At NAMPO Cape 2025, Walter Andrag, Managing Director of Agrico, discussed the reasons why Agrico continues to participate in agricultural shows.
He says these shows offer more than just an opportunity to showcase products and services. “Here, we can really listen to farmers, take their input to heart, and even accept criticism in order to keep improving. This is how Agrico approaches the road ahead,” he says.
The value of one-on-one interaction
For Walter, the value of Agrico’s presence at NAMPO is undeniable. “It’s at events like these where we really hear what’s happening on the ground,” he says.
“Every year, I’m amazed at how quickly technology is developing and what’s now possible for farmers.”
Farmers come to Agrico’s stand to ask questions, share challenges, and exchange ideas about irrigation, crops, soil types, cost-efficiency, and life on the farm. Therefore, Agrico gains direct insight into how their products perform in practice – and what can be improved. Moving closer to the farmer is critically important, as this feedback helps refine solutions and makes them more relevant.
From pump to pipe: How Agrico helps farmers use water and power smarter
Agrico’s vision is clear: tools that not only work but help farmers operate more efficiently, productively, and profitably.
“We have a special focus on the micro- and drip irrigation market, especially in the Western Cape. It’s a massive market and we’re seeing strong growth there,” comments Walter.
He adds: “Agrico’s goal is to design and provide solutions that reduce power and energy costs without compromising crop production.”
The approach is to optimally integrate every component, from the design of irrigation lines and filter selection to nozzles and valves. As a result, systems operate more efficiently, especially in drier areas where every drop counts.
At centre pivots, for example, the biggest energy cost doesn’t come from the pivot’s movement itself, but from the motor driving the pump to deliver water at a specific flow and pressure. Agrico focuses on the correct selection of sprinkler packages to reduce pressure requirements.
Additionally, Agrico Web Control, combined with GPS technology and variable speed drives (VSDs), can be used to prevent energy waste. The technology is popular among both young and older farmers, and is particularly useful in areas where a pivot operates on a slope and less pressure is needed at certain points than at others. In such cases, motors and pumps automatically speed up or slow down as the towers move across the land, ensuring no energy is wasted.
Focus on low-volume irrigation and expansion
Walter says: “We are constantly expanding our production capacity on the manufacturing side, continuously investing in our PVC and steel factories to ensure our manufacturing is as cost-effective as possible.”
During the next 12 months, Agrico plans to focus on the drip and micro-irrigation market. This agricultural segment is growing strongly, because water is scarce and farmers want more control over how much water they use –as well as when and how.
Agrico is also expanding its national network of branches. On 1 October, a new branch opened in Potchefstroom, North-West, while other branches are planned across South Africa to further strengthen the already national distribution network. This business expansion means better accessibility for farmers, improved service, and more consistent availability of spare parts.
Other major plans include expanding the Agrico PVC factory’s production capacity. This expansion will help increase production volume and capability, especially for high-volume applications, such as transmission lines from dams, main pipe networks and commercial agriculture.
Improving service: Administration and distribution
Agrico’s ambition goes beyond just products. Service is a core factor. Over the past year, investments have been made in upgrading Agrico’s administrative network and distribution centres. The goal is that farmers won’t have to wait long for parts or repairs and that they should receive fast, expert, and reliable support.
These improvements help enhance Agrico’s service level. From staff training to branch logistics, the goal is to reduce error margins, strengthen communication between offices, distribution centres, and field staff – and above all, to improve the farmer’s experience.
What Agrico offers farmers
From the farmer’s perspective, Agrico’s approach means:
Irrigation systems tailored to specific crops and conditions, including centre pivot and sprinkler packages, micro- and drip systems, pumps, filters, valves, and remote-control options (Agrico Web Control) that allow integration of technology with practical use.
PVC pipes in various diameters and pressure ratings that meet SANS standards, including Agrico’s range of uPVC, mPVC, and sewage and drain (S&D) pipes.
Efficiency in energy and water use: VSDs, efficient pump and motor choices, remote control, and monitoring systems to help manage costs.
Reliable support: after-sales service, technical advice, spare parts stock, design assistance, and rapid response when problems arise.
With expansion in production, new branches, improved administration, and a continued focus on technology and water/power efficiency, Agrico demonstrates its commitment to growing alongside farmers – not merely to move forward, but to thrive together.
For more information about Agrico, visit their website at www.agrico.co.za
