Tenerife Launches AI-Driven Initiative to Combat Agricultural Water Shortages

The Tenerife Island Council is making the digitalization of the island’s countryside a top priority to protect local farming against increasing water shortages. Working alongside the Agrotech Canarias Cluster, the government has launched a plan to introduce advanced technology into agricultural operations, helping farmers manage water more professionally during frequent droughts.

The initiative centers on using artificial intelligence and machine learning to monitor farms. Building on the success of the REGADÍA project, the Council plans to roll out sensors that track soil moisture and environmental conditions in real time. This data will provide farmers and officials with the tools to predict exactly when and how much to irrigate, preventing water waste while ensuring crops remain healthy.

A recent meeting between the Minister of the Primary Sector, Valentín González, the Island Director of Tourism Strategy, Sonia Pagés, and agricultural experts signaled a shift in policy. The goal is to move these technologies out of the testing phase and into everyday use. By embracing precision agriculture, the Council aims to make farms more sustainable and profitable by lowering costs and increasing crop yields.

This move toward high-tech farming is a vital step in helping the Canary Islands adapt to a changing climate. By relying on data and scientific analysis rather than guesswork, the Council hopes to secure the future of a sector that is essential to both Tenerife’s economy and its landscape.