Orbia Advance Corporation’s S.A.B. de C.V. precision agriculture business Netafim has announced two major water stewardship initiatives with Amazon India that will save approximately 175 million litres of water annually across Bengaluru’s western agricultural belt and 150 million litres across the northern Hyderabad agricultural belt – a combined total of approximately 325 million liters annually.
In Bengaluru, the project will convert traditional flood irrigation systems into advanced drip irrigation across 80 hectares of gourd and tomato farms, benefiting around 70 independent farmers. In Hyderabad, the project will convert 40 hectares of maize and vegetable farms to benefiting around 40 independent farmers.
A media statement said the initiative supports Amazon’s commitment to become water positive in India by 2027, returning more water to communities than it uses in its direct operations.
Shifting to drip irrigation
Bengaluru farmers participating in this initiative currently draw water from sources connected to the TG Halli Reservoir, which also supplies water to areas of west and north Bengaluru, including urban neighborhoods, commercial districts, and Amazon facilities. In Hyderabad, participating farmers draw water from sources connected to the Kondapochamma Sagar reservoir, a major balancing reservoir part of Hyderabad’s Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.
Under the project, farms transitioning from flood to drip irrigation are expected to significantly reduce water consumption while maintaining crop productivity and stabilizing yields. Unlike traditional flood irrigation, drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots in measured quantities, minimizing evaporation, runoff, and overuse – critical advantages in regions facing erratic rainfall patterns and groundwater depletion, it said.
Quoting Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India and Australia, the statement said: “This initiative focuses on practical solutions that make a measurable difference on the ground, helping farmers improve the efficiency of their irrigation systems while contributing to water security in water-stressed regions. We’re committed to such collaborations as part of effort to support responsible water use in India.”
First collaboration
Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions, Orbia Netafim, said: “We are proud to collaborate with Amazon on this important initiative, which demonstrates how precision irrigation can deliver real impact for farmers and communities alike. By helping farmers transition to drip irrigation, we are improving water efficiency, strengthening livelihoods, and contributing to broader water security efforts. This project reflects Orbia Netafim’s long-standing global commitment to water stewardship and climate-resilient agriculture.”
This project is the first collaboration between Amazon India and Orbia Netafim to address water challenges in India’s rapidly growing cities, the statement added.
Published on March 5, 2026