Irrigation automation market worth USD 6.7 billion by 2025

According to the a new market research report by MarketsandMarkets, the Irrigation Automation Market size is estimated to account for a value of USD 2.8 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.5% from 2020 to reach a value of USD 6.7 billion by 2025.

Factors such as increased mechanisation and adoption of smart technologies for agricultural activities, government initiatives to promote water conservation, and the growing awareness among farmers about the benefits of adopting irrigation automation are the key drivers fueling the growth of the irrigation automation market, according to the report.

Sprinklers and drip irrigation

The report states that most developing countries across the globe make use of irrigation technologies, such as sprinklers and drip irrigation. “The automation of drip irrigation has become increasingly popular due to higher consistency in yields, reduced power usage as compared to sprinkler irrigation, the possibility of being used in smaller pieces of land, and higher efficiency in the application of fertilizers with little or no leaching,” say the researchers.

Also read: N-Drip closes gap between flood irrigation and drip irrigation

Semi-automatic irrigation systems

According to MarketsandMarkets, the market for semi-automatic irrigation systems is the largest as the demand for irrigation systems, which would allow the growers to modify the irrigation process, is high in open fields and greenhouses. Semi-automatic systems are relatively cost-effective and hence are adopted in developing countries such as India, China, and Brazil.

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The so-called SMARF valve is a smart irrigation valve which applies LPWAN communication technology to agricultural irrigation valves. – Photo: SMARF

Controllers

The report segments the irrigation automation market, based on components, into controllers, valves, sensors, sprinklers, and other components, which include pressure gauges, monitoring devices, and flow meters. It states that controllers hold the largest share as they are the central unit of the entire irrigation automation system and are also the costliest component. The increased demand for semi-automatic systems, such as time-based and volume-based systems, in developing countries, has led to an increase in demand for simple controllers across the globe.

Time-based irrigation automation system

The market for irrigation automation, based on automation type, has been segmented into time-based, volume-based, real-time feedback, and computer-based irrigation control systems. Since developing countries majorly use irrigation automation systems for agricultural lands, the need for semi-automated irrigation systems, which would allow timely intervention at different irrigation stages and is cost-effective, remains high. Due to these factors, the time-based segment is projected to account for the largest share in the irrigation automation market.

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Growing awareness among farmers about the benefits of adopting irrigation automation is fueling the growth of the irrigation automation market. – Photo: Valley Irrigation

Asia-Pacific to grow at highest CAGR

The increased awareness among farmers about the benefits related to the adoption of semi-automated and automated irrigation systems, along with reducing water levels in river basins of the Asia Pacific region, are some of the factors driving the growth of the market. The change in precipitation pattern is compelling farmers to use sensor-based irrigation systems to take better-informed decisions.

Also read: Profiting from precision irrigation