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Netafim Unveils GrowSphere™ FLEX: A Game Changer for Digital Farming

In a significant move to democratize access to precision agriculture, Orbia's Precision Agriculture business, Netafim, has announced the launch of GrowSphere™ FLEX. This innovative smart irrigation and fertigation controller is specifically designed to cater to the needs of smallholder and mid-sized farmers. The introduction of FLEX is a testament to Netafim's commitment to making digital farming accessible, empowering farmers of all scales to improve their agricultural practices.

A Focus on Smallholder Farmers

With over 80% of farms worldwide falling below two hectares, smallholder farmers represent a vital portion of global food production. Despite their crucial role, these farmers often lack access to advanced agricultural technologies that are typically designed for larger operations. Recognizing this gap, Netafim developed GrowSphere™ FLEX to provide a practical and efficient solution that can scale according to individual farm needs.

FLEX is positioned within the broader GrowSphere™ suite, which already reaches thousands of users across various countries and has effectively utilized over 100,000 hectares of farmland. This unified approach enables farmers to continuously optimize irrigation, thereby enhancing efficiency and boosting crop yields.

Key Features of GrowSphere™ FLEX

The FLEX controller stands out due to its user-friendly features, specifically aimed at simplifying irrigation automation for small-scale operations. Key highlights include:
1. Easy Installation: GrowSphere™ FLEX is engineered for quick setup, allowing farmers to start immediately without extensive technical expertise.
2. Built-in Connectivity: With embedded cellular connectivity, farmers can remotely manage and monitor their irrigation systems, ensuring that they are always in control of their farming operations.
3. Flexible Configurations: The device can be tailored to fit various crops and field layouts, making it a versatile tool that adapts to different farming conditions.
4. Intuitive User Interface: Through the GrowSphere Workspace, users can access analytics, real-time sensor data, and timely alerts to facilitate better decision-making.
5. Crop Advisor: The system provides stage-based recommendations to guide farmers in making informed choices for their crops.

Advancing Agricultural Sustainability

Gaby Miodownik, President of Netafim, emphasizes the importance of democratizing access to digital farming tools, stating, “Innovation in digital farming cannot stop at large-scale agriculture. With FLEX, we are bringing Agriculture 4.0 within reach for farms of different sizes, needs and stages of digital adoption.” This focus ensures that smallholders are not left behind in an increasingly digital agricultural landscape.

The implementation of FLEX also aims to enhance resource efficiency. Farmers will benefit from reduced manual work and better irrigation decisions that can fortify their operational performance while ensuring sustainable practices.

Real-World Impact

Early adopters have already begun to realize the benefits of the FLEX system. Theo Minnaar, a sugarcane grower from South Africa, shares his experience, saying, “What FLEX gives me is better visibility and more control. I can see what is happening, respond earlier and manage water and nutrients more accurately without making the system complicated.” This type of feedback underscores the value that GrowSphere™ FLEX is bringing to farmers’ day-to-day operations.

A Phased Global Rollout

The introduction of GrowSphere™ FLEX will occur in phases globally, allowing Netafim to optimize the product based on user feedback. Farmers interested in exploring this revolutionary tool can visit Netafim's official website for more information.

About Orbia and Netafim

Orbia Advance Corporation, S.A.B. de C.V., the parent company of Netafim, operates with a mission to advance life globally. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, Orbia is involved in vital sectors including polymer solutions, building infrastructure, and precision agriculture. The dedication to improving food and water security extends through innovative products and solutions aimed at supporting communities worldwide.

Netafim, the world’s largest irrigation company, has been at the forefront of precision agriculture since its founding in 1965. With extensive global operations, they continue to lead the charge in providing irrigation solutions that promote sustainable farming, making it easier for farmers around the world to grow more efficiently and effectively.