Water

Virtual Irrigation Academy Business Models in Pakistan

Image
a stream of fresh water
Project code
WAC/2020/180
Program
Budget
AUD 250,000
Research program manager
Dr Neil Lazarow
Project leader
Simon Dyer
Commissioned organisation
VIA Design
Duration:
JUN 2022
DEC 2023
Project status
Concluded
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Overview

This project aimed to create viable and sustainable business models to supply farmers with Virtual Irrigation Academy (VIA) water monitoring tools in Pakistan.

The project enabled expansion beyond current project sites and provided the data necessary to effectively inform water management decisions at scheme, province and national levels. It also formed the basis of the feasibility study for operating a Virtual Irrigation Academy production facility in Pakistan. A a salt monitoring Chameleon Card was progressed based on findings from previous projects.

Outcomes

  • Created a VIA user decision matrix and scoped out business opportunities for VIA product supply and related services.
  • Explored the feasibility of producing a Chameleon sensor and Wetting Front Detector in Pakistan.
  • Shared data outputs with key Pakistani agencies (PCRWR and Punjab Irrigation Department) to evaluate the efficacy of inclusion of VIA data and services into existing management systems and report on steps to support implementation.
  • Developed and deployed a Chameleon Card that identifies saline soils at the site.
Map
Image
Pakistan
Key partners
VIA Design
Documents