Date:17/03/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/03/17/stories/2004031701300300.htm

Back Plastro Plasson tie-up with Punjab co for drip irrigation

Our Bureau

New Delhi , March 16

PLASTRO Plasson Industries (India) Ltd (PPIIL), a Finolex group joint venture with Israel's Plastro Plasson, has entered into a five-year tie-up with Punjab Agriculture Food Parks Ltd (PAFPL) to strengthen supplies and installation of drip irrigation systems in north India.

Under the agreement, PPIIL will supply irrigation systems, green houses and shade nets exclusively to PAFPL's registered farmers in Punjab for an initial period of five years.

For the first time, PPIIL, according to its statement here, will be providing demonstrations to potential farmer-customers. PAFPL is targeting 5,000 farmer-members who regularly touch base with the apex body for updates on products, services and emerging technologies in farming.

PAFPL is a subsidiary of Punjab Agro Corporation and is engaged in supplying agricultural inputs and farm machineries to its members.

PPIIL will thus be getting access to a captive target customer base for its world-class drip irrigation systems.

According to Mr Satish Ghatpande, Director, PPIIL, the company is appointing a full-time agronomist. His office, housed in PPIIL office space, will also serve as a canvassing point for PPIIL and its farmer-customers who have to conform to certain output standards under their contract farming deals and hence do not mind buying high-end drip irrigation systems.

"It's a win-win situation for both PPIIL and PAFPL as the alliance provides additional revenue stream for PAFPL through royalty fees from PPIIL," Mr Ghatpande said.