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Netafim Celebrates 30 Years in Brazil, Leading the Drip Irrigation Sector with a Focus on Sustainable Development, Water Efficiency, and Agricultural Productivity.
Netafim is celebrating, in November 2024, its three decades of presence in Brazil, marking its prominent position in the field of drip irrigation. During this period, the company has focused on innovations aimed at the efficient use of water resources, promoting agronomic practices that contribute to sustainable development.
CEO Ricardo Almeida highlights the importance of the technologies developed, which have been essential in facing various challenges over the years. Netafim not only leads in the irrigation segment but also invests in advanced irrigation systems that benefit the agricultural sector. Through drip systems, the company has helped farmers increase productivity, reduce water waste, and ensure greater sustainability in cultivation.
Brazilian Agriculture and the Transformation in the Sector
Since its arrival in Brazil in 1994, Netafim has been a key player in the revolution of the field through solutions aimed at increasing efficiency in the use of water and other resources, promoting greater agricultural productivity in crops such as sugarcane, coffee, grains, vegetables, and citrus. Ricardo Almeida, CEO of Netafim Brazil, shares the vision that has guided the company over these nearly three decades.
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After soybeans, producers in the northwestern region of São Paulo are betting on sorghum in areas of up to 900 hectares and see the crop as a more economical and climate-resistant solution to ensure income, even with challenges of rain, drought, and lack of storage facilities.
Netafim’s Commitment to Water Efficiency
‘From the beginning, our goal has always been to help farmers overcome the challenges of modern agriculture, focusing on water efficiency and the sustainable use of resources’, emphasizes Almeida. ‘Netafim is a pioneer in the irrigation sector and is continually introducing innovations that make a significant difference in the Brazilian field.’
The Evolution of Irrigation in Brazil
Over the past three decades, irrigation in Brazil has undergone a remarkable transformation. In the 1990s, few cultivated areas were benefited from irrigation systems, and the technologies available were not very efficient in water and energy use. With the growth of the Brazilian agricultural sector, one of the most competitive in the world, irrigation has become essential to increase productivity and ensure harvests in areas with water deficits.
Growth of Irrigated Area and Climate Impacts
According to the National Water Agency (ANA), the country currently has about 8.2 million hectares irrigated, and the forecast is that this area will increase to over 13 million hectares by 2040. This expansion is crucial to raise agricultural production and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) reinforces that irrigated areas are, on average, 2.7 times more productive than non-irrigated areas, highlighting the role of technology in Brazil’s agricultural competitiveness.
Innovations and Drip Systems
The adoption of advanced technologies, such as drip systems, has been a game-changer, allowing for rational water use and more efficient nutrient distribution directly to the plant roots. Netafim played a key role in introducing systems that increased water efficiency and helped transform the Brazilian agricultural sector. The company brought technological innovations that became references, meeting the specific needs of various crops such as coffee, grains, sugarcane, citrus, and vegetables.
Positive Impact on Farmers’ Lives
Since entering the Brazilian market, Netafim has supported and driven these advances, positively impacting the lives of thousands of farmers throughout the country. Its actions have helped break down barriers in the adoption of new technologies, directly contributing to the sustainable development of irrigated agriculture. Today, with a more tech-savvy agriculture, irrigation is seen as an essential solution to face climate change and the challenges of sustainable production.
Netafim and Advanced Technologies
Over the years, Netafim has positioned itself as one of the main drivers of advanced technologies for the irrigation sector. Through innovative solutions, such as the concept of digital farming and digital irrigation systems with real-time control, the company has optimized water and input usage, allowing farmers to make more precise and efficient decisions. Netafim has installed over 20,000 projects in Brazil, irrigating more than 700,000 hectares across various crops, which is fundamental for the country’s agricultural competitiveness.
The Impact of Technology on Competitiveness
‘Our presence in Brazil has helped transform farmers’ perspectives and use of irrigation, and we are proud to be part of this journey’, says Almeida. With the collaboration of distributors, large producers, and agricultural sector institutions, Netafim has consolidated itself as a reference, contributing to water efficiency and increasing agricultural productivity.
Challenges and Strategic Partnerships
Over these three decades, Netafim has faced challenges, from the lack of awareness about the quick return on investment in drip systems, to initial resistance to adopting new technologies, and even economic crises. ‘Our success is directly linked to the trust of farmers and the strategic partnerships developed over time’, claims Almeida. Partnerships have been crucial for Netafim’s growth in Brazil, allowing for continuous collaboration that has strengthened innovation in the agricultural sector.
The Future of Irrigation and Netafim’s Commitment
Looking to the future, Netafim is attentive to the trends and challenges that the agricultural sector will face, such as climate change and the increase in global demand for food. For Almeida, irrigation will become increasingly crucial to ensure sustainable food production. ‘Brazilian agriculture has enormous potential, and irrigation will be vital to realize it. We are ready to lead this transformation in the coming years’, he states. The CEO reinforces that Netafim’s vision is to continue innovating and contributing to the development of agriculture in Brazil, always focusing on sustainability and efficiency.
Netafim Brazil: 30 Years of History
‘Our phrase for these 30 years, ‘Netafim Brazil 30 Years – Irrigating the Present, Transforming the Future of Agriculture’, reflects our commitment to the agricultural sector and the future. We are prepared to continue irrigating the present and help transform the future of agriculture. It has been 30 years, and it’s just the beginning’, concludes Ricardo Almeida. Founded in a small kibbutz in Israel nearly 60 years ago, Netafim has established itself as a worldwide leader in irrigation solutions, revolutionizing water efficiency and increasing agricultural productivity.
Innovative Solutions from Netafim
With operations in over 110 countries, Netafim arrived in Brazil in the 1990s, bringing a complete portfolio of innovative drip irrigation products and solutions. These solutions aim to contribute to the efficient use of water, increase agricultural productivity, and provide more peace of mind to rural producers.
Source: Netafim Press
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