Precision irrigation: empowering agriculture amid water scarcity

Precision irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, maximising efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. Zunel van Eeden spoke to Netafim South Africa's Charl van Reenen about this irrigation technique, which can help South African farmers address the challenges brought about by a water shortage.

- Charl van Reenen

South Africa is renowned for its diverse agricultural landscapes. However, some producers face significant challenges, particularly concerning their water needs in a water-scarce country. Precision irrigation stands out as a solution that can aid farmers in overcoming this challenge.

Charl van Reenen, agronomy manager at Netafim South Africa, explains that the availability of water directly influences crop yield, quality, and the sustainability of farming operations.

With the increasingly erratic rainfall patterns experienced in many areas and limited freshwater reserves, producers often struggle to secure sufficient water for irrigation during critical growth stages of their crops. For this reason, Van Reenen says producers need to be proactive and manage their use of available water resources to prevent setbacks. "Precision irrigation involves the application of water in a targeted manner, taking into account the specific needs of plants and optimising water-use efficiency," he adds. This approach contrasts with traditional methods like flood irrigation, which can lead to significant water wastage and inefficient resource allocation.

Netafim, recognised as the world's largest irrigation company and a leader in precision irrigation solutions, has been a cornerstone in South Africa's agricultural landscape since 1992. Operating from Kraaifontein in the Western Cape, Netafim South Africa serves the Southern African region with innovative irrigation solutions and dedicated services.

Driven by its slogan, 'Grow more with less', the company offers holistic irrigation solutions designed to empower producers of all sizes and types. The goal is to enable them to achieve increased productivity while minimising their resource use.