In a bid to address challenges rocking the country’s agricultural sector, a young innovator cum-entrepreneur, Prisca Chifisi has developed an automated drip irrigation kit powered by solar energy.
Chifisi’s automated drip irrigation is also made up of smart moisture sensors that facilitates smooth irrigation of crops.
She said her innovation is reliable, calling it a catalyst for change.
The drip irrigation kit is made of solar panels, small tanks made up of 20 litre buckets, sensors and small tubes.
“Just like what happens in any drip irrigation system, we do place the pipes in stations where crops have been planted,” said Chifisi.
She, however, said her system is unique because it uses sensors to deduce the amount of moisture present in the soil.
“When these sensors have detected low moisture content in the soils, they automatically open the pipes and water starts to drip out,” said Chifisi.
Once enough water has been released, the sensors automatically shuts down, which means the whole system operates with less labour.
“I have been using this system since last year and it is very rewarding and provides bigger opportunities,” she added.
The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) graduate has since urged irrigation enthusiasts to adopt the system.
Renowned environmental activist, organic farming enthusiast and farmer, Maloto Chimkombero has hailed Chifisi for the initiative.
“Irrigation is considered an expensive and exhausting undertaking in Malawi and the coming in of such innovations is welcome,” he said.
