Orbia Netafim targets smaller farms with new digital irrigation system

Orbia Netafim has launched GrowSphere FLEX, a smart irrigation and fertigation controller for smallholder and mid-sized farmers, as the company expands its digital agriculture portfolio. The system is intended to provide a lower-complexity entry point into connected irrigation automation while complementing GrowSphere MAX, which is designed for larger commercial operations.

Netafim said farms of less than two hectares account for about 84% of farms worldwide and produce roughly one-third of global food supplies. GrowSphere FLEX is designed to help these growers reduce manual irrigation tasks and improve water and nutrient management. The system features built-in cellular connectivity and can be configured for different crops, field layouts and farm sizes.

Through GrowSphere Workspace, farmers can remotely manage irrigation and fertigation, monitor field and system performance using sensors, reports and alerts, and access cloud-based insights. A Crop Advisor function provides recommendations based on crop growth stages. The system is designed for open fields, orchards, vineyards, citrus operations, greenhouses and nurseries and has undergone a year-long beta phase across multiple regions and irrigation conditions.

“FLEX is bringing Agriculture 4.0 within reach for farms of different sizes, needs and stages of digital adoption,” said Gaby Miodownik, president of Orbia’s Precision Agriculture business.

Netafim said GrowSphere already has thousands of users managing more than 100,000 hectares across dozens of countries. GrowSphere FLEX is being introduced through a phased global rollout.

Sources: Netafim — GrowSphere FLEX