Experts tip smart irrigation as solution to changing weather patterns
As unpredictable rainfall and prolonged dry spells threaten agricultural production, experts are urging Ugandan farmers to adopt smart irrigation technologies to improve yields, conserve water and build resilience to climate change.
Sprinktech chief executive officer Javan Mukundane speaks at the second Green Drops Summit organised by Sprinktech in Namanve on Wednesday. (Photo by Aloysious Kasoma)
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As unpredictable rainfall and prolonged dry spells threaten agricultural production, experts are urging Ugandan farmers to adopt smart irrigation technologies to improve yields, conserve water and build resilience to climate change.
Speaking at the second Green Drops Summit organised by Sprinktech on Wednesday at Namanve, Sprinktech chief executive officer Javan Mukundane said the company was established to promote irrigation as farmers grapple with increasingly unreliable weather patterns.
“We realised that our farmers needed our services because, in the recent past, there have been prolonged droughts and unpredictable weather,” Mukundane said.
He noted that with approximately 80% of Uganda’s population depending on agriculture, irrigation was increasingly important in protecting livelihoods and maintaining food production.
Mukundane said modern systems equipped with sensors, automated controls and remote monitoring allow farmers to regulate water application according to crop requirements, reducing labour and improving efficiency.
Partnerships drive innovation
Karin Jeannette, chief executive officer of Swiss company ENNOS AG, said partnerships were essential in expanding access to efficient irrigation technologies.
Karin Jeannette, chief executive officer of Swiss company ENNOS AG, speaks at the second Green Drops Summit organised by Sprinktech in Namanve on Wednesday. (Photo by Aloysious Kasoma)
“It is always a pleasure to partner with Sprinktech because together we deliver the best solutions for Ugandan farmers,” Jeannette said.
She highlighted the development of a mobile application in Uganda to improve customer service and support irrigation system management.
Gaurav Sharma of Kirloskar Fluid Dynamics, which operates under the Varuna brand, said solar-powered pumps could help farmers overcome unreliable electricity supplies, particularly in rural areas.
Solar irrigation offers an alternative to grid electricity and diesel-powered equipment, potentially reducing operating costs and enabling farmers to water crops when rainfall is insufficient.
Sustainable water management
Engineer Dominic Banaga Mucunguzi, assistant commissioner for Water Resources Planning and Management at the Ministry of Water and Environment, said irrigation must be supported by reliable water sources and sustainable management practices.
Mucunguzi identified water shortages during dry seasons, soil erosion caused by excessive water and poor water quality as challenges requiring appropriate technologies and planning.
He emphasised that irrigation should be treated as a long-term investment in agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, rather than merely an emergency response to drought.
Technology transforms farming
Technical presentations at the summit showcased innovations including Irrigation as a Service, which combines pumps, Internet of Things technology, automated controls and mobile monitoring to help farmers manage water consumption.
Participants also explored smart irrigation controllers and two-wire decoder systems that improve communication between irrigation equipment and control units.
Engineer Philly Tumuramye of Laserspray demonstrated laser irrigation technology, which uses perforated pipes to distribute water in a fine, rainfall-like spray at relatively low pressure.
Experts said such innovations could help farmers address rising labour costs, unreliable rainfall and inefficient water use.
They noted that expanding access to affordable irrigation, alongside solar-powered pumps and automated systems, could support consistent agricultural production, improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen Uganda’s food security as weather patterns continue to change.