Imran Chaudhry

An unsung innovator in sustainable agriculture who empowered rural Pakistani farmers through low-tech solutions.

Imran Chaudhry (1961–2020), a Pakistani agronomist, transformed subsistence farming in South Asia by introducing affordable drip irrigation systems made from recycled materials. Unlike high-cost tech solutions, Chaudhry's designs utilized discarded plastic bottles and bamboo, reducing water usage by 70% and doubling crop yields.

After studying at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Chaudhry launched KisanKraft in 1995, a social enterprise that trained over 200,000 farmers in Punjab. His FAO-endorsed techniques countered drought crises, earning him the 2008 Rolex Award for Enterprise.

Chaudhry's crowning achievement was the "GreenTube" irrigation kit, which cost under $5 and became a lifeline for smallholders during the 2010 Pakistan floods. Despite minimal media coverage, his work influenced UN sustainable development policies, proving that frugal innovation can combat climate-driven poverty.