China Agricultural Irrigation Machinery Market

China Agricultural Irrigation Machinery Market Analysis

The China Agricultural Irrigation Machinery Market size is estimated at USD 0.84 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.08 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.10% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

China faces significant water scarcity, with per capita water resources below 2,100 cubic meters, according to the United Nations World Water Assessment Program. The Ministry of Water Resources implemented the "Water Conservation Project II" to address water scarcity in the provinces of Hebei, Shanxi, and Ningxia, which experience groundwater depletion. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the irrigated area increased from 70.36 million hectares in 2022 to 71.64 million hectares in 2023, generating substantial demand for drip irrigation systems.

The country's water-intensive agricultural practices consume over 60% of water resources in cultivated land. The implementation of efficient irrigation practices to meet food demand for the growing population has increased cereal production from 634.9 million tons in 2022 to 643.4 million tons in 2023. China represents one of the world's largest markets for drip irrigation equipment. The government aims to implement efficient water-saving irrigation technology across at least 75% of the total irrigated area by 2030 through its five-year plans.

In 2022, Hebei Province, a major grain and vegetable producer, equipped over 3 million hectares of farmland with various drip irrigation technologies under the "Hebei Province 2022 Comprehensive Management of Groundwater Overexploitation and Efficient Water-saving" plan. The government collaborates with irrigation companies to improve farmers' access to water-saving equipment. In November 2022, the Local Government of Yuanmou in Yunnan Province established a Public-Private Partnership with Dayu Irrigation Group Co. Ltd to distribute over 3.33 million meters of drip irrigation pipes and 1.2 million drippers through 2038. Hence, increasing support from the Chinese government and local provinces for the promotion of irrigation technologies drives the market expansion in the country during the forecast period.

China Agricultural Irrigation Machinery Market Trends

Increasing Awareness on Drip Irrigation System

China, one of the largest agricultural producers globally, faces challenges related to water scarcity and inefficient traditional irrigation methods. Conventional flood irrigation leads to significant water wastage. Drip irrigation has emerged as a sustainable solution by delivering water directly to crop roots, minimizing losses from evaporation and runoff. The expanding area dedicated to fruits and vegetables in China has significantly influenced drip irrigation system adoption. According to FAOSTAT data, the harvesting area of vegetables and fruits reached 23.81 million hectares and 15.95 million hectares respectively in 2023, increasing from 23.75 and 15.93 million hectares in 2022.

Educational initiatives from government agencies, agricultural organizations, and irrigation system manufacturers are increasing awareness about drip irrigation. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, in 2022, China trained 753,900 high-quality farmers and invested USD 2.56 billion in training programs. Companies are developing innovative solutions to promote drip irrigation adoption. In December 2022, Chinadrip Irrigation Equipment Co. Ltd. introduced a C-type combination air valve for irrigation networks. The valve's advanced aerodynamic design and double orifice features enable efficient air pocket release during pipeline filling.

Climate change impacts, including erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and irregular rainfall, influence China's drip irrigation market. In 2024, limited rainfall caused droughts in several provinces, prompting authorities to address impacts on agriculture, water, and energy supplies. Technological advancements, including automated irrigation systems and Internet of Things (IoT) integration, enable precise water management and improved forecasting. In August 2024, Water Ways Technologies implemented a drip irrigation and automation project for a major greenhouse business in Sichuan Province's western region. With ongoing technological innovation and increasing awareness, the market is anticipated to expand during the forecast period.

Application in Crops has the Largest Share

China primarily produces and exports maize, rice, and sugarcane to meet domestic demand and supply countries like Korea, Vietnam, Egypt, and Turkey. Sugarcane cultivation requires 645-738.6 metric tons of water per year. In northwest China, irrigated paddy fields yield approximately three times more than non-irrigated land. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs reports that implementing drip irrigation systems in sugarcane fields reduces water consumption by 20%-30% while increasing yield by 25%. A 2022-2023 study by Hydropower College and Hebei University of Engineering demonstrated that sub-membrane drip irrigation systems increased wheat yields by 14.6% - 19.6%.

Rice cultivation is evolving from traditional flood irrigation to modern irrigation methods in water-stressed regions. Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) techniques, incorporating sprinkler and drip systems, are becoming more prevalent. The China Irrigation and Drainage Development Center reports improved water-use efficiency in regions using AWD methods for upland rice cultivation. The World Bank's March 2023 report indicates that the China Green Agricultural and Rural Revitalization Program emphasizes enhanced irrigation efficiency and water management in paddy rice production.

According to FAOSTAT, maize production increased from 277.4 million metric tons in 2022 to 289.1 million metric tons in 2023, while sugarcane production rose from 103.8 to 105.0 million metric tons. To sustain this substantial crop production, farmers have increased their reliance on irrigation systems, particularly drip and sprinkler irrigation, contributing to the growth of the agricultural machinery market in China.

China Agricultural Irrigation Machinery Industry Overview

The market share analysis indicates that the market studied is consolidated, with major companies accounting for about the majority of the market share. With the government's thrust on augmenting the penetration of water conservation and efficiency driven by the micro-irrigation system, the market is projected to witness substantial growth in the forecast period. This is anticipated to benefit major companies, such as Chinadrip Irrigation Equipment (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., Orbia Group (Netafim), The Toro Company, Lindsay Corporation, and Rain Bird Co. Ltd.

China Agricultural Irrigation Machinery Market Leaders

China Agricultural Irrigation Machinery Market News

• August 2024: Water Ways Technologies completed an irrigation and automation project for a major greenhouse operator in western Sichuan Province, China. The company designed and installed a comprehensive irrigation and automation system for the facility.
• September 2023: Rain Bird Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. introduced its 11000 Series in-ground rotary sprinklers to enhance irrigation efficiency for sports fields, stadiums, and large commercial turf areas. The 11000 Series sprinkler covers a radius of up to 32 meters, requiring fewer units to irrigate larger areas compared to conventional rotary sprinklers.
• November 2022: The Local Government of Yuanmou in Yunnan Province established a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Dayu Irrigation Group Co. Ltd. The partnership aims to distribute more than 3.33 million meters of drip irrigation pipes and 1.2 million drippers through 2038.