Although large tracts of Iranian landmass are semi-arid, its key agricultural sector continues to pile pressure on surface and groundwater supplies.
To lift the pressure off water supplies, a local knowledge-based company has offered agricultural technology (agritech) solutions.
Avisa Hydroculture has launched a plan to educate farmers about hydroponics, which is a form of greenhouse agriculture that involves growing crops without soil and with less water, IRNA reported.
Rasoul Rahnamaei, the company’s CEO who is a university professor in pedology, said, “Our experts prepare an analytical report regarding the use of light, type of plants, the greenhouse’s quality and other parameters. Farmers are then taught how to feed their crops as suggested by the hydroponic analyses.”
Hydroponics is a form of horticulture and a branch of hydroculture that involves growing plants in an aqueous solvent without the use of soil. Its technology allows terrestrial plants to grow with only their roots subjected to the nutrient liquid, or with the roots supported by an inert medium such as perlite, gravel, or other substrates.
According to Rahnamaei, fish excrement, duck manure, chemical fertilizers and artificial solutions are some of the sources of nutrients used in the hydroponic system.
Since no pesticides are used in hydroponic farming, soil contamination does not pose a problem for farmers. Water circulates through the plants during the process, reducing water consumption and the overall cost of farming.
Rahnamaei said hydroponics has several benefits, including a reduction in agricultural water use.
According to scientific evidence, traditional farming methods need 400 liters of water to grow 1 kilogram of tomatoes, whereas hydroponics requires 70 liters.
“As hydroponics uses far less water to grow products, farmers in harsh environments with limited access to water will be able to upgrade their farming businesses in the future,” he said.
“Around 10 hydroponic greenhouses have been established nationwide, which generate jobs for thousands.”
Soil and Water Quality Assessment
For modernizing agriculture, another technology firm called Clean Nature Explorers has devised a mechanism for monitoring soil and water quality to promote agricultural and subsidiary industries.
According to Zohreh Ramezanpour, the head of CNE, different soil and water qualities may or may not be suitable for growing certain plant species.
“CNE researches and determines these conditions to help farmers avoid wasting time and resources,” she said.
According to Ramezanpour, farmers can consult CNE before selecting a plant by bringing a soil or water sample for quality testing.
Besides recommending a list of appropriate plants, CNE provides farmers with solutions to decontaminate their farming area to increase their planting options.
CNE can also help hospitals and households ensure the supply of good quality water.
Nanotech to Help Save Water
In line with these efforts, Iranian academics are also urging authorities and farmers to employ nanotechnology for modernizing the agricultural sector and curbing water use.
Alireza Allafchian, deputy director of Isfahan University of Technology’s Nanotech Research Center, said managing surface water can greatly assist the agriculture sector.
“Nanotech water treatment systems can store and purify surface water and lower the evaporation rate, creating a reliable source for irrigation,” he added.
Allafchian noted that in such systems, nanomembranes are used to soften the water and remove physical, biological and chemical contaminants.
“Nanoparticles can be used in many ways to provide clean water. Several local knowledge-based businesses are currently engaged in this enterprise,” he said.
The official explained that a nanomaterial has an internal structure or surface structure in the nanoscale – with a length ranging approximately from 1 nm to 100 nm.
Nanotechnology, according to Allafchian, can increase crop productivity and minimize pesticide applications by using nanoparticle-mediated gene or DNA transfer in plants.
“The genetic modification of crops, reduction of agricultural waste and higher product yields with the use of nano-biocompatible materials are some of the numerous benefits of nanotechnology in the field,” he added.
The applications of nanotech in farming industries also include the use of nano-formulations of chemicals for developing pesticides and fertilizers, nanosensors for crop protection, identification of diseases and chemical residues, employment of nano-devices for genetic engineering of plants and improvement of postharvest management.
“Nanotechnology has the ability to revolutionize agriculture and the food industry, if adequate support is provided to experts and the talented young generation working in the field,” Allafchian said.
According to the Vice Presidential Office for Science and Technology, 270 Iranian firms are currently active in using conventional methods.
The official believes that creating a proper environment for research, providing opportunities to advance nanotechnology and exchanging know-how with other leading nations are necessary for sustainable development.
Agricultural Drones
The public and private sectors’ support for technology ecosystem has increased the use of technology in farming.
Last year, a private knowledge-based company announced the indigenization of drones for assisting farmers.
“Sabokbal Helia Aseman Company designs and manufactures agricultural drones used in farms,” the company’s managing director, Mohsen Siadatnejad, said.
“Foreign drones are costly while domestic knowledge-based firms are manufacturing small aircraft at lower costs,” he added.
An agricultural drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle used by farmers to help increase crop production and monitor crop growth. Sensors and digital imaging capabilities give farmers a clearer picture of their fields. The information can be useful in improving crop yield and farm efficiency.
Agricultural drones let farmers see their fields from the sky. The bird'-eye view can reveal many issues, including irrigation problems, soil variation and pest and fungal infestations.
Multispectral images show a near-infrared and visual spectrum view. They show differences between healthy and unhealthy plants, a difference not always clearly visible to the naked eye, which can help assess crop growth and production.
Data provided to farmers can also help cut the use of pesticides and optimize water consumption.
