Google has unveiled four new partnerships aimed at advancing water stewardship and promoting sustainable farming practices across the globe. These initiatives are part of Google’s ongoing commitment to replenish 120% of the freshwater volume it consumes by 2030.
Supporting farmers in Chile’s Maipo Basin
In central Chile’s semi-arid Maipo River basin, agriculture accounts for approximately 75% of water demand. Prolonged droughts have severely impacted local farmers. Collaborating with Agua Segura and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), Google is aiding the rehabilitation of a storage reservoir and the lining of an irrigation canal. These infrastructure improvements are vital for smallholder farmers reliant on consistent water availability for their livelihoods.
Innovative irrigation in California’s dairy industry
California’s dairy sector contributes over 21% of the United States’ milk supply, with traditional flood irrigation methods posing challenges to water conservation. Partnering with Sustainable Conservation, Google is demonstrating a pioneering manure drip irrigation system. This technique delivers a blend of freshwater and nutrients directly to crop root zones, enabling dairies to utilise manure nutrients efficiently, conserve water, and safeguard local groundwater resources.
Piloting efficient rice irrigation in Taiwan
Water scarcity in Taiwan has hindered rice cultivation, affecting both livelihoods and food security. Google’s collaboration with N-Drip involves a pilot project in Changhua County, installing precision gravity-powered drip irrigation systems on rice fields. By replacing traditional flood irrigation, this initiative aims to reduce water demand and labour requirements, potentially serving as a scalable model for future agricultural practices.
AI-Driven irrigation for French potato farmers
In France’s Seine River basin, semi-arid conditions necessitate efficient irrigation strategies. Google is partnering with xFarm Technologies to implement an AI-powered irrigation module on potato farms. This system analyses crop needs alongside environmental data to provide farmers with precise irrigation recommendations, enhancing water use efficiency, crop quality, and resource conservation.
These collaborations highlights Google’s dedication to leveraging technology and partnerships to address global water scarcity challenges. By supporting innovative irrigation solutions, Google aims to assist farmers worldwide in adopting resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.
