Smart Drip Irrigation System for Sugarcane Farming – DCON Ag SMART Automation Success Story

Challenges with Traditional Flood Irrigation

Managing irrigation efficiently was a major challenge for Mr. Namasivayam, a farmer cultivating sugarcane on his 3.5-acre farm. Initially, he relied on traditional flood irrigation methods where water was supplied manually to each section of the field one by one.

This irrigation method resulted in excessive water wastage, uneven water distribution, and increased labor dependency. During dry seasons and water scarcity periods, maintaining proper irrigation became even more difficult, creating stress in daily farm management.

Transition to Smart Drip Irrigation System with Government Support

To improve water management and reduce wastage, Mr. Namasivayam decided to install a Smart Drip Irrigation System for his sugarcane farm. With the support of a 100% government subsidy for drip irrigation installation, the transition became financially accessible and practical.

The farm utilized a borewell water source connected to the drip irrigation setup, helping deliver water directly to crop roots for improved irrigation efficiency and healthier crop growth.

Challenges with Manual Drip Irrigation Operations

Although drip irrigation improved water usage, manual operation of irrigation valves remained a major challenge. The farm had 6 gate valves controlling different irrigation zones, and operating each valve manually required one full day.

Completing irrigation across the entire farm took nearly 6 days. In some situations, gate valves were accidentally left open when the farmer went outside for work, leading to unnecessary water wastage and water shortages.