Netafim Launches Drip Irrigation ProductHome

Drip irrigation is today recognized as the most advanced and efficient form of irrigation in the world. Netafim, which pioneered the invention 50 years ago, is the leader in the field, with 2 million customers in 110 countries, and 150 billion drippers produced since 1965. However up until today, this form of irrigation was usually limited to fruit orchards and vegetable fields, due mainly to cost considerations.

"The world is facing a major food shortage challenge, and we have been thinking a lot about how we can make an impact in this arena," says Zeif. The conclusion was entering the basic food crops arena, such as corn, sugar cane and rice. "The challenge was to create a version of the drip irrigation technology which would be cost-effective and tailored to this type of crop. This is how Aries™ was born."

Aries™ is the first product in the company's line of next-gen drippers, to be followed by Orion™. The next-gen drippers irrigate at lower flow rates and higher flow uniformity. Overall the new line reduces the investment required for installation, and cuts labor costs by irrigating large plots while minimizing in-field shifting to further enhance grower profitability. "These advantages make the next-gen drippers a viable option for basic food crop growers," concludes Zeif.

This new line of drippers is not the first time Netafim has tackled the food shortage crisis. The company also develops kits for small farmers, to help them increase water efficiency and improve yield. "There are 500 million small farmers in the world," explains Zeif, "they have limited resources, and they are the most vulnerable to climate change and water shortage issues. We're proud to be helping them become sustainable, and profitable."

Source: Netafim