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IFAD: Meet the young people in Asia making irrigation smarter

With support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), young innovators in Asia are transforming traditional farming methods through smart irrigation technology. 

Fei demonstrates his smart irrigation system on his orchard in Dongliang village, Shaanxi, China.

In Cambodia, 21-year-old Sokkim Neak co-founded CAM-Science, a start-up that allows farmers to control irrigation using mobile phones. This technology has reduced irrigation time by half while improving crop yields and conserving water. CAM-Science was supported by SAAMBAT, a business incubator funded by IFAD.

In China, Yang Fei returned to his family farm and introduced digital farming techniques, including a smart irrigation system. His efforts boosted the farm's efficiency and led to job creation in fruit processing and distribution.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the IFAD-backed YESS programme is training young farmers in modern techniques like smart irrigation.

Young ‘digital natives’ are bringing innovation to agriculture and helping reshape perceptions of farming among younger generations. Through their efforts, with IFAD’s support, sustainable rural transformation is underway.

  • Read their stories here

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