Tech & Policy Push Fuel APAC Smart Irrigation Revolution

The smart irrigation industry in Asia-Pacific (APAC) is rapidly growing, driven by the urgent need for efficient water management in agriculture and urban landscaping due to water scarcity, population growth, and catastrophic weather events.

- Dinti Barve

The Asia Pacific smart irrigation market is projected to grow from around $575 million in 2024 to approximately $2.53 billion by 2033, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9 per cent according to reports The market includes technologically advanced systems that optimise water use through automation, real-time data monitoring, and sensor-based decision-making, integrating soil moisture sensors, weather stations, cloud platforms, Al, and IoT.

Agriculture dominates the application segment due to the sector's critical role in food security and employment in countries like India, China, and Indonesia. Government initiatives like India’s Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and China's digital agriculture push are accelerating adoption. Non-agriculture applications such as landscaping, urban green spaces, and golf courses are the fastest-growing segments, supported by smart city initiatives in Singapore, South Korea, and Australia.

Leading countries in APAC include China, India, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. China and India lead due to their large agricultural bases and strong government backing for water-saving technology. Australia is a notable adopter with advanced precision farming techniques. Challenges include the high initial cost of smart irrigation systems and limited awareness among smallholder farmers, especially in less-developed regions. Innovations driving the market include AI for irrigation scheduling, IoT for real-time monitoring, blockchain for water rights management, and automation/robotics in irrigation tasks.