A solar-powered telemetry system has been installed today on the Rautiyani Minor in Sanghar district, aimed at ensuring transparent and equitable water distribution among farmers, which is a major challenge for future agricultural sustainability.
This initiative was titled “Development and Calibration of Telemetry System for Secondary Canal Level Monitoring”, carried out by Sindh Agriculture University over two years at a cost of approximately 2.7 million rupees with funding from the Sindh Higher Education Commission. Modern water level sensors, flow measurement devices, data loggers, solar-powered units, and communication devices have been strategically installed at the head, middle, and tail sections of the Rautiyani Minor, which originates from the Dum Branch of Jamrao Canal. This setup facilitates continuous monitoring of water flow, discharge, and allocation.
Speaking at the inauguration, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Altaf Ali Sial declared water a critical future challenge and emphasized the need for modern scientific systems for resource conservation and sustainable management. He stressed that farmers are primary stakeholders in ensuring fair distribution among their counterparts. Dr. Sial reiterated the university’s commitment to farmer-friendly research, smart water management techniques, and climate-resilient agricultural practices, highlighting telemetry’s role in enhancing transparency and strengthening farmer organizations.
Professor Dr. Muneer Ahmed Mangrio, Dean Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, affirmed that modern telemetry devices will not only guarantee fair and transparent water distribution but also contribute to efficient water utilization and improved agricultural production in the face of climate change. He described this effort as a significant example of empowering farmers through modern engineering solutions.
Project Principal Investigator Professor Dr. Mashooq Ali Talpur, who is also Head of the Department of Land and Water Management, termed the installation on Rautiyani Minor a successful pilot model for joint operation by farmers. He detailed that this system will provide farmers with hourly updates on water conditions and maintain a comprehensive digital record of water distribution. Dr. Talpur further added that the university will continue to offer technical support and training to farmer organizations for optimal use of the system.
Local farmer organization leaders, Saeed Ahmed and Muhammad Shoaib, acknowledged that this technology will ensure timely and equitable water supply, while also reducing water theft and wastage. They expressed their appreciation for the support from the university, SIDA, and the Irrigation Department, and pledged their commitment to the preservation and effective utilization of this infrastructure.
Subsequently, a formal agreement was reached between Professor Dr. Mashooq Ali Talpur and Muhammad Shoaib for the handover of the telemetry system, witnessed by Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Altaf Ali Sial. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of shields among guests and representatives of farmer organizations. Notable participants included Dr. Irfan Ahmed Shaikh, Engineer Zaheer Khan, Engineer R.B. Wistro, and Muhammad Khan.