PROBLEM & STORY

RaiSmart grew from building real IoT systems and field learning. During our visit to Phanom Sarakham District, Chachoengsao (Thailand), we repeatedly observed the same pattern: irrigation takes significant time, varies across rows, and becomes a risk when the farmer is off-site. To avoid losses, many farmers “water just in case,” increasing water and electricity use without guaranteeing consistent outcomes.

Smallholder farmers face a shared challenge: delivering consistent irrigation under real constraints including time, labor, uneven field conditions, and limited infrastructure, while minimizing water and energy waste.

Variability across rows

Soil and moisture differ across the plot, so fixed-duration watering creates both dry spots and overwatered zones.

Decisions under uncertainty

Without timely signals, farmers hedge by “watering just in case,” raising water and energy use without consistent outcomes.

Crop stress risk

Short periods of under-watering stress plants, while overwatering increases disease risk—both reduce yield quality.

Off-grid constraints

Limited or unreliable electricity means solutions must be solar-ready, energy-efficient, and stable in real field conditions.

Design constraints

• Affordable and low-maintenance for 
non-technical users

• Works with tank/pond water 
(not dependent on constant tap pressure)

• Solar-ready (off-grid capable) and 
energy-efficient

• Practical installation across long rows; protected from heat/moisture

Approach

RaiSmart automates irrigation using soil-moisture thresholds: water only when needed and stop at a target level to reduce overwatering. The system is designed for solar-ready operation and pilot monitoring, with manual override when necessary.

Key metrics (what we measure)

• Irrigation time (min/day)

• Water used (L/day)

• Pump runtime (min/day)

• Moisture stability (% time within target band)

• Field checking trips (trips/week)