Upgrading Agricultural Irrigation: From Open Canals to Buried Oriented PVC Pipelines

Agriculture remains a key pillar for local economies and food security, making efficient water management more critical than ever. Climate change, growing urbanisation and the overexploitation of water resources have made the modernisation of irrigation infrastructure an urgent priority. Traditionally, many agricultural areas in Southeast Asia still rely on open canals or ditches, systems that, although effective for generations, show significant limitations in the face of today’s challenges.

The transition to pressurised systems using buried pipelines represents a transformative shift in how irrigational water is distributed. In this context, TOM® pipes made from Oriented PVC (PVC-O), developed by Molecor, emerge as an advanced and highly efficient solution for modernizing agriculture across Southeast Asia.

Why Make the Switch? Advantages of Buried Pipelines Over Traditional Ditches
For centuries, open ditches have been the conventional method for distributing water in rural farming areas, where gravity could be used to great effect. However, over time, these infrastructures have revealed significant drawbacks under modern agricultural demands. Water losses due to infiltration and evaporation, difficulties in ensuring equal distribution between plots and high maintenance costs are just a few of the challenges. Additionally, being exposed to the elements leads to sediment build-up, algae growth and debris intrusion, ultimately lowering the quality of water reaching the crops.

In response to these issues, many farmers have opted to upgrade their water networks, replacing open canals with buried pipeline systems, among which PVC-O stands out as one of the most efficient and sustainable solutions available. This type of pipeline not only drastically reduces water losses by preventing leakage and evaporation but also improves flow and pressure control, allowing for much more precise water resource management.

PVC-O pipes offer significant technical advantages. Their mechanical strength and light weight make them easy to install and long-lasting, even in remote or hard-to-reach agricultural areas. Thanks to their extremely smooth interior surface, water flows with less friction, which means less energy is required to move it. Furthermore, their durability and resistance to corrosion ensure a long service life with minimal maintenance.

Oriented PVC Class 500 by Molecor
Among the many options on the market, Molecor sets itself apart through its unique technology, which leads the way in PVC-O water transport innovation. Thanks to Molecor’s exclusive air-based molecular orientation system, the company can manufacture Class 500 PVC-O pipes with nominal diameters of up to 1,200mm and nominal pressures of up to 25 bar.

Beyond their technical benefits, TOM® pipes are also recognised for their low environmental impact. This has been officially validated with the MyHijau certification, awarded by the Malaysian government, recognising them as a green, sustainable product. In addition, Molecor has published an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), independently verified, which provides objective data confirming the reduced environmental footprint of its pipes throughout their lifecycle.

These recognitions make TOM® pipes an ideal choice for sustainable development plans in Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines, where water efficiency and environmental responsibility are increasingly being incorporated into national agricultural policies.

A Greener, More Efficient Future for Agriculture in Southeast Asia
The shift from open ditches to pressurised networks using buried pipelines is not just a technical upgrade, it’s a structural transformation in how water is perceived and managed in agriculture. These projects aim not only to optimise water use but also to reduce energy costs and increase the environmental sustainability of the sector. At a time when water scarcity and climate change pose growing threats, investing in such infrastructure is an investment in the future of farming.

Implementing modern irrigation systems based on TOM® PVC-O pipes not only enhances agricultural productivity but also significantly contributes to the sustainability of local ecosystems. By reducing water losses, minimising energy consumption and ensuring responsible resource use, this solution is a smart and strategic move toward a more resilient, tech-driven agriculture aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With its cutting-edge technology and strong environmental commitment, Molecor stands as a strategic ally in the water transformation of Southeast Asia’s agricultural landscape.