In emerging markets, it is often the case that farmers rely heavily on weather based crop irrigation practices, such as rain or flood irrigation, which often results in reduced or unpredictable crop yields. Micro irrigation offers great potential to increase the wealth of those markets by increasing crop yield, improving local economies and living standards.
Emerging markets with strong potential for micro irrigation
Even though the benefits of micro irrigation can be seen in almost every country throughout the world, from small household gardens to large crop fields and leach mining operations, there are certain emerging markets that show a particularly high micro irrigation market potential.
Algeria
Currently the largest oat market in Africa, Algeria was once an even bigger agricultural producer of wine and cotton during the 18th century (Source-Wikipedia), and the Algerian government has been trying to boost agriculture once again through a series of decisions and incentives (Source-Reuters). However, a recent decision by the Algerian government to tax imported goods has made it difficult to import micro irrigation equipment, sparking interest in localized micro irrigation pipe production.
Pakistan
Home to an ever increasing 200 million inhabitants, Pakistan uses 95% of its water for irrigation. Pakistan is facing challenges with water depletion and low crop yields, due to inefficient irrigation techniques. Problems such as low crop yields, waterlogging and depletion of groundwater reservoirs, have led to widespread consideration of drip irrigation systems, making Pakistan for a strong candidate for an emerging drip irrigation market (Source-Researchgate).
Colombia
The majority of Colombia’s farming depends on gravity irrigation systems, that offer very low efficiency, contribute to soil erosion, salinization and result in high agricultural runoff. The market is currently showing an increasing upward trend in advanced irrigation techniques, such as micro irrigation (Source-Wikipedia), hosting five annual exhibitions related to agriculture and irrigation technologies.
Mexico
The majority of Mexico’s farmers use surface irrigation, resulting in poor crop yields due to its predominantly semi-arid soil. With the support of the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, the Mexican government is currently investing in improvements to its irrigation systems (Source-Wikipedia), resulting in increased interest for micro irrigation products.
North Africa
The countries of North Africa have shown an increasing interest in micro irrigation systems, fuelled through numerous initiatives such as:
- The World Bank’s Tunisia Irrigated Agriculture Intensification Project (Source- The World Bank)
- GWP’s drip irrigation & water management training of farmers in Morocco and Algeria (Source-GWP)
- GMR programme, the world’s largest irrigation project aimed to provide irrigation to Libya and Egypt (Source-Wikipedia)
India
The unpredictability of Monsoons the last 6 years, as well as below average rainfall, has turned India into a booming emerging market for micro irrigation. DRTS already has over 200 drip irrigation pipe production lines operating across the country and these are only expected to increase, due to India’s increasing population and majority of farms still relying on inefficient methods of irrigation.
DRTS and emerging markets implementation
DRTS has extensive experience in supporting micro irrigation products manufacturers in emerging markets, from as early as the concept and planning phase, all the way to providing turnkey micro irrigation pipe production facilities. This has led to the development of specialized products for emerging markets, such as the DRTS Micro Drip product that combines the advantages of tape with the precision of the injection-molded drippers, making it an ideal option for emerging markets in many respects.
DRTS also has a long track record of success, providing guidance on product choice, financing guidance, infrastructure and distribution, leading to successful production operations and oftentimes significantly growing the local irrigation industry.
For more information on emerging markets, as well as a detailed look into available subsidies in Africa, download our full complimentary Guide to Opportunities and Subsidies for Drip Irrigation in Africa.