At the upcoming EIMA International Exhibition of Machinery for Agriculture and Gardening, taking place from November 6-10, 2024, in Bologna, Italy, the precision agriculture sector is set to witness significant innovations from Netafim, a leading player in the industry. The company will spotlight its latest advancements, GrowSphere™ and Orion PC™, both of which promise to enhance efficiency and sustainability in agricultural practices.
GrowSphere™ is poised to revolutionize the way farmers approach irrigation and fertigation. This all-in-one operating system automates these critical processes, making it easier for growers to manage their water and nutrient applications. By integrating agronomic expertise and crop data with cutting-edge digital farming technologies—such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and advanced data analytics—GrowSphere™ offers a comprehensive solution that caters to diverse agricultural needs across various topographies and climates.
The system stands out for its ability to combine three essential capabilities—hydraulic, operational, and agronomic—into a single platform. This integration not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures reliable implementation for farmers at all stages of their irrigation and fertigation automation journey. As the agricultural sector increasingly shifts toward precision farming, tools like GrowSphere™ will likely become indispensable for growers seeking to optimize their resource use while maximizing yields.
In addition to GrowSphere™, Netafim will unveil its Orion PC™, a groundbreaking thin-wall, pressure-compensated dripline designed for precision irrigation. This innovative product addresses several challenges that farmers face, including the need for uniform water distribution and resistance to clogging. The Orion PC™ dripline operates effectively across a broad pressure range, ensuring that crops receive consistent moisture and nutrients regardless of field shape or crop type.
One of the standout features of the Orion PC™ is its ability to lower operational costs significantly. By facilitating longer lateral runs, the dripline reduces the number of irrigation blocks required, which in turn conserves water, fertilizer, and energy. This design not only simplifies the overall irrigation system but also enhances profitability for farmers. With water scarcity becoming an increasingly pressing issue globally, solutions like Orion PC™ could play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The introduction of these two innovations comes at a time when the agricultural sector is under pressure to improve productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. As farmers grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, fluctuating market demands, and resource limitations, tools that enhance efficiency and sustainability are more critical than ever. Netafim’s commitment to providing advanced irrigation solutions aligns with the broader goals of the agritech industry, which is focused on leveraging technology to create a more resilient and sustainable food system.
Orbia Advance Corporation, S.A.B. de C.V., which operates Netafim, boasts a diverse portfolio across multiple sectors, including Polymer Solutions and Building & Infrastructure. With a global workforce of over 24,000 and commercial activities in more than 100 countries, Orbia is well-positioned to drive innovation in precision agriculture. The company’s presence at EIMA will not only showcase its latest technological advancements but also highlight its role in transforming the agricultural landscape.
As the industry gears up for EIMA 2024, the anticipation surrounding Netafim’s GrowSphere™ and Orion PC™ underscores the growing importance of precision agriculture in addressing the challenges of modern farming. With these innovations, farmers may find themselves better equipped to navigate the complexities of agricultural production while contributing to a more sustainable future.