SAU launches solar-powered telemetry system to ensure equitable water distribution

Sindh Agriculture University, with financial support from Sindh Higher Education Commission, has launched a modern solar-powered telemetry system at Raotiani Minor in Sanghar district to ensure transparent and equitable water distribution among farmer

HYDERABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2026) Sindh Agriculture University, with financial support from Sindh Higher Education Commission, has launched a modern solar-powered telemetry system at Raotiani Minor in Sanghar district to ensure transparent and equitable water distribution among farmers, while formally transferring the management of watercourses and distributary channels to farmer organisations through a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

According to the SAU spokesperson Gul Sher Lochi, the project, titled “Fabrication and Calibration of Telemetry System for Secondary Canal Level Monitoring,” was completed over a period of two years at a cost of approximately Rs2.7 million under the supervision of Sindh Agriculture University.

Under the initiative, advanced water-level sensors, flow measurement devices, data loggers, solar-powered units and communication equipment have been installed at the head, middle and tail reaches of Raotiani Minor, an offshoot of the Dim Branch of Jamrao Canal, to enable continuous monitoring of water flow, discharge and distribution.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal said water would remain one of the most critical challenges of the future and stressed that modern scientific systems were essential for the protection and sustainable management of water resources.

“The real stakeholder of water is the farmer himself, and farmers must play an active role in ensuring fair distribution among their fellow growers,” he remarked.

He said the university was actively promoting farmer-friendly research, smart water management and climate-resilient agricultural practices, adding that the telemetry system would enhance transparency in water distribution and strengthen the capacity of farmer organisations.

Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology Prof. Dr. Muneer Ahmed Mangrio said the modern telemetry system would not only ensure fair and transparent water distribution but would also contribute to efficient water use and improved agricultural productivity in the face of climate change.

He termed the initiative an important example of empowering farmers through modern engineering technologies.

Project principal investigator and Chairman of the Department of Land and Water Management Prof. Dr. Mashooque Ali Talpur said the telemetry system installed at Raotiani Minor represented a successful pilot model that would be jointly managed by farmers.

He explained that farmers would receive hourly updates regarding water conditions through the system, while a complete digital record of water distribution would also be maintained. He added that the university would continue providing technical support and training to farmer organisations for the effective operation of the system.

Local leaders of the Farmer Organisation including Saeed Ahmed and Muhammad Shoaib said the system would help ensure timely and equitable water supply while reducing water theft and wastage. They appreciated the support of the university, SIDA and the irrigation department, and pledged to ensure the protection and effective utilisation of the system.

Later, a formal agreement for the handing over of the telemetry system was signed between Prof. Dr. Mashooque Ali Talpur and Muhammad Shoaib in the presence of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal as witness.

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of shields among guests and representatives of farmer organisations. Among others, Dr. Irfan Ahmed Shaikh, Engr. Zaheer Khan, Engr. R. B. Vistro and Muhammad Khan were also present on the occasion.