Netafim India celebrates 60 years of transforming agriculture through precision irrigation

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

MUMBAI, JULY 23, 2025

Netafim India, the Indian subsidiary of Orbia’s Precision Agriculture business and a global pioneer in precision irrigation, is celebrating a remarkable 60-year legacy of agricultural innovation, climate resilience, and farmer empowerment. Established in 1965, Netafim began its journey in the arid lands of Israel and went on to introduce the world’s first commercial dripper in 1966. Today, its solutions are powering sustainable agriculture across continents — with India being one of its most impactful frontiers.

In India, Netafim’s influence has been transformative. Over the years, it has empowered more than 1.2 million farmers and brought 1.3 million hectares of farmland under the umbrella of smart irrigation. These precision solutions have enabled Indian farmers to increase crop yields by 30 to 40 percent while cutting water usage by up to 50 percent. In a country where agriculture faces multiple challenges, from erratic rainfall to water scarcity, Netafim’s contribution to building a water-efficient and climate-resilient farming ecosystem is both timely and vital.

To commemorate its six-decade journey, Netafim India has announced a large-scale farmer education initiative that will span ten states and reach over one lakh farmers. The program places special emphasis on small and marginal landholders, women farmers, and farmer producer groups, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable farming practices. This initiative underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to grassroots empowerment and inclusive agricultural growth.

Reflecting on the milestone, Randhir Chauhan, Managing Director of Netafim India, emphasized that the 60-year celebration is not merely a retrospective moment, but a renewed pledge to the future of agriculture. He stated that Netafim’s mission remains focused on helping Indian farmers grow more with less, while addressing the unique environmental and socio-economic conditions of the country. Highlighting the company’s trusted role in supporting key government policies and public-private partnerships, Chauhan noted that Netafim’s success stems from the enduring trust of farmers, the strength of its partnerships, and the passion of its people.

The 60th anniversary is also being celebrated internally with the launch of a nationwide campaign titled “Celebrating 60 Years of Leadership.” With over 1,200 employees spread across India, the campaign is designed to foster greater connection between the company and farming communities. Initiatives include a 60-day volunteer program encouraging employees to engage with farmers, a storytelling series spotlighting employee experiences, and professional development programs aimed at nurturing future agricultural leaders. These celebrations will take place across all Netafim India offices, manufacturing units, and field locations, bringing together employees, partners, and farmers in a spirit of collective achievement. At the heart of the celebrations lies the company’s employee value proposition, “Where Purpose Comes to Life,” a testament to its deep-rooted commitment to meaningful, purpose-driven work.

Over the past year, Netafim has introduced several breakthrough innovations designed to enhance productivity and sustainability. Among these is GrowSphere, a cutting-edge digital farming operating system that supports real-time, data-driven decision-making on the field. The company also unveiled the world’s first hybrid dripper with a welded outlet, offering greater efficiency and durability. In India, Netafim launched the Toofan dripline, a high-performance solution tailored specifically for the needs of small and marginal farmers. These innovations are being deployed across a wide spectrum of Indian agriculture — from the vineyards of Maharashtra and the banana fields of Tamil Nadu to cotton farms in Gujarat and sugarcane plantations in Uttar Pradesh — helping farmers make the most of their resources.

Netafim’s legacy is one of unwavering innovation, resilience, and partnership. For 60 years, it has not only led the way in drip and micro-irrigation but also redefined what it means to cultivate with care. As it looks to the future, Netafim India remains steadfast in its mission to drive sustainable agriculture, empower farming communities, and ensure food and water security for generations to come.