EF Polymer brings water-saving crop technology to Spain

EF Polymer has brought its crop-water technology to Spain, its second European market.

The company says its natural, biodegradable polymer is made from waste fruit peels and added to soil.

It can absorb up to 50 times its weight in water and release it over about six months.

EF Polymer says trials on crops including maize, potatoes and onions found water savings of 20% to 40% and yield improvements of 10% to 20%.

The technology aims to help farmers use less water and improve crop yields, important concerns for agriculture.

Founded in India in 2018, the company is headquartered in Japan and makes the product in India.

EF Polymer is focusing first on Castilla y León and Castilla-La Mancha, and aims to sell more than 200 tonnes in Spain within three years.