IRRIGOPTIMAL is a cutting-edge technology that integrates ground sensors, meteorological services, and a centralized software platform powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. It refines irrigation practices and reduces water consumption by conducting test cases on lands with varying native crops and soil configurations.
Installation of two irrigation sensors were completed on June 7th, 2024, by a team led by Alessio Bucaioni CEO of Wes Trade, accompanied by Ms. Simone Lewis-Regional Coordinator of Global Water Partnership-Caribbean and Kerron Martinez Administrative Officer at Global Water Partnership-Caribbean. They were installed on the Mirabeau Agricultural/ Propagation Station in St. Andrew and on the Farm of Theresa Marry show (St.David).
"Leveraging AI through solutions like IRRIGOPTIMAL is crucial for addressing water scarcity in Grenada. By optimizing irrigation practices, we can ensure efficient water use, support sustainable agriculture, and secure water resources for future generations,” explained Simone Lewis Regional Coordinator for the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean.
Noting this year’s severe drought conditions and the declaration by the Government of Grenada due to the changes in precipitation and rainfall, Supervisor of Propagation at the Mirabeau Propagation Station Nigel Gibbs, is optimistic about the benefit to the station. According to him, “This sensor will guide the process for our crop development in terms of our irrigation practices, making sure we have standardised and stablised soil moisture that will affect the crop.”
“The impact here will be noticed as the results will be sent into a system that we will be able to analyse and respond to; based on the parameters that are measured here in terms of moisture content. This is timely, as last season we experienced extensive drought and experienced challenges without irrigation system, which impacted our yield of yams,” he added.
Theresa Marryshow, a prominent farmer and President of the Grenada Rural Women Producers (GRENROP), also welcomed the introduction of this technology on her farm.
“I was very excited when I was contacted. I was eager to give my support and offer my farm for the pilot. With the word now advancing agriculture with technology, I will be working with the organisation, supporting them and giving them feedback,” she said.
Building Capacity ON IRRIGOPTIMAL
The IRRGOPTIMAL pilot also ran a parallel educational academic program that raised awareness of its importance among stakeholders, Community-Based Organisation CBOs), Students and other groups, empowering them to contribute to Grenada’s agricultural development. The trainings for these stakeholders were held on June 25 and June 27 respectively.
While this technology was identified as new for Farmer Evans Goodings- President of the NorthEast Farmers Organisation (NEFO), he was happy that he participated. He states, “Our knowledge alone cannot help us, any technology that can assist us is welcomed; I am interested because I have learned that can help me to know how much water is needed for my crops and how much to water my crops.”
“It is going to be an interesting learning curve, in the development of this project, we are optimistic that this might help us to have some interesting results,” explained another of the participating farmers Brian Whyte.
Participating student, a fourth form student, at the St. Joseph’s Convent Grenville Jenelle Bartholomew posited that this technology could support the agricultural sector as it helps, “Farmers to save water, in the face of the realities experienced as a result of Climate Change.”
This pilot project, titled "Tackling Water Scarcity in Grenada's Agricultural Sector with the Use of Artificial Intelligence," underscores the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean's commitment to disseminating and facilitating the use of advanced technologies in addressing water scarcity and promoting a water-secureCaribbean through innovative, integrated solutions.