They address water scarcity and energy challenges with its IoT-based solar drip irrigation system, promoting sustainability, empowering farmers, and conserving resources.
Water scarcity is one of the looming climate-induced challenges threatening to hinder Bangladesh's economic progress. A significant contributor to this crisis is the overconsumption and excessive extraction of groundwater. The situation shows no signs of abating, with a recent report by WaterAid projecting a 37% increase in water consumption in the country by 2040.
Agriculture is an industry that not only contributes to the water scarcity crisis but is also among the most vulnerable to its impacts. According to a report by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), agriculture accounts for approximately 58% of water consumption in Bangladesh. 88% of which is used for rice production, with dry season rice requiring more water than wet season varieties.
With climate change intensifying the already severe drought conditions across Bangladesh, the industry is increasingly likely to rely on groundwater. While groundwater is relatively easy to access, its availability is extremely limited.
Drip Irrigation BD Ltd is an agri-tech initiative focusing on enhancing agricultural efficiency and sustainability by developing advanced irrigation solutions, and is working to tackle exactly that.
With its IoT-based Solar Drip Irrigation System, Drip Irrigation BD Ltd. desires to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by farmers, particularly in water-scarce and resource-limited regions.
“Our founding team observed firsthand how traditional irrigation practices often lead to water waste, high energy costs, and labor-intensive processes, all of which can be overwhelming for farmers,” says Md. Riaj Uddin, Chief Operating Officer at Drip Irrigation BD Ltd.
Their Solar Drip Irrigation System uses IoT technology to optimize water distribution directly to plant roots, which reduces water waste and boosts crop yield, according to Riaj.
A single solution addressing multiple challenges
Besides water scarcity, Drip Irrigation BD Ltd. is also solving, among other problems, over dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Riaj says, “Many farmers rely on costly or unreliable energy sources for irrigation. By integrating solar power, we offer a sustainable, cost-effective energy solution, reducing farmers' operational costs.”
They also focus on reducing environmental pollution by repurposing plastic waste in irrigation systems and enhancing efficiency through IoT automation, enabling farmers to save labor, time, and resources.
The rise of IoT and solar energy technologies inspired the team to create an irrigation system that automates processes, conserves energy, and allows remote control. "This helps farmers save time, cut costs, and improve convenience," says Riaj.
Not an Easy Feat
Starting Drip Irrigation BD Ltd. was no easy feat, according to Riaj, as they faced significant challenges in technical development, funding, and market adoption.
Developing an IoT-based solar drip irrigation system required balancing advanced technology with affordability, while incorporating recycled plastics added design and production challenges. "We had to source skilled professionals to ensure the system's reliability," he says.
“Securing initial funding was another major obstacle, as agriculture tech in emerging markets is often viewed as high-risk, requiring us to pitch our vision repeatedly to attract support from investors and grants”, Riaj added.
One of the other challenges the team faced was introducing innovative IoT-enabled solutions in a traditionally driven farming sector which meant educating farmers on the technology's value and building their trust in its long-term benefits.
Navigating the Target Market
Navigating the market for Drip Irrigation BD Ltd. meant understanding farmers' needs and demonstrating the value of their IoT-based solar irrigation system. "Our focus is on small to medium-sized farmers, often unfamiliar with advanced agricultural technology," says Riaj.
So the team started reaching out to the farmers who were hesitant in adopting the new technologies, particularly IoT-enabled solutions. With initiatives such as community outreach, pilot programs, and on-site demonstrations, they managed to give the farmers first-hand experience of the system which helped them better understand its impact on productivity.
The Drip Irrigation BD Ltd. team quickly realized the need for collaboration, engaging government bodies, NGOs, and agricultural organizations. Riaj added, "These stakeholders provide financial support and credibility to build farmers' trust."
Journey with Orange Corners Bangladesh
Joining the incubation programme was a strategic move to accelerate growth and amplify impact on sustainable agriculture,” says Riaj as he reflects on his journey.
The team recognized the need for seeking specialized mentorship, resources, and networks to navigate the challenges of agritech and clean energy.
Discovering the programme through industry contacts and online research, they were drawn by its focus on sustainability and social impact, perfectly aligning with their vision. They joined the inaugural cohort of the Incubation programme by Orange Corners Bangladesh in June 2023, and graduated after six months. According to Riaj, the programme provided access to expert guidance, industry connections, and investor networks, enabling them to refine their strategies and accelerate growth.
“We learned how to refine our business model to focus on scalability and sustainability, balancing profit goals with our mission to support farmers and protect the environment,” he added.
The programme's coaching, guidance, and networks helped refine their operations, tackle product challenges, secure investments, and enhance resource management, he added.
Growth and Achievement
In November 2024, Drip Irrigation BD Ltd. recently secured £32,330 in Track II funding from Orange Corners Bangladesh, building on their earlier achievement of unlocking £5,000 in Track I funding in May earlier in the year following their successful graduation from the incubation programme.
The funding helped them advance product development with a market-ready prototype and conduct successful pilot programs that engaged small to medium-sized farmers.
Strategic partnerships with agricultural cooperatives, NGOs, and local stakeholders have expanded their reach, while increased visibility through events and competitions has boosted awareness and opened new opportunities.
These achievements have driven revenue growth, a growing customer base, and refined product scalability, positioning the company for sustained success and impact in sustainable agriculture, according to Riaj.
Driving Positive Impact
Drip Irrigation BD Ltd. is driving social and environmental impact through sustainable farming practices, resource conservation, and farmer empowerment. Their IoT-based solar drip irrigation system conserves water, with farmers reporting up to 40% less water usage, and reduces reliance on costly, environmentally harmful energy sources by integrating solar power.
Strategic partnerships formed through the incubation programme have further amplified their impact. Collaborations with agricultural cooperatives have expanded their reach, while partnerships with NGOs and government bodies have supported funding, outreach, and alignment with sustainability goals. Industry collaborations in IoT and renewable energy have enhanced product efficiency and cost-effectiveness, providing resources and expertise that support scaling and long-term growth.
Expansion, Innovation and Collaboration
Over the next five years, Drip Irrigation BD Ltd. aims to scale its impact by expanding geographically across Bangladesh and South Asia, enhancing its IoT-based solar irrigation system with advanced features, and deepening partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and agritech firms. Their plans include scaling production with cost-effective methods and increasing the use of recycled materials.
The company has sought support in securing funding, accessing advanced technology, and building robust distribution networks to penetrate new markets.
To learn more about Orange Corners Bangladesh, visit: https://www.orangecorners.com/country/bangladesh/
