INDUSTRY PROFILE

The problem of water scarcity is rampant globally, creating the urgent need for water
conservation. The use of micro irrigation systems is expected to result in increased crop yields in
terms of volume and quality.
The other important benefits of using micro irrigation systems include expansion in the
area under irrigation, water conservation, optimum use of fertilizers and chemicals through
water, and decreased labor costs among others.
The worldwide population is increasing at a rapid rate and it is imperative that food
supply keeps pace with this increasing population. Agriculture industry is adversely affected by a
significant decrease in the ground water levels; hence, there is a need to locate efficient ways of
supplying water to meet agricultural needs and conserve water for future use. Micro irrigation
systems are the best option to achieve this purpose.
It can be broadly categorized as sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation; center pivot
irrigation, and lateral move irrigation are the other types of sprinkler irrigation that are currently
gaining popularity. Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of irrigation, with efficiencies
ranging between 90%-95%.
According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research Micro
Irrigation Systems Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast,
2014 - 2020, the market was valued at US$ 2,852.1 Mn in 2013 and is expected to reach US$
8,130.0 Mn by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2014 to 2020. North America was the
largest contributor to the global micro irrigation systems market in 2013 and is expected to
dominate the market during the forecast period at a CAGR of 15.6% from 2014 to 2020. The
high acceptance of micro irrigation systems in irrigating different crop types is the most
significant factor for this growth. However, with rising water scarcity, Asia Pacific is expected to
be the fastest growing market for micro irrigation systems.
Micro irrigation systems offer high agricultural productivity with minimum water
wastage. These systems require less amount of water as compared to the traditional irrigation

methods such as flood and furrow. This is expected to be the most important factor for high
adoption of micro irrigation systems in coming years. Micro irrigation systems apply water
directly to the plants and limited to a specific area rather than watering the whole field as in flood
irrigation method. This has encouraged people across the world to use micro irrigation systems in
different applications thereby saving water. Furthermore, government encouragement for use of
micro irrigation systems is expected to substantially drive the market. Governments of different
nations such as the U.S., India and China offer subsidies on the purchase of micro irrigation
systems.
Micro irrigation systems comprise traditional sprinklers, centre pivot sprinklers, lateral
move sprinklers and drip irrigation systems. Amongst these, traditional sprinkler irrigation
systems are the most common type used for agriculture, sports grounds, lawns and other
applications. Traditional sprinkler systems accounted for around 37% of the total micro irrigation
systems market in 2013.
North America led the global micro irrigation systems market in 2013 with the share of
36.5% of the global market. This was mainly due to high adoption of micro irrigation systems
such as centre pivot and lateral move sprinkler irrigation systems in countries such as the U.S.
and Canada.
The global market for micro irrigation systems was dominated by leading players such as
Netafim Ltd, Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd., Valmont Industries, Inc. and others which collectively
accounted for more than 50% share in 2013. Other important players in the market include The
Toro Company, Hunter Industries, Lindsay Corporation among others. The irrigation system
manufacturing companies focus on enlarging their distribution networks across the world.
Companies such as The Toro Company, Netafim, Valmont Industries, Inc. and others have their
presence across the globe in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and other regions. Thus, the
competitive rivalry among these companies is high and is expected to remain the same over
forecast period.

Global Micro Irrigation System Market Survey Forecast to 2018

Micro Irrigation System Market by Type (Sprinkler Irrigation Systems, Drip
Irrigation Systems), by Application (Agriculture Irrigation, Landscape Irrigation,
Greenhouse Irrigation) Global Trends & Forecast to 2018
The micro irrigation system market consists of two important types of micro irrigation
systems i.e. drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation. Sprinkler irrigation systems form the most
dominating segment of this market in terms of market share as well as product innovations.
Micro irrigation systems are further classified on the basis on crop types such as field crops,
plantation crops, orchard crops, and landscaping crops.
The global micro irrigation systems market is segmented into four major categories sprinkler irrigation system, drip irrigation system, center-pivot irrigation system, and lateral
move irrigation system. Drip irrigation is the most efficient segment among all types, as water is
directly delivered to the plant root resulting in optimum water use. Center-pivot irrigation and
lateral move irrigation are types of sprinkler irrigation systems; however, the method of
irrigating the field sets them apart from sprinkler irrigation. The center-pivot irrigation systems
market currently has a small revenue share; however, with robust growth, the segment is
expected to double its revenue contribution by 2018.
The major components of sprinkler irrigation system include tubing, pumping unit,
fittings/sprinkler heads, and couplers. The pumping unit is the most costly component; however,
depending on the size of the field, the number of lateral pipes used may increase the overall cost
of the system. The tubing market is the fastest growing segment among sprinkler irrigation
systems. The major components of drip irrigation system include tubing, backflow preventers,
valves, filters, and pressure regulators.
Increasing problems of water scarcity worldwide, and need for increased crop yield to
meet the demands of continuously growing population are some important factors supporting the
growth of the micro irrigation systems market. With the significant decrease in ground water

levels, water conservation has become a point of concern for the agriculture industry. There is a
need to look for efficient ways to irrigate fields and micro irrigation systems are helpful in
achieving this purpose.
Netafim is the leading player in the global micro irrigation systems market followed by
Jain Irrigation and John Deere & Company. EPC Industries, Valmont Industries, Lindsay
Corporation, and Rain Bird among others are some important players in the micro irrigation
systems market.