Irrigation Automation Market size was valued at USD 4.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 38.5 billion by the end of 2036, registering around 17.3% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2024-2036. In 2024, the industry size of irrigation automation is assessed at USD 5.7 billion.
The irrigation automation market growth can be attributed to the growing water wastage in irrigation practices. According to the National Institutes of Health, agriculture is the most water-intensive industry accounting for around 70% of the withdrawal volume. Traditional irrigation methods result in various types of water losses, such as seepage, erosion, water logging, deep percolation, salinization, and runoff. Growing water scarcity has accelerated demand for irrigation automation, as it supplies water to crops based on real-time soil water availability. This approach maintains soil water potential, ensures consistent irrigation, and maximizes water savings. By scheduling irrigation according to crop water needs, these systems deliver the right amount of water at the right time, resulting in efficient and sustainable water use.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
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Base Year |
2023 |
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Forecast Year |
2024-2036 |
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CAGR |
17.3% |
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Base Year Market Size (2023) |
USD 4.9 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2036) |
USD 38.5 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Automation Type (Time-based, Volume-based, Real-time Based, Computer-based Control System)
Time-based segment is set to dominate over 33.2% irrigation automation market share by 2036. Time-based irrigation systems allow for precise scheduling of watering cycles. This ensures that plants receive water at optimal times, improving efficiency and reducing water waste. Time-based systems are user-friendly and easy to set up, making them accessible for both residential and commercial users without requiring extensive technical knowledge. Smart irrigation controllers such as Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller allow users to set specific watering schedules based on time, adjusting automatically for weather changes.
Irrigation Type (Sprinkler, Drip, Surface)
The drip segment is set to garner a notable share by the end of 2036. The segment’s growth can be accredited to the growing popularity of technological advancements among farmers such as anti-clogging emitters and automated systems. Although they are less economical, drip irrigation uses water almost 95-100% more efficiently than other methods, making it perfect for farmers living in drought-prone areas with limited water supplies.
Furthermore, various organizations are funding developing regions to implement drip irrigation method. For instance, in 2020, two drip irrigation systems were installed in two chosen orchards in Urmetan and Yori villages in Tajikistan by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) with funding from the Russian Federation's government. This project was part of a larger effort to restore ecosystems and reduce disaster risk that included previous tree-planting operations on arid slopes.
End Use (Agricultural, Non-agricultural)
The agricultural segment in the irrigation automation market is estimated to gain a significant share in the year 2036. The segment growth can be attributed to the growing adoption of smart water irrigation systems among farmers to automate their irrigation processes and reduce water use. In addition, the rising demand for cost efficiency resulting from reduced water usage is another factor driving the growth of this sector. Moreover, the increasing adoption of IoT technology and AI for smart irrigation is gaining momentum since it uses 20-50% less water than traditional irrigation methods.
System (Automatic, Semi-Automatic)
The semi-automatic segment is poised to dominate the irrigation automation market during the forecast period. The segment is growing because semi-automatic systems are simpler and less expensive than fully automatic systems, but they still need human attention at every irrigation. Electronic or mechanical timers are used by the majority of semi-automated systems to trigger control structures at specific intervals.
Our in-depth analysis of the global market includes the following segments:
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System |
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Irrigation Type |
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Component |
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Automation Type |
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End Use |
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North America Market Statistics
Irrigation automation market in North America is anticipated to hold the largest share of 36% by the end of 2036. The market expansion is due to the growing awareness of water scarcity issues and government regulations on water usage are driving for more efficient irrigation practices. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local water authorities promote the adoption of water-saving technologies.
The market for irrigation automation in the U.S. is expanding significantly due to the growing demand for effective water management in agriculture and technology improvements. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), water intensity reduced by 38.9% in FY 2022 compared to FY 2007. EPA continues to regulate water to sustain progress and implement water projects to further reduce water consumption.
The market in Canada is growing due to the growing proliferation of automated irrigation systems for large-scale farming since water conservation is a major problem for farmers due to water shortage concerns in the country.
APAC Market Analysis
APAC will also encounter huge growth for the irrigation automation market during the forecast period and will hold the second position owing to the large agricultural lands, quickly shifting climate, strong government backing, the growing need to reduce water waste, and advancements in irrigation technology. Additionally, residents are being forced to use sensor-based irrigation systems as a result of the region's river basins' declining water levels.
The manufacturers in China are leading the way in developing cutting-edge technologies, such as drip irrigation systems that deliver precise amounts of water directly to the roots, as well as sprinkler systems that cover larger agricultural areas.
In India, agriculture is the primary source of food production to meet the increasing demand of its population, and irrigation is an essential process that significantly impacts crop growth and yield, thus driving the growth of irrigation automation in the country.
The market for automatic irrigation management systems in South Korea is expected to grow significantly due to changes in customer preferences, government backing, and technology advancements. The country is experiencing a rapid expansion of automation and digitalization, which is boosting productivity and product quality because of its strong focus on research and development, particularly in emerging sectors like biotech, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
The irrigation automation market is a huge industry with established companies, cutting-edge startups, and technology suppliers. With a variety of irrigation automation options to meet the changing demands of farmers looking for effective and sustainable irrigation methods, each newcomer offers a distinct viewpoint.
Author Credits: Richa Gupta
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