The use of efficient Smart Agro 4.0 irrigation systems for cotton in Peru and its public policy implications

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, agriculture has been affected by the impact of climate change. Technological innovations are required to meet the different challenges regarding production, costs, and efficient management of natural resources. In Peru, there are 2.3 million agricultural producers, with around 10,000 family farmers currently dedicated to cotton cultivation, concentrated mainly in the coastal valleys of the Ica, Lima, Lambayeque, Ancash, and Piura. To address the climate change impact and improve cotton production and the use of resources, an efficient irrigation system pilot using the Internet of Things (IoT), tensiometers, and weather stations was implemented between Telefónica and FAO within the framework of the +Cotton Project. This study aims to analyze and compare the results of using this technology between 2018 and 2019 during three agricultural campaigns by measuring water use and yield compared with producers without this technology in three areas of Peru. As a result, cotton yields increased by 53% and beans between 18% and 29% compared with neighboring farms, and optimized water use, generating savings of up to 20% in irrigation water and profitability of 50%. It also enabled control of plant growth and thus planned farm harvest time. This technology proved helpful for farmers and innovative compared with the flooding irrigation techniques used in the Peruvian cotton sector. It can be helpful in the development of public policies for water management and cotton production. However, its high value makes it necessary for national institutions to incorporate financing, plans, and adoption strategies, for its sustainability over time. In this regard, the exchange of knowledge and the work of international cooperation can support the establishment of appropriate measures for implementing this technology.