Smart irrigation needs smart policies in Iran | Science
In Iran, agriculture is a significant consumer of water, accounting for over 85% of the nation’s total usage. However, the water productivity in this sector is alarmingly low, with a yield of only 1.35 kilograms per cubic meter of water utilized. This figure starkly contrasts with the global average, which can reach between 2.0 to 2.5 kg/m3. In response to these inefficiencies and in line with its National Food Security Plan, Iran has set an ambitious target to cut agricultural water consumption by 30 billion cubic meters by 2032. A key component of this strategy involves the implementation of smart irrigation (SI) technologies that leverage data and, in some cases, sensors to optimize watering practices, reduce waste, and enhance overall water productivity.
Smart irrigation systems are designed to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze vast amounts of agricultural data, predict future environmental conditions, and manage water supplies more effectively for crops. The potential benefits of SI are substantial, promising not only to improve water conservation but also to bolster food security in a country facing significant agricultural challenges. However, experts warn that the success of such initiatives may be limited, particularly in the context of Iran’s smallholder farming operations. Many of these farmers operate on a small scale, often lacking the resources and infrastructure necessary to implement and maintain advanced technologies like smart irrigation systems. As a result, there are concerns that this ambitious plan may lead to wasted public resources and ultimately fail to achieve its intended goals of enhancing water and food security in the region.
This situation highlights the critical need for tailored strategies that consider the unique circumstances of smallholder farmers in Iran. Without addressing the specific challenges faced by these farmers, such as limited access to technology and financial constraints, the push for smart irrigation could inadvertently exacerbate existing inequalities and hinder progress toward sustainable agricultural practices. As Iran navigates the complexities of water management and food security, it is essential for policymakers to ensure that innovative solutions are both accessible and practical for all farmers, particularly those operating on a smaller scale.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjbRILcDICM
Agriculture accounts for more than 85% of Iran’s water use, but water productivity—crop yield per unit of water used—is only 1.35 kg/m3 (1), which can reach more than 2.0 to 2.5 kg/m3 at the global scale (2). To align with its National Food Security Plan, Iran aims to reduce agricultural water consumption by 30 billion m3 by 2032 (3) with smart irrigation (SI) technology that uses data and, in some cases, sensors to adjust watering, reduce waste, and enhance water productivity (4). SI would also use artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data, make predictions of future environmental conditions, and better manage the supply for crops. Despite its potential, this plan is likely to fail in Iran’s smallholder farming context, wasting public resources and undermining efforts to improve water and food security.
