M. Somasekhar

Hyderabad , April 22

NETAFIM Irrigation India has brought the entire `basket of products' to undertake turnkey projects in greenhouses in the country.

Entire greenhouse includes structures, plastics, PC-based controllers, containers, media, nets and shade nets.

Netafim India is able to import or produce products domestically with a joint venture partner to make them cost effective, said Mr Zvi Feler, Managing Director.

Not just implementing turnkey projects, but the company will also provide agronomy support. At present, Netafim ACS, the Israel-headquartered parent company, is executing such projects in Mexico, Japan, Russia, Korea, China and South America, Mr Feler told Business Line. The new product line launched recently includes the technology driven Coolnet (micro sprinklers), Capinet (a dripper inside a micro tube to avoid clogging), Pressure compensated drippers (for uneven terrains) and PC-based controllers, which ensure the right mix of water and fertilisers to specific crops, he said.

Referring to its expansion plans in India, Mr Feler said Netafim has set a target of 30 per cent addition to its manufacturing facilities to reach 13 crore meters of drip line, from the existing 10 crore meters by end-2005

The expansion is in line with its growing demands, both within the country as well as exports. Netafim has manufacturing plant in Vadodara and is adding one more in Andhra Pradesh. At present, Netafim India is exporting to China, Turkey, Afghanistan, South America and Israel, Mr Feler said. Netafim India has started making profits and emerged as the 10th biggest among the 35 subsidiaries of Netafim ACS, he claimed. The Israeli company has subsidiaries in the US, Mexico, Brazil among other countries.

The irrigation solutions provider has presence in 12 States and is a major player in the Andhra Pradesh Micro Irrigation Project (APMIP)

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