Role Of Standards In Promotion Of Agro textiles Neo Corp International Role Of Standards In Promotion Of Agro textiles Presentation By: Ashish Lapalikar Vice President R&D Neo Corp International Ltd Indore. 30.11.2011

Overview Agro Textiles Product basket Current status of Standards Neo Corp International Overview Agro Textiles Product basket Current status of Standards Role of Standards Issues arising from absence of standards A step ahead Major challenges Concluding remarks

Agro textile Products Neo Corp International Leno Bags Baler twines/ropes Vermibeds Pond Liners Flexi Planters 3

Agro textile Products Neo Corp International Mulch Films Shade nets Crop covers Anti-hail nets/ bird protection nets Fishing nets Green house films 4

Current Status Of Agro Textile Standards Neo Corp International Current Status Of Agro Textile Standards Glossary of Agro textiles finalized and accepted by BIS and is Under publication Specifications for 50%, 75% and 90% Shade Factor Shade Nets. Draft standard finalized and is under Publication. Mulch Mat Draft under release Ground Cover- Specifications Under consideration. Vermibed IS:15907:2010 Green House Films IS:15827:2009 Pond Liners IS:15351:2008 Rope (PP) IS:5175:1992 Rope (HDPE) IS: 8674:1989 Non Wovens ? Mulch Films IS:15177:2002 (Code of Practice) 5

Role of standards Neo Corp International PRODUCTS CUSTOMER Develop competitive manufacturing capability Ensure conformity with Market/customer requirements Ensure consistent and improved performance Capability Quality Sustainability

Neo Corp International ISSUES ARISING FROM ABSENCE OF STANDARDS 1. CAPABILITY In case of shade net, required shade factor can be achieved by Color of the net i.e. green, black, green/black etc. Level of pigmentation i.e. light or dark Knitting Pattern i.e. Single / Double / Triple Lock, Tape X Tape, Mono X Mono or Mono X Tape with different gauges and coarse per inch. Texture of the fabric i.e. Free or Flat

Neo Corp International Like wise GSM can be produced with different knitting patterns. In market 70 to 80 GSM nets are available for 50% shade factor instead of 95 GSM. Standard should be able to standardize above factors.

Neo Corp International 2. QUALITY Farmers have developed their own understanding of quality and methods of assessing the quality for example they assess the shade factor by seeing through the net. They have understanding that stiff nets are good. In fact stiffness can be easily achieved by adding reprocess material. Farmers assess quality of mulch film by pressing finger and no reference values for dart/Micron are available. Manufacturers fail to suggest best quality net suitable for a particular crop. Colour of the net and mulch film also plays an important role to increase productivity and quality of the crop. Standards have to address these issues.

Neo Corp International 3. SUSTAINABILITY Sustainable agriculture depends on the sustained performance of Agro textiles used. Sustained performance of almost all Agro textile products depend on Their UV resistance. Installation Methods Quality of raw material UV resistance properties, structural requirements with respect dimensions, quality of structural material, various clamping methods, civil work requirements etc. and quality of raw materials need to be standardized. Standards to address these issues.

A step ahead Neo Corp International Specifications / guidelines / code of practices can be developed for total solutions - those include product specifications, structural requirements, installation and laying methods etc. (Although some manufacturers and government organizations are doing this) Considering the Indian climatic conditions and various geographical locations, standards can be developed for colored shade nets suitable for different crops. Vermi composting process can be standardized.

Major Challenges Neo Corp International Awareness and training of the manufacturers and end users. 12

Concluding remarks… Neo Corp International Standards for very important Agro textile products like shade nets are yet to be published. Standards should focus on total solution. Raw material needs to be standardized. Standard should protect the interest of genuine manufacturers. Standards should also consider Indian climatic conditions and geographic locations.

Neo Corp International Thank You!