Smart irrigation needs smart policies in Iran | Science
Iran’s agricultural sector is facing a critical challenge, as it accounts for over 85% of the country’s water consumption, yet exhibits alarmingly low water productivity. Currently, the crop yield per unit of water used stands at just 1.35 kg/m³, significantly below the global average of 2.0 to 2.5 kg/m³. In response to this pressing issue, Iran has set ambitious goals under its National Food Security Plan, aiming to reduce agricultural water consumption by 30 billion cubic meters by 2032. A key strategy in this plan is the adoption of smart irrigation (SI) technology, which leverages data and, in some instances, sensors to optimize watering practices, minimize water waste, and enhance overall water productivity.
Smart irrigation technology promises to revolutionize water management in agriculture by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data, predict future environmental conditions, and optimize water supply for crops. However, despite the potential benefits of SI, experts warn that its implementation in Iran’s smallholder farming context may be fraught with challenges. Many small farmers lack access to the necessary technology and training to effectively utilize SI systems, which could lead to the misallocation of public resources. Furthermore, the complexity of integrating advanced technologies into traditional farming practices may undermine efforts to improve both water and food security in the country. As Iran pursues its ambitious water conservation goals, the success of these initiatives will depend on addressing the unique needs and limitations of its smallholder farmers, ensuring that the benefits of smart irrigation are accessible and practical for those who need them most.
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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.
