Netafim South Africa’s new managing director, Michael Esmeraldo, has vowed to build on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor, Adriaan de Lange, who has accepted a new role in the plant feed industry.
Esmeraldo, who joined Netafim in January 2015 as an agronomist, assumes the company’s hot seat on Tuesday, 1 November. He holds a BSc degree in agronomy and agricultural economics as well as a MSc degree in soil science.
In a media release, Esmeraldo says continuity is key amid changes within Netafim South Africa as well as the irrigation industry and agriculture sector. “My first focus will be to enable all Netafim employees to continue doing their jobs with excellence and help farmers grow more with less.”
De Lange, who joined Netafim South Africa at the end of 2021, says was offered “a very special opportunity” in an industry of which he has decades of experience.
“The offer was unexpected, and it has been a very difficult decision to make so quickly after joining Netafim South Africa. The position, however, will allow me the opportunity to deliver on my purpose, which is to create wealth and prosperity in Africa through unlocking the potential of Africa’s abundant agriculture and mineral resources.”
Esmeraldo’s appointment comes as the company celebrates its 30-year anniversary in South Africa. He acknowledges, however, that his new position will be a steep learning curve. “I am excited about the growth opportunity and to be part of Netafim South Africa’s future in the local irrigation industry.”
Focused on building a strong network in the irrigation industry, Esmeraldo joined the South African Irrigation Institute early in his career. In 2021, he was elected as the youngest ever president of this industry organisation and has been leading the industry in this position ever since.
“Our greatest challenge and duty in the irrigation industry is to continuously improve the way we use water and other inputs,” says Esmeraldo.
“Everyone in agriculture is feeling the pressure of what I like to call a cyclical dip in the agricultural industry. Beyond that, the industry faces many long-term challenges that tasks us to change the way we work. Luckily, tough times teaches us to be more efficient, and efficiency is exactly what we need.”
Esmeraldo believes that modern farming is not only about using the latest technology, but also about farming more efficiently. “We must use water, fertiliser, and other inputs efficiently to get optimal benefit per unit of input. This is why I am passionate about Netafim’s purpose and want to play a leading role in helping the company drive the mass adoption of precision irrigation.”
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