Jain Irrigation enters Rwandan market with micro-irrigation solutions

Jain Irrigation, the world's second largest manufacturer of drip irrigation systems, has entered into a partnership with the Rwandan government in Africa for developing irrigation solutions for local farmers.

"We feel there is huge synergy between the farming systems in India and countries in Africa, especially in the context of small and marginal farmers. Hence, we can offer value-addition to the irrigation systems in these countries. We have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Rwanda, and have already started work on one project.", said Atul Jain, director, sales and marketing of Jain Irrigation.

The company is also in talks with several other African countries to develop similar partnerships. Jain said that the firm already has presence in 125 countries, with manufacturing base in nine countries.

The micro-irrigation system (MIS) business of the company has been clocking a 40 per cent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five to seven years, he added.

Jain Irrigation hopes that the MIS business will grow by around 30 per cent this fiscal.

Jain Irrigation has been working with small and marginal farmers in India by helping them bringing more land under cultivation with less water by using MIS. "We are looking at adding 300,000 hectares per year in India. Our average installations cover around one hectare.", Jain said.

Jain Irrigation is a diversified company with a product portfolio spreading across irrigation products, piping products,plastic sheets, dehydrated foods, fruit puree and juice concentrates.

Jain has a growing presence in the renewable energy segment and is the largest player in applications of solar energy in agriculture and rural areas.