Bangladesh has launched its first automated center-pivot irrigation system, aiming to save water, reduce labour and costs, and significantly increase sugarcane yields in climate-vulnerable farming regions.
Bangladesh has taken a significant step toward modern and climate-resilient agriculture by introducing automated center-pivot irrigation for the first time. The technology is being piloted at two large sugarcane farms in northern Bangladesh and is expected to reduce water use, labour dependency and production costs while increasing crop yields.
The system has been installed by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation at Muladuli in Ishwardi, Pabna and at Bhabanipur in Natore, both located in a major sugar-producing region. Officials say the initiative could transform irrigation practices across the country if the trial phase proves successful.
Center-pivot irrigation uses a long wheel-mounted pipeline fitted with sprinklers that rotate around a central point, spraying water evenly over crops like rainfall. Unlike traditional flood irrigation, which dominates Bangladeshi farming, this method delivers water precisely where it is needed and significantly reduces wastage.
BADC Executive Engineer in Pabna, Faisal Ahmed, said the project represents a shift in thinking about irrigation. “We are moving away from water-intensive flood irrigation to a system that responds to the actual needs of the soil and crops. This is essential for the future of agriculture in Bangladesh,” he said.
Around BDT 40 crore has been invested in installing the two systems under an Austrian-supported Valley Irrigation project. Austrian engineers, known for their expertise in advanced irrigation technologies, are working alongside Bangladeshi counterparts and have provided technical training to local officials.
Ahmed said initial results from the trial are encouraging. “If this project succeeds, we can replicate it in other regions. It has the potential to fundamentally change irrigation management across the country,” he added, noting that formal inauguration is expected by the end of January.
The impact on sugarcane production could be substantial. Natore BADC Executive Engineer Md Sajjad Hossain said yields currently average 15 to 17 metric tonnes per acre due to limited and uneven irrigation. “With this modern system, we expect production to rise to around 27 to 30 metric tonnes per acre,” he said.
At the Muladuli sugarcane farm, which spans more than 1,100 acres, the center-pivot system currently covers about 150 acres. Farm in-charge Anwarul Islam described the labour savings as dramatic. “Earlier, irrigating this land required around 90 workers and nearly a month. Now one person can manage the entire operation in five to seven days,” he said.
Engineers involved in the project estimate the system uses 20 to 30 percent less water than conventional methods. This is particularly important as Bangladesh faces growing groundwater depletion and rising dry-season irrigation costs. Crops such as wheat, onions and vegetables, which are vulnerable to waterlogging, are also expected to benefit from the controlled application of water.
Md Baki Billah, General Manager of North Bengal Sugar Mills (Farms), said the benefits go beyond sugarcane. “This is a major achievement for agriculture in this region. Higher yields will help keep sugar mills operational for longer and farmers will be able to grow multiple seasonal crops on the same land,” he said.
Agricultural experts believe that if the pilot project continues to perform well, the technology could spread to private farms and commercial agricultural ventures. For Bangladesh, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, the introduction of center-pivot irrigation signals a move toward more sustainable, efficient and climate-smart food production.
