Energy-Efficient Smart Irrigation Technologies: A Pathway to Water and Energy Sustainability in Agriculture

Umar Daraz, Štefan Bojnec () and Younas Khan
Additional contact information
Umar Daraz: Department of Sociology, University of Malakand, Chakdara 18800, Pakistan
Štefan Bojnec: Department of Economics, Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, SI-6000 Koper-Capodistria, Slovenia
Younas Khan: Department of Sociology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat 26000, Pakistan

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-27

Abstract: The agricultural sector faces challenges such as water scarcity, energy inefficiency, and declining productivity, particularly in arid regions. Traditional irrigation methods contribute to resource depletion and environmental impacts. Solar-powered smart irrigation systems integrate precision irrigation with renewable energy, improving water use and productivity. In Pakistan, where agriculture contributes 19% of gross domestic product and employs 40% of the workforce, these challenges are severe, especially in water-scarce areas like the Cholistan Desert. This study examines the impact of solar-powered smart irrigation on agricultural productivity, water conservation, and energy efficiency in the Cholistan Desert. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 384 farmers via structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses, including multiple linear regression, paired sample t -tests, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), were conducted. Findings show significant improvements in crop yield (from 3.0 to 4.8 tons/hectare) and reductions in water and energy consumption. Regression analysis highlighted strong positive effects on yield and efficiency, while SEM confirmed reduced environmental impact and operational costs. The study concludes that solar-powered irrigation enhances productivity, conserves resources, and promotes sustainability. Policymakers should provide financial incentives, invest in renewable infrastructure, and implement training programs to support adoption. Collaborative efforts are essential for sustainable agriculture in arid regions.

Keywords: solar-powered irrigation; precision agriculture; water conservation; energy efficiency; Pakistani agriculture; renewable energy; sustainable agriculture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/5/554/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/5/554/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:5:p:554-:d:1606088

Access Statistics for this article

Agriculture is currently edited by Ms. Leda Xuan

More articles in Agriculture from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().