Farmers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are reducing water use and improving crop productivity through the use of modern soil moisture sensor technology.
The sensors, installed at the Tarnab Research Farm and in selected areas of Charsadda and Mansehra, provide real-time data that helps farmers irrigate crops only when needed.
A total of 110 sensors have been installed so far, allowing farmers to move away from traditional irrigation schedules based on guesswork.
Officials involved in the project said farmers who previously irrigated four to six times per season are now watering crops three to four times, resulting in water savings of up to 30 percent. Research also 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 focused on improving water management.
The project aims to strengthen climate resilience, reduce pressure on water resources, and lower irrigation costs, particularly for farmers using tube wells.
Experts believe expanding the technology across the province could significantly improve agricultural efficiency and help address the growing impact of climate change on farming.
