Key Takeaways
- Orbia Netafim launched two water stewardship initiatives with Amazon India
- Projects aim to save approximately 325 million liters of water annually
- Drip irrigation will replace flood irrigation across 120 hectares in Bengaluru and Hyderabad
- Initiatives support Amazon’s goal to become water positive in India by 2027
- Programs are designed to improve water efficiency while maintaining crop productivity
Orbia Netafim Expands Precision Irrigation in India
Orbia Advance Corporation’s Precision Agriculture business, Netafim, announced two water stewardship initiatives in collaboration with Amazon India. The projects are expected to save approximately 175 million liters of water annually in Bengaluru’s western agricultural belt and 150 million liters annually in northern Hyderabad, totaling approximately 325 million liters per year.
In Bengaluru, the initiative will convert traditional flood irrigation to drip irrigation across 80 hectares of gourd and tomato farms, benefiting around 70 independent farmers. In Hyderabad, 40 hectares of maize and vegetable farms will transition to drip irrigation, benefiting approximately 40 farmers.
The initiatives are aligned with Amazon’s commitment to become water positive in India by 2027 by returning more water to communities than is used in its direct operations.
Addressing Regional Water Stress
Farmers in Bengaluru participating in the program draw water from sources connected to the TG Halli Reservoir, which supplies water to parts of west and north Bengaluru, including residential and commercial areas. In Hyderabad, participating farms rely on sources linked to the Kondapochamma Sagar reservoir, part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.
By replacing flood irrigation systems with drip irrigation, the projects aim to reduce water consumption while stabilizing yields. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots in controlled quantities, reducing evaporation, runoff, and overuse.
Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations for Amazon India and Australia, stated: “This initiative focuses on practical solutions that make a measurable difference on the ground, helping farmers improve the efficiency of their irrigation systems while contributing to water security in water-stressed regions.”
Orbia Netafim Advances Water Stewardship
Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions at Orbia Netafim, said: “By helping farmers transition to drip irrigation, we are improving water efficiency, strengthening livelihoods, and contributing to broader water security efforts.”
Orbia Netafim indicated that the collaboration builds on previous irrigation modernization efforts in Karnataka and reflects its broader sustainability strategy focused on climate-resilient agriculture and basin-level water solutions. The partnership represents the first collaboration between Amazon India and Orbia Netafim targeting water efficiency in rapidly growing urban regions.
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