Sensor-based irrigation system using bank filtration saves water & increases farmer’s income

What is the News?

A sensor-based irrigation system using bank filtration technology and controlled via Web/Mobile app has been installed at Sal River near Navelim and Nauta lake at Cortalim, Goa.

What is the Sensor-Based Irrigation System developed?

Developed by: The Energy and Resources Institute(TERI) in collaboration with the National Institute of Technology(NIT), Goa has developed a Sensor-based irrigation system with the support of the Department of Science and Technology’s(DST) Water Technology Initiative.

Technology Used: This irrigation system uses River Bank Filtration(RBF) technology for providing contamination-free water to farmers.

– RBF operates by extracting water from wells located near rivers or lakes. As the river water infiltrates into and passes through the riverbed sediments, contaminants like bacteria and toxic metals are removed by overlapping biological, physical, and chemical processes. 

Controlled via Mobile/Web App: The system is controlled by a mobile app in a manner that the moisture level provided by the sensors starts the water motor only when there is an actual need for water and turns it off when the moisture level reaches the maximum value. 

– This process prevents water erosion and maintains the soil quality throughout the field. The system has also saved time, especially for the daily wage farmers, giving them freedom and flexibility to sell their harvest in the market.

What is the Water Technology Initiative?

Launched by: the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in 2007

Aim: To promote R&D activities aimed at providing safe drinking water at affordable cost and in adequate quantity using appropriate Science and Technology interventions evolved through indigenous efforts. 

Source: This post is based on the article “Sensor-based irrigation system using bank filtration saves water & increases farmer’s income” published in PIB on 13th April 2022.