The Hindu Business Line : Coimbatore engg units find scope in mechanised irrigation

Coimbatore, June 18 The engineering industries in Coimbatore see a significant potential in manufacturing components for pivot irrigation (a system of crop irrigation in which the equipment rotates around a pivot and functions as an overhead sprinkler irrigation system).

This is because many of them are already into production of agri-related products such as pumps, motors and valves and could seamlessly move into production of pivot irrigation equipment, according to Mr K. Ilango, President, Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (Codissia).

The association, which is holding the ninth edition of International Agricultural Trade Exhibition (Agri Intex) here from October 2 to 5 this year, has invited about 40 companies from abroad to participate in it, including those involved in the pivot irrigation sector.

It is estimated that the mechanised irrigation equipment market in the US itself is worth around $1 billion.

If the Coimbatore engineering units are able to capture even a fraction of this market, it could be worth millions of dollars.

Stressing the importance of modernisation of agriculture, he said the exhibition was aimed at providing greater value addition to farming.

Mr D. Balasundaram, Chairman, Agri Intex 2009, said there would be more than 250 stalls and around 80,000 visitors from India and abroad are expected to attend the exhibition.

An international conference on ‘Next Generation of Indian Agriculture’ also would be held. Codissia plans to establish a green house facility at the trade fair Complex.

Mr K.R.Arun Kumar, Project Manager, Project Maize, Coimbatore, strategic consultant for the Agri Intex exhibition, said the intention was to create greater excitement about the exhibition and encourage the manufacturing industries in Coimbatore to get into agriculture processing in a big way and to diversify into agriculture.

More Stories on : Engineering | Tamil Nadu

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page