Drip irrigation Market Assessment, By Component [Drippers, Filters, Tubes and Pipes, Fittings and Accessories], By Crop [Field Crops, Protected Crops, Orchards, Others], By Application [Surface Drip Irrigation, Subsurface Drip Irrigation], By End-user [Re

Drip irrigation Market Assessment, By Component [Drippers, Filters, Tubes and Pipes, Fittings and Accessories], By Crop [Field Crops, Protected Crops, Orchards, Others], By Application [Surface Drip Irrigation, Subsurface Drip Irrigation], By End-user [Residential, Commercial], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global drip irrigation market is projected to witness a CAGR of 11.60% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 6.41 billion in 2023 to USD 15.43 billion in 2031. The industry is experiencing remarkable expansion, driven by need in agricultural sector for effective water management. Drip irrigation allows water to supply exactly to the roots of crops, which plays a significant role in maximizing water usage, especially in places that are severely prone to droughts. Conservation of water and enhancement of crop production occur through this mechanism, making it vital in contemporary farming practices.

Presently, there are many drivers that help shape and define how drip irrigation market space expands globally. One such driving force is an increase in population worldwide, which leads to increasing demand for food products and services. Another factor affecting market growth is the urgent need for countries to become more productive in terms of agriculture. Asia-Pacific is at the forefront in terms of agricultural development including countries such as India and China where adoption of micro-irrigation systems has been widely recommended by governing bodies. In North America and Europe, however environmentally sustainable farming practices and subsidies aimed at equipping farmers with modern irrigation technology have led to a boom in this sector.

The current drip irrigation system is advancing due to technology, with the integration of IoT and smart sensors being one of them. Moreover, farmers are adopting this type of irrigation due to its environmental advantages such as decreased water run-offs and decreased fertilizer consumption. The global market for drip irrigation will continue to grow with significant prospects for new developments and expansion in future years.

In March 2022, PepsiCo, Inc. collaborated with Israel-based drip irrigation technology manufacturer NDrip Ltd. with the goal of assisting farmers worldwide in implementing water-saving, sustainable agriculture practices over 10,000 hectares by 2025. As alternatives to flood irrigation are expensive for many farmers, NDrip Ltd. has created a substitute for flood or trench irrigation methods, which can lose up to 70% of the water yet are nevertheless utilized on 85% of all irrigated fields globally. PepsiCo claims that switching from flood irrigation to N-Drip's method can cut methane emissions by 78% and CO2 emissions by up to 83%.

Increasing Awareness and Education Propels the Drip Irrigation Market Growth

Adoption of drip irrigation around the world is being driven mostly by increasing awareness and education about its advantages. Farmers and agricultural communities now know the benefits of drip irrigation including conserving water, more abundant produce, and reduced expenditure on farm inputs. Government campaigns on promoting the use of drip irrigation have provided vital information to individuals in many parts of the world that have relied on traditional ways for too long.

Farmers understand how drip irrigation systems can be customized to their specific circumstances through workshops, training programs, and demonstrations that are tailored to their particular requirements. In regions with little water, the introduction of this technology has been particularly effective. Besides, with the information available on digital platforms and mobile applications, farmers are now able to make wise choices on whether or not they should go for drip irrigation.

In fact, in November 2023, Rivulis Irrigation Ltd. introduced its first-to-market Drip Irrigation Guide, including four modules. The program, aimed at enhancing yields and quality, was held by the Rivulis Knowledge Hub. The Knowledge Hub's user-friendly menu and search feature make it simple to find the precise drip irrigation problem or technical detail. It contains many often-needed formulas, including scheduling irrigation, calculating chemical requirements for maintenance, pump considerations, and determining the amount of water needed to meet water requirements for plants.

Expansion of High-Value Crop Cultivation Fuels Market Growth

The global demand for drip irrigation is greatly affected by increase in high-value crop production. High-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants need accurate water and nutrient management for their good growth and yield. Drip irrigation is highly appropriate for such crops as it provides water directly to their roots, thus making efficient use of water while minimizing risks related to infections that may arise as a result of excessive watering.

With increasing consumer demand for high-quality fresh produce, farmers have resorted to drip irrigation to boost their yields and profits. This method enables enhanced crop quality through constant and regulated water supply, which is extremely necessary for delicate plants that are commonly planted in dry areas. Furthermore, rising crop prices make drip irrigation systems more cost-effective for farmers, thus accelerating their adoption rate.

In July 2024, Orbia Netafim, a subsidiary of Netafim Ltd., collaborated with McCain Foods Limited to cultivate potatoes with drip irrigation. According to the field trials, drip increases crop yields from 4% to 23%, depending on annual rainfall circumstances, and reduces water usage by 20%. The goal of this collaboration is to support sustainable farming practices and provide farmers with the tools needed to adapt to climate change effects.

Commercial Usage Holds Large Market Share

In large agricultural operations, the use of drip irrigation systems in commercial use comprises greater market share due to their wider application. In these setups, especially where high-valued crops such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables are produced by commercial farms, effectiveness and productivity are crucial aspects, hence making drip irrigation very important for them. Using this method, water and nutrients can be delivered exactly where they are needed thus making crops grow better at lower water quantity and labor input.

Moreover, as resources in water-limited areas are scarce, big-scale farmers are installing drip irrigation systems in their farms. It is why these systems are particularly appealing for commercial applications as they can be tailored to suit specialized requisites of different plants and diverse extension measurements.

In August 2023, in an effort to improve irrigation efficiency and lower costs, Rain Bird Corporation unveiled a new line of rotors, 1100 series, for use on big commercial turf installations, sports fields, and stadiums. Compared to a conventional rotor system, the 11000 Series allows for homogeneous water distribution over a full 105-foot (32-meter) radius, allowing for greater irrigation coverage. Athletes are significantly less likely to be affected by the exposed diameter of 11000 Series Rotors, which is 2.7 inches (6.9 cm), during practice or competition.

Asia-Pacific Dominates Drip Irrigation Market

Globally, Asia-Pacific is the key region in the drip irrigation industry due to the region’s expansive agricultural sector and urgent requirement for effective water management. India and China are leading the growth with their vast farmlands and problems related to water shortages. Hence, governments in these nations are supporting drip irrigation promotion even more through grants, incentives, and educational initiatives. For instance, in August 2024, in Akkurgan District of Tashkent, which is characterized by short water supply conditions, the European Union, and UNDP introduced a solar powered drip irrigation system for local households. With the help of solar panels, the system's water pump draws water from a 180-meter-deep vertical well. The irrigation system using solar energy is sufficient to irrigate 3 hectares of land and serve a total of 30 households.

In India, the government’s movement towards micro-irrigation as an integral part of its overall agricultural reforms has resulted in the widespread acceptance of drip irrigation. Likewise, in China, increasing agricultural productivity without compromising on water conservation has led to a rise in need for better irrigation technologies.

Additionally, the region has sustained dominance due to expanding production of high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and cash crops that thrive well with drip irrigation. Furthermore, rapid population growth and increasing food demand in Asia-Pacific are forcing farmers to shift towards more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue globally, the need for efficient irrigation solutions such as drip irrigation will intensify.

Drip irrigation systems that incorporate IoT, automated processes, and artificial intelligence are expected to enhance water use and nutrient management precision with reduced labor costs while promoting efficiency.

The swift proliferations of awareness and knowledge concerning the advantages of drip irrigation in developing regions seem to increase the rate of adoption.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The key players in the global drip irrigation market are characterized by their focus on innovation, extensive product portfolios, and strong global distribution networks. These companies are investing heavily in research and development to introduce advanced technologies, such as IoT-enabled and automated irrigation systems, which cater to the evolving needs of modern agriculture. The competitive landscape is marked by strategic mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations aimed at expanding market reach and enhancing product offerings. For instance, in August 2024, Rain Bird Corporation acquired Adritec Group International (AGI) in Jordan and Mexico. The company aimed at expanding its operations in MEA and Latin America through the acquisition.

The market outlook for these key players remains positive, driven by the increasing adoption of drip irrigation systems across various regions, particularly in water-scarce areas and in the cultivation of high-value crops. The focus on sustainability and precision agriculture is expected to drive further innovation and competition among market leaders. Additionally, the growing emphasis on digital agriculture and the integration of smart technologies into irrigation systems are expected to shape the future strategies of these companies.

As global demand for efficient and sustainable agricultural practices continue to rise, key players in the drip irrigation market are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, ensuring continued market growth and development.