Thirteen-year-old Aniket Sarkar has initiated a project called moisture farming, aimed at addressing the critical challenge of drought. Residing in Pine View School’s seventh grade, Aniket has designed a cost-effective system that captures water vapour from the atmosphere. This innovative approach transforms vapour into liquid water, which can be utilised for agricultural purposes.

The inspiration for Aniket’s project arose from his reflection on the pressures that droughts impose on farmers, food availability, and pricing. He presents his project with enthusiasm, referring to it as an “atmospheric solution to agriculture.” His work has garnered him a position among the national finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

His first prototype was crafted using accessible materials like a plastic bucket, copper coils, an aluminium foil roll, and a pump. The fundamental mechanism operates by cooling the surface of the copper pipes with ice-cold water. This process leads to the condensation of water vapour from the air, allowing for collection in a reservoir.

Advancements in Design and Efficiency

Following the initial model, Aniket upgraded his design significantly. His second prototype incorporated a fan to enhance airflow, as well as double copper coils to improve condensation efficiency. Additionally, foam insulation was added around both the bucket and the container that holds the cold water to enhance performance.

During tests conducted at various intervals, including overnight assessments, the second prototype reportedly harvested nearly twice the amount of water compared to the first model. Aniket also measured soil moisture levels, obtaining results of over 65 per cent moisture from his second prototype, contrasted with approximately 5 per cent from dry soil in a demonstration.

The effectiveness of this prototype indicates a potential for broader applications in agriculture, as Aniket’s findings underline the capacity to provide necessary moisture to crops through innovative means.

A Vision Beyond the Classroom

Aniket’s aspirations extend well beyond his school project. He envisions large-scale systems resembling grain bins installed on agricultural lands, equipped with rows of copper coils inside. These systems would employ compressors to maintain colder temperatures in the coils while fans would facilitate the intake of atmospheric air. The water collected could be stored for subsequent irrigation use.

Furthermore, Aniket sees the potential for such systems to be powered by solar panels and other renewable energy sources, aligning his project with sustainable practices. His immediate goal involves creating a planter-bed model that could serve as a prototype for home gardening, offering a practical demonstration of his concept.

This project is a manifestation of Aniket’s enduring interest in science and engineering, nurtured through experiences in rocketry, robotics, and STEM fairs, which have motivated him to persist in experimentation and innovation. With a clear vision for his future, Aniket aims to become an environmental engineer within the next 15 years, aspiring to develop solutions that tackle climate and environmental issues.

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