Charsadda: In the rain-fed farmlands of Charsadda and Chakwal, a quiet technological revolution is underway as farmers like Shazia Sami, a health worker and agriculturist in Charsadda, are harnessing modern tools to combat Pakistan’s chronic water mismanagement.
With the help of soil moisture sensors, these farmers are not only saving water and money but also protecting their crops from the erratic consequences of climate change.
Introduced by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) under its Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) project, soil moisture sensors are currently being deployed in selected districts across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
First rolled out in Chakwal and Okara in 2021 and later expanded to Charsadda and Mansehra in 2024, the initiative aims to improve irrigation efficiency and water governance in rural communities where traditional water practices are becoming unsustainable.
“These devices are a blessing for rain-fed areas like ours,” said Shazia Sami, who cultivates sugarcane and vegetables. “They help us understand exactly when the soil needs water. We are now irrigating only when required, saving resources and ensuring better crop care.”
The sensors are simple yet effective. Installed in the soil, they display color-coded signals — green for adequate moisture, blue for no irrigation needed, and red for low moisture, indicating the need for watering. The data can be read via cards or through internet-connected devices.
Farmers report tangible benefits. In Chakwal, irrigations for wheat have dropped from five to three, saving approximately Rs. 10,000 per acre. Vegetable growers report similar reductions, cutting irrigations from ten to seven per acre. These savings translate into lower electricity and fuel bills, and reduced labor costs.
Tauseef Ahmad, a young farmer in Kallar Kahar, Chakwal, expressed his satisfaction with the sensor technology. “Earlier, we used 12,000 to 14,000 liters of water daily. Now, just 8,000 liters is enough,” he said. “It’s saving us at least 30 percent in energy and water, and we expect this to improve our crop yield.”
According to IWMI’s district officer in Chakwal, Abubakar, 44 Chameleon soil moisture sensors have been installed in the area, helping optimize irrigation practices in a region where most agriculture relies on electricity-driven tube wells.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, IWMI has introduced the same technology in Mansehra and Charsadda, working closely with local farmers and authorities.
Dr. Attique Rehman, an educated farmer from tehsil Baffa in Mansehra, is experimenting with the technology on his six-kanal kiwi farm. “These fruits are sensitive to water quantity. The sensor is helping me avoid over-irrigation and crop loss,” he said. “It’s a smart and cost-effective tool.”
The IWMI emphasizes that improving water management is vital for addressing Pakistan’s growing water insecurity. The organization notes that climate change is amplifying water-related risks, especially for rural communities and smallholder farmers.
“Water security is now a defining challenge for development,” an IWMI representative said. “It is essential for health, livelihoods, ecosystems, and economic stability. These soil moisture sensors are a part of our broader effort to build resilience and reduce vulnerabilities.”
To date, nearly 300 sensors have been installed across four districts. According to IWMI officials, the devices are durable, affordable, and equipped with long-lasting batteries. Farmers have the option of using a low-tech card reader or connecting the sensor to Wi-Fi for real-time data.
Dr. Rehman believes that the government must now play its role in scaling up these solutions. “Awareness and training programs are crucial,” he said. “These tools save water, energy, and improve productivity. Governments must support their adoption through subsidies and education.”
IWMI has been working in collaboration with provincial governments, district administrations, and relevant departments such as irrigation and agriculture. However, the success of these innovations now hinges on wider implementation by authorities and policy support for smallholder farmers.
In a country where agriculture consumes more than 90% of available freshwater and faces mounting climate pressure, technologies like soil moisture sensors may hold the key to future food and water security. As farmers like Shazia and Tauseef show, small changes in approach can yield big results.
- Waqar Gillani