Economic and Environmental Evaluation of IoT-Based Smart Irrigation Systems for Rice Cultivation in South Korea

Rice serves as a primary food source for more than half of the world’s population, but its production demands large amounts of water, raising concerns about food security. This study examines the impact of IoT-enabled smart irrigation systems (MIS) in South Korea, focusing on paddy field areas and rice yields across different provinces. Implementation of MIS led to a 20–50% reduction in water usage, up to an 88% decrease in labor requirements, and lower fuel and energy consumption, while boosting rice yields by around 39% and reducing the water footprint per unit of production by 29%. Despite these benefits, high initial costs and technical complexity may limit adoption among small-scale farmers. Overall, the results highlight the potential of MIS to enhance economic efficiency, environmental sustainability, and productivity, contributing to climate-smart and sustainable rice cultivation.