Morocco: The world leader in precision irrigation, Netafim, Israeli manufacturer of irrigation equipment has just inaugurated its first factory in North Africa

World leader in precision irrigation, Netafim, Israeli manufacturer of irrigation equipment, precision agriculture branch of Orbia, a multi-sector company present in more than 110 countries, has just inaugurated its first plant in Africa in Morocco. North, in the presence of several ministers and ambassadors, as well as other personalities from the public and private sector of agriculture in the Kingdom.

With an investment of 30 million Moroccan dirhams, more than 2.7 million euros, the factory located in the Kenitra region will eventually create 150 to 200 jobs and will have 100% Moroccan production.

United Nations forecasts indicate that water scarcity could cost the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region up to 14% of its GDP by 2050.

This water shortage is unfortunately already noticeable in Morocco, which is experiencing one of the worst droughts in the last 40 years with agriculture consuming 80% of its water. The Moroccan government is aware of these challenges and the transition to precision irrigation is an integral part of its “Green Generation” plan.

“This region desperately needs sustainable farming practices. The Netafim factory is built in the heart of an agricultural area. The location will enable the green generation of farmers and smallholders to realize their ambition to benefit from drip irrigation with readily available, local and cost-effective materials,” said Gal Yarden, President of the EMEA Division. at Netafim. Present in Morocco for thirty years, Netafim Morocco promotes collaboration and supports the development of the local ecosystem as evidenced by their work with local agricultural organizations, such as the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) and the Agronomic Institute and Veterinarian (IAV) of Agadir, for the efficient deployment of drip irrigation.

“The opening of this plant is both the culmination of our thirty-year investment in the region and a gateway to future expansion. We are proud to support the “Green Morocco” plan defended by the government for sustainable agricultural practices” adds Gaby Miodownick, CEO Netafim.

The factory’s production will initially be dedicated to the local market, in order to respond quickly and efficiently to current needs. However, the ambition is to develop the activity throughout the African continent, from Morocco. Founded in 1965, Netafim pioneered the drip irrigation revolution.

Drip irrigation is the most efficient water and nutrient delivery system for growing crops. It delivers water and nutrients directly to the plant’s root zone, in sufficient quantity, at the right time, so that each plant gets exactly what it needs to grow optimally.

Thanks to drip irrigation, we can obtain better yields while saving water, fertilizers, energy and even phytosanitary products.