07 October 2025

Hughes do Brasil, a subsidiary of Hughes Network Systems known for satellite and managed network services, has announced a strategic partnership with startup Soil Tecnologia, which specialises in automation and monitoring solutions for central pivot irrigation systems.

The collaboration aims to bring enhanced connectivity and smart automation to agribusiness irrigation projects across Brazil, beginning with the far west of Bahia —a key agricultural region that recently became the country’s leading irrigation hub, accounting for nearly 10% of all pivots installed nationwide.

This partnership addresses a critical challenge in Bahian municipalities where much of the irrigation equipment operates without reliable connectivity. As a result, landowners often need to travel long distances to operate their systems, and issues with pivots are frequently detected too late, leading to crop losses, inefficient water use, and wasted energy. By leveraging advanced satellite terminals, Hughes plans to enable consistent connectivity for these remote irrigation devices, allowing rural producers to monitor and manage their systems conveniently via Soil’s mobile applications.

Ricardo Amaral, Vice President of Enterprise Sales and Marketing at Hughes Brazil, explained that their satellite connectivity solution employs IoT technology to monitor equipment, sensors, and operational processes in real-time, even in areas lacking terrestrial infrastructure. He emphasised that satellite technology can transform irrigation into a smarter, more sustainable process by optimising water resource use and reducing waste. When integrated with Soil Tecnologia’s app, this satellite connectivity allows farmers to generate detailed reports on each pivot’s performance, including water and energy consumption, as well as the irrigated area. The system also enables real-time monitoring of irrigation depth, ensuring each crop receives the appropriate amount of water.

In addition, the technology provides immediate notifications if any equipment unexpectedly shuts down, allowing operators to respond quickly and minimise crop impact. This innovative approach aims to modernise irrigation practices in Brazil, promoting efficiency, sustainability, and better resource management across the country’s agricultural sector.