Mechanization and Technology

Orbia Netafim and Amazon India Partner to Implement Drip Irrigation Projects Expected to Save 325 Million Liters of Water Annually

04 March 2026, New Delhi: Orbia Advance Corporation’s precision agriculture business Netafim has announced two water stewardship initiatives with Amazon India that aim to save approximately 325 million liters of water annually through the adoption of drip irrigation systems in agricultural areas near Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

The projects will introduce drip irrigation across 80 hectares in the western agricultural belt of Bengaluru and 40 hectares in the northern agricultural belt of Hyderabad, benefiting more than 110 independent farms. The initiative is expected to save 175 million liters of water annually in the Bengaluru region and 150 million liters in the Hyderabad region.

In Bengaluru, farms cultivating gourd and tomato crops will transition from traditional flood irrigation to drip irrigation systems across 80 hectares. The project is expected to benefit around 70 independent farmers. In the Hyderabad region, about 40 hectares of maize and vegetable farms will adopt drip irrigation, benefiting approximately 40 farmers.

The initiative is aligned with Amazon’s goal of becoming water positive in India by 2027, returning more water to communities than it uses in its direct operations.

Water availability is under pressure in both Bengaluru and Hyderabad, as well as across the wider regions of Karnataka and Telangana. Improving irrigation efficiency in surrounding agricultural belts is expected to reduce water consumption while maintaining agricultural productivity.

Farmers participating in the Bengaluru project currently draw water from sources connected to the Thippagondanahalli Reservoir, commonly known as TG Halli Reservoir, which supplies water to several areas of western and northern Bengaluru, including residential neighborhoods, commercial zones and Amazon facilities.

In Hyderabad, participating farms draw water from sources linked to the Kondapochamma Sagar Reservoir, a balancing reservoir that forms part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.

Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India and Australia, said the initiative focuses on practical solutions that support irrigation efficiency and water security in water-stressed regions.

“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. We’re committed to such collaborations as part of effort to support responsible water use in India,” Singh said.

Under the initiative, farms transitioning from flood irrigation to drip irrigation are expected to reduce water consumption while maintaining crop productivity and stabilizing yields. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plant root zone in controlled quantities, reducing evaporation, runoff and excess water use.

Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions at Orbia Netafim, said the collaboration demonstrates how precision irrigation can support farmers and local water systems.

“We are proud to collaborate with Amazon on this important initiative, which demonstrates how precision irrigation can deliver real impact for farmers and communities alike. By helping farmers transition to drip irrigation, we are improving water efficiency, strengthening livelihoods, and contributing to broader water security efforts. This project reflects Orbia Netafim’s long-standing global commitment to water stewardship and climate-resilient agriculture,” Moldavsky said.

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