MIT's Cost-Effective Drip Irrigation for Small Farms

By RahuL Bhagat 25/10/2023

Precision agriculture technologies are making farms more efficient and profitable, but their cost often limits access for many small-scale farmers worldwide.

MIT's Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Lab is focused on making mechanized farming practices, like solar-powered irrigation, more affordable for small farmers.

Drip irrigation systems can significantly reduce water consumption, making them crucial for regions facing water scarcity.

GEAR Lab has developed various cost-effective drip irrigation technologies, including low-pressure emitters and precision irrigation controllers.

These innovations were developed in collaboration with farmers, ensuring they are practical and user-friendly.

The technology has shown promising results, reducing water and energy consumption in field tests in Morocco and other regions.