Agri-Technology Resource Center

Technologies include drip irrigation, mulching, and drought-tolerant maize and wheat strains developed by CIMMYT and IRRI.

• Drip Irrigation: Delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and water waste.
• Mulching: Conserves soil moisture and suppresses weeds, improving drought resilience.
• Drought-Tolerant Crops: Varieties such as DT maize and wheat can maintain yields under water stress.
• Remote Sensing: Satellite and sensor data help farmers monitor soil moisture and schedule irrigation efficiently.
• Case Example: In Kenya, adoption of drip irrigation and DT maize increased yields by up to 40% during dry years.

Farmers in Bangladesh and India now use submersion-tolerant rice ("Scuba Rice") which can survive underwater for up to two weeks without damage.

• Scuba Rice (Swarna-Sub1): Developed by IRRI, this rice variety can withstand prolonged flooding, helping farmers recover quickly after monsoon floods.
• Drainage Monitoring: Sensors and remote monitoring tools help manage water levels and prevent crop loss in flood-prone areas.
• Community Action: Farmer cooperatives in Bangladesh coordinate planting and drainage schedules to maximize survival rates.
• Case Example: In 2022, over 5 million Bangladeshi farmers adopted flood-tolerant rice, reducing post-flood yield losses by up to 80%.

Researchers at ICAR and ICRISAT have introduced heat-resistant sorghum and millets that mature faster before peak summer heat hits.

• Heat-Tolerant Varieties: Crops like heat-resistant wheat, rice, and legumes bred to withstand temperatures above 40°C.
• Shade Netting: Use of shade cloth and agroforestry to reduce direct sun exposure and lower field temperatures.
• Early Sowing: Adjusting planting schedules so crops mature before the hottest months.
• Case Example: In India’s Telangana region, farmers using heat-tolerant sorghum reported 30% higher yields during recent heatwaves.

Salt-tolerant crops like barley and rice are now grown successfully in coastal regions affected by seawater intrusion and overuse of fertilizers.

• Salt-Tolerant Rice (e.g., Pokkali, IRRI lines): Developed for deltas and coastal areas, these varieties can thrive in saline soils where traditional crops fail.
• Barley and Quinoa: Naturally salt-tolerant, these crops are increasingly adopted in arid and semi-arid regions facing soil salinization.
• Soil Amendments: Use of gypsum and organic matter helps reclaim saline soils and improve crop establishment.
• Case Example: In Egypt’s Nile Delta, farmers using salt-tolerant rice reported up to 30% higher yields compared to conventional varieties.

AI-powered platforms like Microsoft FarmBeats and AgNext offer predictive analytics for weather, pest control, and resource planning.

• Weather Prediction: Machine learning models process satellite and sensor data to forecast rainfall, drought, and extreme events, helping farmers plan ahead.
• Pest & Disease Alerts: AI analyzes crop images and environmental data to detect early signs of pest outbreaks or disease, enabling timely interventions.
• Yield Optimization: Data-driven recommendations for planting, fertilization, and irrigation schedules maximize productivity and reduce waste.
• Case Example: In India, AI-based advisories from Microsoft FarmBeats helped farmers increase chickpea yields by 30% through optimized sowing dates and input use.

Regenerative practices restore soil fertility, increase biodiversity, and reduce dependency on chemical inputs — making farms more resilient to long-term climate shifts.

• No-Till Farming: Reduces soil erosion and preserves soil structure by minimizing disturbance, leading to improved water retention and carbon sequestration.
• Cover Cropping: Planting cover crops like clover or vetch between main crops protects soil from erosion, fixes nitrogen, and suppresses weeds naturally.
• Biochar Application: Adding biochar (charcoal from plant matter) to soil enhances nutrient retention, boosts microbial activity, and locks carbon in the ground for decades.
• Composting & Organic Amendments: Using compost and manure increases organic matter, improves soil health, and reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
• Agroforestry: Integrating trees and shrubs into cropland provides shade, windbreaks, and habitat for beneficial insects and birds.
• Case Example: In Brazil, regenerative agriculture on degraded pastureland increased soil organic carbon by 20% and doubled maize yields within three years.

Solutions like Cropster WaterLog and Netafim’s smart valves allow farmers to monitor and manage water usage remotely via mobile app or web dashboard.

• Soil Moisture Sensors: Measure real-time soil moisture to trigger irrigation only when needed, reducing water waste.
• Automated Scheduling: Systems use weather forecasts and crop data to automatically adjust irrigation timing and volume.
• Remote Control: Farmers can start, stop, or adjust irrigation from anywhere using smartphones or computers.
• Leak Detection: Smart systems alert users to leaks or malfunctions, preventing water loss and crop stress.
• Case Example: In Israel, Netafim’s smart irrigation helped tomato growers cut water use by 30% while increasing yields.

Used widely in India and East Africa, solar pumps provide sustainable access to water without reliance on diesel or electric grids.

• Renewable Energy: Solar panels power water pumps, reducing fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Low Maintenance: Fewer moving parts mean less frequent repairs compared to diesel pumps.
• Remote Operation: Some systems can be monitored and controlled via mobile apps for convenience.
• Scalable Solutions: Available for both smallholder and large-scale farms, adaptable to different water needs.
• Case Example: In Kenya, adoption of solar pumps by smallholder farmers increased irrigation coverage by 50% and reduced energy costs by up to 80%.

Tools like Teralytic and Arable Meters help farmers adjust irrigation and fertilizer use dynamically based on sensor readings.

• Soil Moisture Sensors: Provide real-time data to prevent over- or under-watering, improving crop health and saving water.
• pH and Nutrient Sensors: Detect soil acidity and nutrient deficiencies, enabling targeted fertilizer application and reducing waste.
• Wireless Connectivity: Many sensors transmit data to mobile apps or dashboards, allowing remote monitoring and alerts.
• Case Example: In California, almond growers using soil sensors reduced water use by 20% while maintaining yields.

Drone sprayers and multispectral cameras are used in Brazil, Kenya, and the Philippines to map farmland and identify stressed areas before they fail.

• Multispectral Imaging: Drones capture images in multiple wavelengths to detect crop stress, disease, or nutrient deficiencies early.
• Precision Spraying: Drone sprayers apply fertilizers or pesticides only where needed, reducing chemical use and costs.
• Large Area Coverage: Drones can survey hundreds of hectares in a single flight, providing rapid, up-to-date field data.
• Automated Analysis: AI-powered software processes drone data to generate actionable maps for irrigation, fertilization, or replanting.
• Case Example: In China, drone monitoring reduced rice crop losses by 15% through early pest detection and targeted spraying.