News dated
On 15 October at the World Food Forum in Rome, FAO introduced IRMA, a digital platform linked to its initiative for mapping irrigation potential and needs. The tool is intended to help compare agricultural areas and identify priorities for intervention. [1]
The assessment combines existing irrigation, the physical conditions of land, sustainable development needs and expected benefits. Its aim is to support better-coordinated decisions and reduce financial and environmental risks. This is the launch of a planning tool: the source does not report new irrigation works built through IRMA or water savings already measured. [1]
The bright side
Comparing needs and conditions before investing can make decisions about water more transparent and connect them to the land they affect. [1]
One idea, in simple words
FAO introduced a digital tool called IRMA in Rome on 15 October. It is designed to help people choose where and how to plan irrigation, which means bringing water to crops. The platform considers existing systems, the conditions of the land, needs and expected benefits. Imagine, as an example, two farming areas: before deciding on an investment, you need to understand what each requires, rather than simply comparing their size. A planning tool brings useful information together to help that choice. It does not decide on its own or build canals and pipes. IRMA’s launch has been announced. Finding out whether it saves water or improves harvests will require practical applications and checks on their results. [1]
A little discovery to keep
What did you discover?
Straight from the source.
- World Food Forum 2026: FAO calls for smarter water governance to safeguard food security FAO · 15 Oct 2026
Original reporting summaries prepared with AI assistance and accessible sources. Our editorial method.
