Hyderabad: Amazon, Orbia Netafim to roll out drip irrigation project, save 150M liter water

HYDERABAD: Amazon India and Orbia Netafim are set to roll out a drip irrigation project to save water consumption in Hyderabad’s northern agricultural belt by 150 million liters a year.

The initiative comes at a time when India's major tech hubs face water stress

The initiative will transition 40 hectares of maize and vegetable fields from traditional, water-heavy flood irrigation to targeted drip systems. Around 40 independent farmers, who currently rely on water sources linked to the Kondapochamma Sagar reservoir, part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, are participating in the initial phase.

The Hyderabad rollout is part of a greater, dual-city effort that also targets western Bengaluru. The project will convert 80 hectares of gourd and tomato farms connected to the TG Halli Reservoir to drip irrigation, saving an additional 175 million liters annually. Combined, the initiative will conserve roughly 325 million liters of water each year across both cities.

For Amazon, the partnership ties directly into its corporate mandate to become "water positive" in India by 2027, meaning the e-commerce giant aims to replenish more water into communities than its regional operations consume.

What do the giants say?

Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India and Australia, 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 an effort to support responsible water use in India.”

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 technology delivers water directly to plant roots in measured quantities. This minimizes evaporation, runoff, and overuse, critical advantages in regions facing erratic rainfall patterns and groundwater depletion.

“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,” said Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions, Orbia Netafim.

"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," added Max Moldavasky.

This project marks the first collaboration between Amazon India and Orbia Netafim to address the mounting water challenges in India's rapidly growing cities.