15 July 2013, London: What? M2M’s role in Agriculture – remote irrigation systems in the city of Badajoz, Spain

The problem:

• La Comunidad de Regantes del Canal del Zujar comprises 10,700 plots with a total area of 21,000 hectares and is one of the largest irrigation systems in the world.
• Previously, farmers would have to walk around their land, sometimes several kilometres, and manually open and close the irrigation valves, as well as making a note of water consumption from the water meters.

The solution:

• Telefónica and ABB developed a solution involving the installation of GPRS-enabled remote meter reading systems. These are small element-resistant boxes connected to hydraulic valve signals, meters, level meters and tamper detectors.
• Farmers can now use their computers or mobile phones to set up an irrigation schedule, using only the water that is strictly necessary.
• The system provides visibility of water usage and allows them to water at night, taking advantage of cheaper prices.

Benefits:

• Saving of 47 hm3 (cubic hectometer) per annum, equivalent to two thirds of the consumption of the entire region of Extremedura or five times that of the city of Badajoz.
• Electricity bills have been reduced by 30%
• Farmers are now able to spend more time doing other, more profitable activities.