Real-time data from soil sensors helps KP farmers take the guesswork out of irrigation, save water by 30%, reduce fuel costs
PESHAWAR:
Farmers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are starting to save significant amounts of water and improve agricultural productivity using modern soil moisture sensor technology.
Experts believe that scaling up such technology across KP could help make agriculture more resilient to climate change while easing pressure on Pakistan’s dwindling water resources. Early results, based on experience from Punjab, indicate significant benefits.
The technology, known as a soil water moisture sensor array, has been installed at the Tarnab Research Farm and in selected agricultural areas in the province. 50 sensors have been installed in Charsadda district and 60 in Mansehra. The sensors provide real-time data to farmers, enabling them to irrigate crops only when needed instead of relying on guesswork or traditional schedules.
Speaking to The Express Pakinomist, Dr. Gulzar Ahmed, Research Associate at the Pakistan Scientific Research Centre, that the initiative is a joint effort with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). He explained that the sensor system works on three signals similar to traffic lights, making it easy for farmers to understand irrigation needs.
“The sensors are connected to a mobile application that provides real-time data. Farmers can check soil moisture levels from their homes and decide whether their fields actually need water,” he said. This approach not only prevents overwatering, but also helps conserve scarce water resources.
“This project aims to promote water-related research and significantly reduce the amount of water used in agriculture,” said Dr. Ahmad and added that consultations are also underway with international water conservation institutions.
Kifayat Zaman, the project in charge of KP, said the initiative is part of a UK-funded program titled Water Resources Accountability in Pakistan. “The program was launched in Punjab in 2021, while in KP it began in 2024,” he said.
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“Farmers who used to irrigate their crops four to six times in a season now do so only three to four times,” Zaman said. “This has resulted in water savings of 25 to 30 percent”.
According to Zaman, the soil moisture sensors are designed to improve water demand assessment, supply management and overall management in the water sector. “One of the core objectives of this program is to strengthen coordination between government institutions and improve the overall water management system,” he added.
He emphasized that climate change and its effects are becoming increasingly visible to farmers across the province. “Irregular rainfall, rising temperatures and water scarcity directly affect agriculture. With the help of this technology, farmers can not only optimize water use but also increase crop productivity,” he said.
Furthermore, research reports suggest that the use of these sensors has led to 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 were facing high operating costs and the reduced need for irrigation has helped them save a significant amount of money,” Zaman said.
