage but also increase crop productivity,” he said.
Additionally, research reports suggest that the use of these sensors has resulted in a 15 to 20 percent increase in crop yields. The economic benefits are also significant, especially for farmers who rely on tube wells powered by electricity or solar energy. “These farmers faced high operating costs and reduced irrigation requirements saved them considerable amounts of money,” Zaman said.
