Photo: Supplied
Walter Andrag, managing director of Agrico, spoke at Nampo Cape 2025 about Agrico’s approach to service in the agricultural market. For the Agrico team, it’s all about listening to farmers, taking their input to heart, and even accepting criticism in order to keep improving. That’s how Agrico approaches the road ahead.
The value of one-on- one interaction
For Walter, the value of moving close to the farmer is indisputable.
“It’s at events like Nampo where we really hear what’s happening on the ground,” he says.
“I’m amazed every year by how fast technology is advancing and what’s now possible for farmers.”
Farmers visit the Agrico stand to ask questions, share challenges, and exchange ideas about irrigation, crops, soil types, cost efficiency, and life on the farm. Here, Agrico gains direct insight into how its products perform in practice, and where there’s room for improvement. This feedback sharpens Agrico’s solutions and makes them even more relevant.
How Agrico helps farmers use water and energy smarter
“Agrico’s goal is to design and supply solutions that reduce power and energy costs without compromising crop production,” says Walter.
“By integrating every component, from main line to emitter, for optimal performance, we get a system that operates more efficiently in drier regions, where every drop counts.”
With centre pivots, for example, it is not moving the machine that is most energy intensive.
In fact, the most energy is used by the pump motor supplying water at a specific flow and pressure. Agrico focuses on the correct selection of sprinkler packages to reduce these pressure requirements and save energy.
In addition, Agrico Web Control, combined with GPS technology and Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), helps prevent even more wastage.
The technology is popular with both young and experienced farmers and is particularly useful in areas where pivots operate on uneven terrain and require different pressures at different points. In such cases, motors and pumps automatically speed up or slow down as towers move across the field, ensuring energy isn’t wasted.
Focus on low-volume irrigation and expansion
Over the next 12 months, Agrico plans to focus on low-volume irrigation, a rapidly growing segment in South Africa. Water is scarce and farmers want more control over how, when, and how much they irrigate.
“We’re placing special focus on the micro and drip-irrigation market, especially in the Western Cape. It’s a huge industry and we’re growing well there,” says Walter.
Agrico is also expanding its nationwide branch network. On 1 October, a new branch opened in Potchefstroom, with more branches planned across South Africa to strengthen the company’s national footprint. This expansion means better accessibility for farmers, improved service, and more consistent availability of spare parts.
Walter also shares: “We’re constantly expanding our manufacturing capacity. We invest in our PVC and steel factories to make sure our production is as cost-effective as possible.”
Improving service: Administration & distribution
Agrico’s ambition goes beyond products: service is a core focus. Over the past year, the company has invested in upgrades to its administrative network and distribution centres.
The goal is for farmers to receive parts and repairs quickly, with reliable and knowledgeable support. The aim is to minimise errors, improve communication between offices, distribution hubs and field staff, and above all, enhance the farmer’s experience.
What Agrico offers farmers
For farmers, Agrico’s approach means:
- Irrigation systems tailored to specific crops and conditions, including centre pivots, micro and drip systems, pump station design and remote-control options (Agrico Web Control).
- PVC pipes in various diameters and pressure classes that meet SANS standards, including Agrico’s in-house manufactured range of uPVC, mPVC, and Sewage & Drain pipe.
- Efficiency in energy and water use through VSDs, optimal pump and motor selections, remote monitoring, and systems designed to control costs.
- Reliable support, including after-sales service, technical advice, spare parts, design assistance, and quick response when issues arise.
For more information visit Agrico at agrico.co.za.
