Hyderabad-based AgSri Agricultural Services has signed an agreement with US-based Driptech to design and manufacture low-cost drip irrigation systems for small plot farmers in Andhra Pradesh.
Through this agreement, Driptech would offer viable solutions to small farmers where the exorbitant cost of conventional drip deprives farmers from accessing assured sources of irrigation.
Driptech is funded by investors such as Vinod Khosla, a noted entrepreneur, and Westlake Chemical, which is claimed as the largest manufacturer of polyethylene in North America. AgSri is a newly-found company by social entrepreneurs including Biksham Gujja and Vikram Akula, founder of SKS Microfinance.
Andhra Pradesh is heading towards an acute water crisis owing to ground water depletion. In fact, the state government has recently declared 876 out of 1,128 districts as drought-hit.
These systems are priced at R12,000 per acre for four-year cycle, which is claimed to be at least 70% lower than traditional, commercially available drip irrigation systems. ?There are additional benefits which include less labour, less fertiliser requirement and higher crop quality,? said Biksham Gujja, founder and chairperson, AgSri.
Incidentally, Driptech systems use laser technology to create uniform water flow that farmers can see compared to low-cost drip irrigation systems. The system is optimised for vegetables, floriculture and major commercial crops such sugarcane, cotton, chillies and turmeric. The company would also initiate manufacturing activities of the irrigation devices in India soon.
Currently, AgSri is working with farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa in collaboration with sugar cooperatives, industry and research bodies.
The company has initiated field trials that has improved the productivity of farming, reduced cost of labour and helped in water savings. It is learnt that drip irrigation is a R3,000-crore business in the country. However, its penetration is only at 2-3% and is traditionally used in large landholdings.
