Modern Irrigation Saves Water for KP Farmers

Farmers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are reducing water consumption and improving crop productivity by adopting modern soil moisture sensor technology, according to officials involved in the initiative.

The sensors have been installed at the Tarnab Research Farm and in selected areas of Charsadda and Mansehra, providing real-time data to guide irrigation decisions.

Officials said the technology allows farmers to irrigate crops only when necessary, replacing traditional schedules that relied largely on estimation and routine watering practices.

So far, 110 soil moisture sensors have been installed, helping farmers reduce irrigation cycles from four to six times per season to three or four times.

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As a result, water use has fallen by up to 30 percent, while research linked to the project shows crop yields have increased by 15 to 20 percent.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute under a UK-funded programme aimed at improving water management practices.

Project officials said the effort is designed to strengthen climate resilience, reduce pressure on water resources and lower irrigation costs, particularly for tube well users.

Experts involved believe that expanding the technology across the province could significantly improve agricultural efficiency and help farmers adapt to climate change pressures.