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SUBMITTED BY:Hema UpadhayayI.D:34594Dept. of Clothing and Textiles

AGROTEXTILES

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INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION•Continuous increase in population worldwide, stress on agricultural crops has increased. So it is necessary to increase the yield and quality of agro-products. But it is not possible to meet fully with the traditionally adopted ways of using pesticides and herbicides.

•Today, agriculture and horticulture has realized the need of tomorrow and opting for various technologies to get higher overall yield, quality and tasty agro-products.

•Projected global market size of technical textiles is US $ 120 to 150 billions.

•Indian market is about US $6 billion (Rs. 30000 crores).•Agro-textiles form about 1.5% of the technical textile market.

•Man made /synthetic fibres are mainly used in technical textiles due to their favourable. price/performance ratio, ease of transportation and setup, saving in storage space and long service life.

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WHAT IS AGROTEXTILEWHAT IS AGROTEXTILE All the textile goods intended for use in the agrarian production All the textile goods intended for use in the agrarian production

encompassing agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and encompassing agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and forestry can be considered as agro-textiles.forestry can be considered as agro-textiles.

Special textiles that are manufactured for agricultural Special textiles that are manufactured for agricultural applications.applications.

These textile structures are used as controlling environment for These textile structures are used as controlling environment for plants/animals in applications likeplants/animals in applications like

AgricultureAgriculture Horticulture Horticulture Animal husbandryAnimal husbandry

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Why agro-textiles?Why agro-textiles?

Prevent the soil from drying out increase crop yield. Prevent the soil from drying out increase crop yield. Reduce use of herbicides hence Protect farmer from harmful Reduce use of herbicides hence Protect farmer from harmful

pesticides. pesticides. Thermal protection textiles are treated with ultraviolet ray Thermal protection textiles are treated with ultraviolet ray

stabilisers. stabilisers. The best-known products are shade netting and thermal screens, The best-known products are shade netting and thermal screens,

the use of which can save up to 40% on energy in heating the use of which can save up to 40% on energy in heating greenhouses. greenhouses.

Their use prevents staining and improves uniformity of colour.Their use prevents staining and improves uniformity of colour. Can control Can control

climate, climate, ecological degradation, ecological degradation, efficient use of water, efficient use of water, save energy, save energy, improve product quality, etc.improve product quality, etc.

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• Resistance to solar-radiation.Resistance to solar-radiation.• Resistance to ultraviolet radiation.Resistance to ultraviolet radiation.• Biodegradability.Biodegradability.• High potential to retain water.High potential to retain water.• Protection property.Protection property.

PROPERTIES REQUIREDPROPERTIES REQUIRED

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APPLICATION OF AGROTEXTILESAPPLICATION OF AGROTEXTILES Sunscreens/Shade netsSunscreens/Shade nets Ground coverGround cover WindshieldWindshield Root ball netsRoot ball nets Insect meshesInsect meshes Turf protection netTurf protection net Nets for covering palletsNets for covering pallets Packing materials for agricultural productsPacking materials for agricultural products Mulch matsMulch mats Crop coversCrop covers Net for protection from birdsNet for protection from birds Fishing netsFishing nets

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MANUFATURING TECHNIQUES USEDMANUFATURING TECHNIQUES USED

Textile materials in the form of woven, nonwoven, knitted, Textile materials in the form of woven, nonwoven, knitted, knotted, twine, braided, etc. are used for various knotted, twine, braided, etc. are used for various applications of agrotextiles.applications of agrotextiles.

Woven and nonwoven structures are generally used for Woven and nonwoven structures are generally used for ground covers, mulch mats, shades; ground covers, mulch mats, shades;

braided and woven structures are used for sapling bags; braided and woven structures are used for sapling bags; warp knitted structures are used for screens, nets and warp knitted structures are used for screens, nets and

packaging materials; packaging materials; knotting technique is used for manufacturing fishing nets.knotting technique is used for manufacturing fishing nets.

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FIBER USED IN AGROTEXTILESFIBER USED IN AGROTEXTILES

Synthetic fibresSynthetic fibres

Polyolefin fibresPolyolefin fibres (light weight with high strength and long service (light weight with high strength and long service life) are extensively used.life) are extensively used.

Nylon, PolyesterNylon, Polyester fibres. fibres.

Due to their high strength, durability and other suitable properties of Due to their high strength, durability and other suitable properties of agricultural applications, synthetic fibres are widely used in agrotech agricultural applications, synthetic fibres are widely used in agrotech sector.sector.

Natural fibresNatural fibres..

Jute, Wool, Coir, Sisal, Flax and Hemp fibres.Jute, Wool, Coir, Sisal, Flax and Hemp fibres. Natural fibre based agrotextiles not only serve the specific purpose but Natural fibre based agrotextiles not only serve the specific purpose but

also after some year degrade and act as also after some year degrade and act as natural fertilizers.natural fertilizers.

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WOOL

COIR

FLEX

HEMP

JUTEPOLY

ESTER

NYLON

POLY

OLEFINFIBER USED

NATURAL FIBERS

•Agro multching

•Sampling bags

•Seed germination bed

•Packaging of agricultural products

SYNTHETICSYNTHETICFIBERSFIBERS

HDPE JUTESPUN BONDED POLYESTER

POLYPROPYLENE

NYLON COIR

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SUNSCREEN/ SUNSCREEN/ SHADE NETSSHADE NETS

These are sunscreens and provide necessary These are sunscreens and provide necessary protection to the plants against:protection to the plants against: Excessive heat,Excessive heat, Burning of the crops due to direct sunshine andBurning of the crops due to direct sunshine and UV damage.UV damage.

Composition:Composition: Polyethylene fabrics or mono-filaments Polyethylene fabrics or mono-filaments Construction:Construction: Warp knitted Warp knitted or woven or woven ..

AdvantagesAdvantages Low weightLow weight Protection against strong wind.Protection against strong wind. Available in various colors: Black, white, dark Available in various colors: Black, white, dark green, light green, green and white, blue and white. green, light green, green and white, blue and white.

Range of shade percentages are: Range of shade percentages are: 25%, 35%, 50%, 75% and 90%25%, 35%, 50%, 75% and 90%

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CROP COVERS/CROP COVERS/ ANTIFROST COVERS ANTIFROST COVERS

Lightweight, breathable and those which dry quickly are used. These Lightweight, breathable and those which dry quickly are used. These fabrics should provide open spaces for crop treatments.fabrics should provide open spaces for crop treatments.

Composition:Composition: Nonwoven spun bonded mesh fabric and nonwoven UV resistant Nonwoven spun bonded mesh fabric and nonwoven UV resistant

polypropylene fleece.polypropylene fleece.

Advantages:Advantages: Minimizes moisture and heat loss.Minimizes moisture and heat loss. Keeps the plant warm and healthy.Keeps the plant warm and healthy. Low wind sensitivity.Low wind sensitivity. UV stabilized.UV stabilized. Strong.Strong. Long lasting.Long lasting.

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WINDSHIELDWINDSHIELD Protect the crops from high velocity wind damage. Protect the crops from high velocity wind damage. Control the temperature by hindering cooling dueControl the temperature by hindering cooling dueto the wind. These are installed perpendicular to to the wind. These are installed perpendicular to the direction of the wind to reduce the wind speed.the direction of the wind to reduce the wind speed.

Composition:Composition: Filament used: High density Poly PropyleneFilament used: High density Poly Propylene Monofilament / Tape YarnsMonofilament / Tape YarnsWeight : 40-90 g/sq. metreWeight : 40-90 g/sq. metreMesh size: As per the required wind blocking Mesh size: As per the required wind blocking Technology used: Warp knitting.Technology used: Warp knitting. Advantages:Advantages: Windshields can have large or small openings Windshields can have large or small openings depending on the amount of wind depending on the amount of wind protection required.protection required. Prevent breaking of branches, early falling of Prevent breaking of branches, early falling of the fruits and Damage to the leaves and flowers.the fruits and Damage to the leaves and flowers.

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TUFT PROTECTION /GROUND COVERING FABRICTUFT PROTECTION /GROUND COVERING FABRIC Prevent the growth of grasses by blocking of the solar radiation and Prevent the growth of grasses by blocking of the solar radiation and

reduction of photosynthesis UV stabilized quality groundcover mulch to reduction of photosynthesis UV stabilized quality groundcover mulch to inhibit weed growth. Water permeable for optimum drainage.inhibit weed growth. Water permeable for optimum drainage.

Applications:Applications: Borders and rockeries, nursery display areas, greenhouse floors, soft Borders and rockeries, nursery display areas, greenhouse floors, soft

fruit beds and orchards, root barriers, paved areas, bark play pits, cycle fruit beds and orchards, root barriers, paved areas, bark play pits, cycle paths and footpaths, planter liners, seed harvesting areas.paths and footpaths, planter liners, seed harvesting areas.

AdvantagesAdvantages

Prevent removal of earth in lumps during animal grazing in grassy areas Prevent removal of earth in lumps during animal grazing in grassy areas of river banks. of river banks.

In addition they also maintain optimal soil temperatures for rapid plant In addition they also maintain optimal soil temperatures for rapid plant growth.growth.

Composition:Composition:Biodegradable needle punched non woven and coated fabrics. (100 % Biodegradable needle punched non woven and coated fabrics. (100 %

Polypropylene)Polypropylene)Sizes:Sizes: 80, 90, 100, 110, 130, 150 g/m² 80, 90, 100, 110, 130, 150 g/m²Colors:Colors: Black, green, grey and maroon. Black, green, grey and maroon.

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Mats are put over the grassy areas on riverMats are put over the grassy areas on riverbanks, dykes, etc, so that lumps of earth are banks, dykes, etc, so that lumps of earth are not removed while animals are grazing them.not removed while animals are grazing them.

Composition:Composition: Jute, polypropylene, polyethylene Jute, polypropylene, polyethylene Construction:Construction: Woven, non-woven Woven, non-woven

Advantages:Advantages:

Weed control around newly planted trees and Weed control around newly planted trees and shrubs.shrubs.

Biodegradable.Biodegradable. Cost effective.Cost effective. minimizing soil erosion loss and improving minimizing soil erosion loss and improving

conservation. conservation.

MULTCH MATS

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WEED CONTROL DISCWEED CONTROL DISCAdvantagesAdvantages

Perfect for blocking surface weed growth in Perfect for blocking surface weed growth in production containers.production containers.

Reduces costs for manual weeding.Reduces costs for manual weeding. Eliminates herbicides.Eliminates herbicides. Can be reused for many years.Can be reused for many years. Permeable loss from solid fertilizersPermeable loss from solid fertilizers Reduces water loss from plants.Reduces water loss from plants. Resistant to ultraviolet light.Resistant to ultraviolet light. breathable, letting air and water through breathable, letting air and water through

effortlessly. effortlessly.

Composition Composition

Needle punched non woven fabric is mainly Needle punched non woven fabric is mainly used for the purpose ofused for the purpose of weed control weed control applications.applications.

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ROOT BALL NET & ROOT CONTAINERSROOT BALL NET & ROOT CONTAINERS Promotes healthy roots within Promotes healthy roots within

the containerthe container Blocks root emergenceBlocks root emergence Improves production qualityImproves production quality

A root ball plant is prepared for planting with soil adhering to their roots. The soil and root forms compact mass, larger then bare roots. Root ball net can be used to bind the mass of soil and roots of plants together. Advantages

a) Protect root balls from damage during transportation and storage. b) Biodegradable; c) Keep soil sticking to roots.d) Increase packing speed of root balls compared to covering with burlap and tying with

twine.

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COMPOSITE TRAPCOMPOSITE TRAP For optimum control of the compositing processFor optimum control of the compositing process Maintain the optimum level of humidity throughout the Maintain the optimum level of humidity throughout the

compositing processingcompositing processing By accelerating the evaporation of excess water from the By accelerating the evaporation of excess water from the

substrates.substrates. Increases operational efficiency by shortening the Increases operational efficiency by shortening the

composting process and improving the quality of the finish composting process and improving the quality of the finish productproduct

The unique non woven textile made from high quality The unique non woven textile made from high quality synthetic fibres is completely permeable to oxygen, carbon synthetic fibres is completely permeable to oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapour dioxide and water vapour

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HARVEST NETSHARVEST NETS Harvesting nets are used to collect the fruits falling from a tree. This Harvesting nets are used to collect the fruits falling from a tree. This

helps to keep the cost of cultivation low by eliminating additional labour helps to keep the cost of cultivation low by eliminating additional labour associated with harvesting.. associated with harvesting..

The primary application of harvesting net is in apple orchids, mango The primary application of harvesting net is in apple orchids, mango farms, pomegranate clusters and in other similar type of fruits harvesting. farms, pomegranate clusters and in other similar type of fruits harvesting.

Composition:Composition: Polyethylene mono-filaments. Polyethylene mono-filaments. Construction:Construction: Warp knitted. Warp knitted. Advantages:Advantages: Perfect collecting fruits which fall off the tree when they are ripe.Perfect collecting fruits which fall off the tree when they are ripe. Simplifies and rationalizes the harvesting process.Simplifies and rationalizes the harvesting process.

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BIRD PROTECTION NETBIRD PROTECTION NET Bird protection nets are placed over trees and fields to protect the fruit from being Bird protection nets are placed over trees and fields to protect the fruit from being

eaten by birds .With a most favorable mesh size, it is big enough to permit eaten by birds .With a most favorable mesh size, it is big enough to permit movement of bees and keeps shadow to a least amount. movement of bees and keeps shadow to a least amount.

Allows sunlight and also permits free movement of air means that harmful fungus Allows sunlight and also permits free movement of air means that harmful fungus does not grow on the crop. does not grow on the crop.

The regular sizes of nets available are 1, 2, 3 & 6 meters in width and 10, 20, 50 The regular sizes of nets available are 1, 2, 3 & 6 meters in width and 10, 20, 50 and 100 meters in length. The shade percentage, which indicates the degree of and 100 meters in length. The shade percentage, which indicates the degree of shade provided by the nets, is around 20%. shade provided by the nets, is around 20%.

Composition:Composition: Polypropylene monofilament /Polypropylene monofilament / Polyethylene Tape yarns, Polyethylene Tape yarns, Construction:Construction: Warp knitted, Warp knitted, Strips of nets with Strips of nets with large opening,large opening,

Advantages:Advantages: To protect the fruits eaten by birdsTo protect the fruits eaten by birds Ultra-light fabrics & around 25 to 40 GSM in weight. Ultra-light fabrics & around 25 to 40 GSM in weight. These nets are tough, durable, tear resistant and light weight. These nets are tough, durable, tear resistant and light weight. These nets are generally Green, Blue or White in colour.These nets are generally Green, Blue or White in colour. Ultra violet (UV) stabilized.Ultra violet (UV) stabilized.

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ANTI HAIL NETSANTI HAIL NETS

Anti-hail nets are generally used to guard the crops like apple, litchi, etc. from hails in hail prone areas and high height areas like. Each individual tree needs the anti hail nets. Generally these nets are transparent in colour with mesh size of 2*100 mm to allow the crops to receive a low level of shadow (13% to 30%). CompositionThese are woven from HDPE yarn or are combination of HDPE monofilament and tape in knitted form, stabilized against UV rays.

Advantages a) These nets are flexible c) They are strong e) They can be placed on b) They are low weight d) They are easy to spread simple support structure

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PACKING MATERIAL FOR AGRI GOODSPACKING MATERIAL FOR AGRI GOODS Nets can be used in the form of sacks, bags and tubes Nets can be used in the form of sacks, bags and tubes

for packaging of farm products for many end uses. It for packaging of farm products for many end uses. It includes:includes:

Packing sacks for vegetables.Packing sacks for vegetables. Tubular packing nets for fruits.Tubular packing nets for fruits.

Advantages:Advantages: Net structures are preferred because of their high Net structures are preferred because of their high

strength, low weight, air permeability and cheapness.strength, low weight, air permeability and cheapness. The pressure exerted on soft fruits is very less because The pressure exerted on soft fruits is very less because

of the use of flat tape yarns.of the use of flat tape yarns. Desired open-mesh structure can be produced.Desired open-mesh structure can be produced.

Composition:Composition: Jute bagsJute bags Polyethylene Tape yarn, Warp knitted, 50 – 60 Polyethylene Tape yarn, Warp knitted, 50 – 60

g/sq.m.g/sq.m.

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FISHING NETSFISHING NETS Composition: Nylon mono-filament, multi-filament or HDPEComposition: Nylon mono-filament, multi-filament or HDPE Construction: Warp knitted.Construction: Warp knitted.

AdvantagesAdvantages Helps in fishing and in fish farming.Helps in fishing and in fish farming.

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AGRO TEXTILE PRODUCTS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN AGRICULTUREAGRO TEXTILE PRODUCTS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN AGRICULTURE

PRODUCTPRODUCT APPLICATION IN AGRICULTUREAPPLICATION IN AGRICULTURE ANIMAL ANIMAL HUSBAN- HUSBAN-

DARYDARY

FISHINGFISHING

CROP CROP PRODUCEPRODUCE

FLORICUL - FLORICUL - TURETURE

HORTICUL- HORTICUL- TURETURE

POST HARVESTINGPOST HARVESTING

KNITTED NETSKNITTED NETS

SHADINGSHADING

BIRD PROTECTIONBIRD PROTECTION

WIND SHIELDSWIND SHIELDS

ANTI-HAILANTI-HAIL

HARVESTINGHARVESTING

FISHINGFISHING

MILCHINGMILCHING

PACKAGINGPACKAGING

SUPPORT NETSSUPPORT NETS

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PRODUCTPRODUCT APPLICATION IN AGRICULTUREAPPLICATION IN AGRICULTURE ANIMAL ANIMAL HUSBAN- HUSBAN-

DARYDARY

FISHINGFISHING

CROP CROP PRODUCEPRODUCE

FLORICUL - FLORICUL - TURETURE

HORTICUL- HORTICUL- TURETURE

POST POST HARVESTINGHARVESTING

NONWOVEN FABRICSNONWOVEN FABRICSMULCHMATMULCHMAT CATTLE SHED CATTLE SHED UNDERLAYUNDERLAY

PROTECTIVE PROTECTIVE CLOTHINGCLOTHING

WOVEN FABRICSWOVEN FABRICSPACKING SACKSPACKING SACKS

SUNCREENSSUNCREENS

PROTECTIVE PROTECTIVE CLOTHINGCLOTHING

PLASTIC SHEETSPLASTIC SHEETS

GROUND GROUND COVERSCOVERS

GREENHOUSE GREENHOUSE FILMSFILMS

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Animal HusbandryAnimal Husbandry

The animal husbandry is another important application The animal husbandry is another important application where the textile is used for animal related application where the textile is used for animal related application which is indirectly related with the field.which is indirectly related with the field.

ApplicationsApplications

Identification belts of polyester and nylon material for Identification belts of polyester and nylon material for animals identification.animals identification.

Filtering of milk in an automatic milking system.Filtering of milk in an automatic milking system. Underlay to reduce the mud on cattle paths and trails.Underlay to reduce the mud on cattle paths and trails.

UDDER WIPES

MILK FILTERATION

FABRIC

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Agro- Protective GarmentsAgro- Protective Garments   During farming there are chances of harmful pesticides will penetrate through During farming there are chances of harmful pesticides will penetrate through

clothing and come contact with the skin and cause a problem, use of clothing clothing and come contact with the skin and cause a problem, use of clothing like rubber apron, waterproof outer garment, and face mask for longer period like rubber apron, waterproof outer garment, and face mask for longer period is difficult so selection of clothing is important. These agro protective is difficult so selection of clothing is important. These agro protective garments must be:-garments must be:-

Lightweight and cheaper. Lightweight and cheaper. Protect from pesticides. Protect from pesticides. Good breathable property and readily washable. Good breathable property and readily washable.

Traditionally textiles with polyester and cotton with repellent finish was used.Traditionally textiles with polyester and cotton with repellent finish was used.

Today these are made from high-tech woven and non-woven with Today these are made from high-tech woven and non-woven with fluorocarbon finish is used. fluorocarbon finish is used.

This new technology of the protective textile not only protects the farmer This new technology of the protective textile not only protects the farmer from harmful pesticides but also keep him comfortable and aesthetically from harmful pesticides but also keep him comfortable and aesthetically satisfied.satisfied.

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Recent Trends of Developments in Agro textilesRecent Trends of Developments in Agro textiles Polymer fibre balls as substitute for soil.Polymer fibre balls as substitute for soil. Screening fabrics for sunlight management.Screening fabrics for sunlight management. Knitted net hose for water transportation.Knitted net hose for water transportation. Super absorbent polymer fibre mats for water management in Super absorbent polymer fibre mats for water management in

horticulture applications.horticulture applications. Use of water retention nets coated with Super absorbent Use of water retention nets coated with Super absorbent

polymer resin.polymer resin. Composite of hemp or polypropylene for reducing soil Composite of hemp or polypropylene for reducing soil

pollutants. pollutants.

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CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

Thus, the need of textile goods in the field of agriculture has Thus, the need of textile goods in the field of agriculture has been stressed and their role in the reduced usage of harmful been stressed and their role in the reduced usage of harmful pesticides and herbicides to render a healthy farming culture pesticides and herbicides to render a healthy farming culture underlined. underlined.

Unique manufacturing techniques and properties of this blend Unique manufacturing techniques and properties of this blend of agro-textile sector products whose cost is lesser than that of of agro-textile sector products whose cost is lesser than that of pesticides and chemical herbicides have been emphasized. pesticides and chemical herbicides have been emphasized.

Textiles prove to be flexible in their suitability for specific Textiles prove to be flexible in their suitability for specific geographical locations. So now it is our turn, to carefully and geographical locations. So now it is our turn, to carefully and beautifully shape this infant technology, to contribute to the beautifully shape this infant technology, to contribute to the nation's economy. nation's economy.

"Textile is a global text which has the extra style of "Textile is a global text which has the extra style of applications in all fields, - feel it and endure it"!applications in all fields, - feel it and endure it"!

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REFRENCES………..

•"An overview of agrotextiles in Indian scenario", SASMIRA•www.fibroline.com/agrotextiles •www.linq.com/agrotex/agrohome •www.technical-textiles.net •www.magrotexsl.com •www.Agrotex.com•Subramaniam,V.,Poongodi,G.R. and Sindhiya. V.2008.Agrotextiles.Man made textiles in India.80-84

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