Electrical energy is the biggest challenge for the expansion of agricultural irrigation.

Enabling the growth of electrical energy infrastructure is the biggest challenge today for the expansion of agricultural irrigation in Brazil, noted the president of the Irrigation Equipment Sector Chamber of Abimaq and CEO of Valmont Brazil, owner of the Valley brand, Cristiano Del Nero, at Agrishow 2026, which ended this Friday (1), in Ribeirão Preto (SP). According to the executive, the granting of permits for water use is an issue that still presents obstacles, but less than a few years ago. "The reality is that energy and now also connectivity are bigger bottlenecks." On the occasion, Del Nero cited comparative studies between irrigated and rainfed areas in Brazil, which show gains of up to 100% in fruit productivity, 80% in pastures, 71% in cereals and 70% in corn. "In soybeans, the average increase reaches 45%. Irrigation also allows the same area to produce more than one crop per year. Recent data indicate that, with the use of center pivot irrigation, the country's effective grain area could jump from 54 million to 83 million hectares, without expanding the planted territory." According to the executive, irrigation goes beyond increased productivity. "It brings more stability to the harvest, reduces the difference compared to rainfed farming, and gives the producer more financial predictability."

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.