Application of Internet of Things (IoT) in Boosting Irrigation Efficiency for Sustainable Agriculture

This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based irrigation system aimed at improving water use efficiency in Indian agriculture. The system employs an ESP32 microcontroller integrated with soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and pH sensors, connected to a water pump and cloud storage via Google Sheets. SMS alerts are sent to farmers for real-time decision support. Field testing revealed up to 40% water savings, 10–15% yield improvements, and a return on investment within 2 years. A survey of 1100 farmers validated adoption potential, with 85.6% recommending IoT irrigation. Statistical analysis (Chi-square, t-test, regression) confirmed that adoption was independent of demographics and valued for multiple benefits. This study contributes to sustainable agriculture and aligns with national initiatives such as PMKSY and the Digital Agriculture Mission.