Walani, who is studying Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications and Electronics Engineering developed the system named Garden Monitoring System.

The innovation has sensors which will automatically irrigate the plants, if the moisture content underneath is very low and vice versa.

Walani said he got the idea to invent the system from Joshua Ngalande, who is alumnus at the same institution.  

“I thought of coming up with the Garden Monitoring System to add some features to upgrade Ngalande’s project. In this system, I have added moisture sensor that will give the required water content plants require. In addition, I have also added an automatically irrigation feature,” he narrated.

Ngalande who is a Service Strategy Planning and Development Manager at Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MLT), hailed Walani for his invention as the nation needs automation to farming as it is a key for national development.

He urged students venturing into the engineering field to develop high self-esteem. He advised that the road to success may be slippery, but they should not look at lack of finance as a hindering factor to their dreams.

 “Projects that The Polytechnic students are doing are important and they should keep on innovating them. Though, sometimes engineering can be a gamble. They may develop application that will take time to be implemented.  They should not lose hope and faith in what they are developing,” he advised.

The Polytechnic Design Studio Manager, Hillary Lodzanyama said the system is one of the creative ideas that has come from the design studio.

“From past years The Polytechnic Design studio has been recognised by developing projects that are mostly related to medical field. But, Walani took another dimension by inventing system that will help to improve agriculture sector in the country,” Lodzanyama said.