Odisha pioneers IoT-based smart irrigation for efficient water management

Bhubaneswar, Nov 8: In a landmark step towards agricultural modernization, Odisha has introduced sensor-based Internet of Things (IoT) technology in its Lift Irrigation Projects to ensure effective and efficient water management for farmers. The pilot initiative integrates IoT devices with a mobile application to optimize irrigation schedules, monitor water use, and collect real-time weather data—enabling farmers to make informed and timely decisions.

State Development Commissioner Anu Garg, while presiding over the 210th Board Meeting of the Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC), said, “This innovative initiative enables real-time monitoring and efficient management of water delivery, marking a significant step towards smart irrigation practices in the State.”

Garg emphasized that by combining cutting-edge technology with sustainable irrigation infrastructure, OLIC is empowering farmers, enhancing climate resilience, and fostering rural growth across Odisha.

The State Government’s vision for lift irrigation focuses on ensuring water security, increasing agricultural productivity, and promoting equitable access to irrigation, especially in upland and drought-prone areas where canal systems are not feasible. The initiative aims to transform agriculture by offering assured, year-round irrigation—stabilizing farm incomes and improving the socio-economic well-being of rural communities.

During the 2024–25 fiscal, OLIC has created an irrigation potential of 16.51 lakh hectares, benefiting over 15 lakh farmer families across the State. A major milestone has been the rapid expansion of solar-powered deep bore wells. So far, 3,328 installations have been completed, providing irrigation facilities to nearly 0.17 lakh hectares of farmland. By December 2025, another 9,000 installations are planned, expected to benefit around 35,000 farmers.

Officials said this transition towards renewable-energy-based irrigation reflects OLIC’s strong commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural development.

Farmers in districts such as Mayurbhanj are increasingly embracing diversified cropping patterns, including strawberries, sunflowers, and mushrooms, leading to tangible economic benefits. For instance, farmers under the Tarajodi-III Community Lift Irrigation Project in Shyamakhunta Block, Mayurbhanj, cultivated strawberries across 10 hectares of ayacut, earning an impressive ₹40 lakh in income—showcasing the potential of smart and sustainable irrigation in transforming rural livelihoods.