Gishari Integrated Polytechnic Regional School (IPRC) has started an SMS-controlled Wireless Irrigation System programme aimed at improving irrigation in the country.

The wireless sensor network controls water flow for sectored, sprinkler or drip section irrigation.

While launching the programme on Tuesday, the school administrators said they would teach students and the public how the technology works.

The system helps irrigate crops with the right amount of water. We intend to have it used across the country. In today’s world, any operation can be done by sitting in a remote place,” said Jean d’Amour Mirembe, the technician who designed the system.

Mirembe said the school was preparing learners to face the challenge of growing globalisation and international competition.

She said the major aim was to enhance students’ competitive capacity by equiping them with modern technological skills.

"The SMS irrigation technology will be taught to our students. It is user-friendly and we intend to roll it out across the country,” she said.

The system works based on two different receiving signals. For the first signal, when a mobile phone located on the electrical circuit of the system receives the first calling signal, it triggers the pump located into the water source near the field to irrigate the crops. The second signal is for switch off of the system after a certain period of time.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sam Karemera, the school principal, said the technological innovation is important for the economy.

He reaffirmed the school’s commitment to produce highly skilled students who can contribute toward the development of the country.

"Technological innovations will determine the future of our country,” he said.

"The system will be instrumental in vegetable growing, particularly the popular kitchen gardens. It is economical in terms of the hardware cost, power consumption and call charges,” he added.

Agriculture is a source of livelihood for the majority of Rwandans.

Farmers have welcomed the new technology, saying it will help improve agriculture productivity.

"The SMS irrigation system will save us the burden of walking long distances to irrigate our crops,” said Aloys Kanamugire, a farmer.

Gishari Integrated Polytechnic was set up at the Police Training School in Rwamagana District, in 2013, to help improve the capacity of the Force and local residents.