Manufacturing conglomerate Signet Industries has announced allocation of 20,000 hectares of land for installation of micro-irrigation systems on farmers’ fields through the Andhra Pradesh Micro Irrigation Project (APMIP). This initiative is expected to enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability in the region, while generating approximately ₹150 crores in revenue for the company.
This announcement, in accordance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligation and Disclosure Requirements) Regulation, 2015, aims to improve agricultural efficiency and promote water conservation in the region.
Overview of the APMIP
The Andhra Pradesh Micro Irrigation Project (APMIP), implemented since 2003, aimed to improve farmers’ economic conditions through water conservation and increased crop productivity. Over the past 13 years, it has addressed challenges such as deficit rainfall and groundwater depletion, encouraging the adoption of micro irrigation technologies to achieve “Per Drop More Crop.” The APMIP employs various micro irrigation systems, including drip, portable sprinklers, semi-permanent sprinklers, mini sprinklers, micro sprinklers and rain guns. Sources for these systems include open wells, bore wells, tanks, and canals..
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The state government aims to cover all 13 districts in the next five years under this project. The APMIP aligns with the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which emphasizes soil and water conservation. Key benefits of micro irrigation include significant water savings, enhanced plant growth, reduced labor and energy costs, and improved fertilizer efficiency, making it suitable for various soil types and conditions.
Micro-irrigation is a method of irrigation that delivers water directly to the surface or just below the soil using drippers, sprinklers, foggers and other devices.
Micro irrigation offers several benefits, including water savings and enhanced plant growth and yield. It reduces labor and energy costs, making it particularly suitable for poor soil conditions. This system helps control weeds, simplifies cultural practices and allows for the use of saline water. It improves fertilizer efficiency and provides operational flexibility while preventing soil erosion and eliminating the need for land preparation. Additionally, micro irrigation minimizes disease and pest issues, making it effective for all soil types.
Signets micro irrigation system
Signet claims its micro irrigation system, Saurabh Shaktiman, offers tailored technical and design support by assessing soil chemistry, water availability, and terrain conditions prior to installation. This ensures effective water usage for crops. Saurabh Shaktiman’s drip irrigation solutions have been implemented on thousands of acres for crops such as cotton, sugarcane, bananas, grapes, pomegranates, and mulberries.
The system features several key products designed to enhance agricultural efficiency, including the Flatsil Integral Dripline, uses Swiss technology to prevent clogs, while the Golsil Integral Dripline features a sand guard and higher water flow. For tough soils, there are Silonline Drippers, perfect for trees and nurseries. Additionally, the system includes Plain Lateral pipes for various sprinkler setups, Fertilizer Tanks for adding nutrients, a Venturi Injector for fertilizer application, and important control valves and drip fittings.
Signet Industries’ allocation for micro-irrigation systems marks a vital advancement in enhancing agricultural efficiency and sustainability in Andhra Pradesh. This initiative aims to improve farmers’ economic conditions through water conservation and increased productivity. Signet’s tailored solutions aims to benefit various crops and soil types, helping the agricultural community address challenges like water scarcity and soil degradation. As the project unfolds, it promises to support sustainable farming practices and strengthen the region’s agricultural resilience.