AgBlog

Sugarcane cultivation in Northeast Brazil has long been threatened by the Giant Borer, a pest that can severely damage the crop, reducing productivity by as much as 65%. The Giant Borer drills into cane stalks, and destroying sugarcane quality. Recent years have seen a rise in infestations, especially in the northeastern states, intensifying the struggle for growers.

Despite occasional setbacks, the 2023-24 cotton season was a great success – with a mostly mild summer and some helpful rain events to keep the season pushing along. Growers reported low insect pressure, and despite sporadic hail events, most growers ended the season with high yields.

As the effects of climate change continue to unfold, they pose a significant threat to global agriculture. Crops we rely on every day, those that nourish us and fuel our economies, are becoming increasingly vulnerable. From coffee beans that jump-start our mornings to rice that sustains billions of people worldwide, climate change is transforming how and where these staple crops are grown. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and shifting ecosystems are forcing us to rethink traditional farming practices.

Drip irrigation, celebrated for its precision and efficiency, is a game-changer for sustainable agriculture. It conserves water, cuts down on fertilizer use, and boosts crop yields, addressing some of the most pressing agricultural challenges. Yet, despite these advantages, it’s been adopted on only 4-5% of irrigated land globally. Why hasn’t this groundbreaking technology been embraced more widely?

From fertile plains that yield grains like wheat and barley, to diverse regions that cultivate cotton, sugar beet, sunflower, and a rich variety of fruit, Turkey's landscape is as varied as the crops it produces. Yet this rich agricultural tradition faces a pressing challenge. Over the past 18 years, while the country’s population has grown by 23%, the number of farmers has declined by 21%. Of the 2.17 million farmers, only 289,000 are women and the average farmer age is 58.1 years. This decline poses a threat to continuity and innovation in farming practices, crucial for the sector’s vitality.

There is nothing small about smallholder farming, neither in its numbers nor in the opportunity it presents. The 500 million smallholders across the planet produce a third of the world’s food. However, despite their significant contributions, most of these farmers struggle with limited access to essential resources like seeds, crop protection, and fertilizers, as well as agricultural expertise.

Flooding in Brazil and Texas, a brutal heat wave throughout the Philippines, record temperature in Africa and India, and that’s just in the past month! Extreme weather has devastating effects around the world, and guess who usually gets hit the hardest?  Farmers! Here's where Crop Advisor comes in, a real-time irrigation decision-support system and an indispensable part of GrowSphere™.

What can drip irrigation contribute to the cotton industry?

Our recent project in Rwanda, the Gabiro Project, is a shining example of what can be achieved when diverse stakeholders come together with a shared vision – to transform lives and landscapes through sustainable agriculture. Michael Bruderli, Head of Business Development at Netafim and the Gabiro Project manager, delves into the journey of Gabiro, from inception to its remarkable impact on the local community and beyond.

All tree crops can be established quickly and efficiency using drip irrigation, here are some guidelines to ensure success.

In the picturesque town of Pedregulho, nestled in the heart of São Paulo, Brazil, William Ferreira is writing a new chapter in the world of coffee farming. As the Manager of the Santa Maria and Jatobá Farms, part of the AGAM Group, William is on a mission to elevate coffee cultivation to new heights. His secret weapon? Netafim's cutting-edge GrowSphere™, the world's first operating system (OS) for precision irrigation and fertigation.  

Rice, one of the most important food sources for humanity, holds significant importance in cultivation areas worldwide. Rice production and agricultural yield play a crucial role in both Türkiye and the global agricultural landscape.