Irrigation technology boosts agricultural efficiency in Brazil and Portugal

Agricultural sectors in Brazil and Portugal are increasingly adopting advanced irrigation technologies to combat climate variability and improve resource efficiency.

In Brazil, drip irrigation is being utilized to boost sugarcane productivity by an average of 50%. This technology allows for precise water application at the root level and enables fertigation, which optimizes nutrient delivery. Beyond increasing yield per hectare, the method can potentially double the productive longevity of sugarcane fields, helping producers manage rising costs and unpredictable weather.

In Portugal, experts emphasize the necessity of continued modernization to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Data indicates a significant historical improvement in water efficiency, with average consumption dropping from 16,000 cubic meters per hectare in 1960 to between 3,000 and 4,000 cubic meters currently. This progress is driven by technologies such as drones, satellite imagery, and soil probes. However, projections suggest that without further intervention, agricultural water needs could increase by 27.5% by the end of the century due to shifting climate patterns.