Farmers in Mandaura village, Sonipat, say a new voice-enabled irrigation system is transforming how they manage their fields and resources.
Developed by 17-year-old Sharanya Mehta, the Decision Support System (DSS) uses soil sensors and satellite data to guide irrigation timing and volume, helping farmers avoid unnecessary pumping and conserve diesel.
Before adopting the system, local farmer Ramesh Chandra Dahiya recalls relying on guesswork to decide when to water his crops.
He said he often kept pumps running for hours, only to find that deeper soil layers were already moist and diesel had been wasted.
“With the app, I can see soil data and hear voice prompts that tell me when to skip watering. My plants are healthier, and I spend less on fuel,” he said.
Another farmer, Jagvir Singh, said he used to depend on soil appearance or traditional timing, which often failed under changing weather.
“Now I check the app’s colour map and listen to its advice. It helps me water correctly, not out of habit,” he said.
The system also allows farmers to automate pumps through controllers developed by Loyli Engineering Solutions, reducing manual effort and energy use.
Field tests show water use has fallen by up to 30 per cent across participating farms, with better crop growth reported during dry spells.
Sharanya said the project was built through constant dialogue with farmers, ensuring every feature — from icons to voice language — fit their real needs.
The initiative aligns with national calls for climate-smart agriculture, improving irrigation efficiency and resilience in water-stressed regions.
Source: The Better India.