Do Mulch Films Really Increase Crop Yields?

Mulch films are polymer films which are widely used in the Indian agricultural sector to enhance crop yield and quality. In 2021, the agriculture-related films market including mulch films was evaluated at USD 11.5 billion. By 2026, it is projected to reach USD 15.7 billion. In 2021 the global biodegradable mulch films market was evaluated at USD 43.03 million. From 2022- 2030 it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. In this article, we will explore the role of mulch films in crop yield and a lot more.

Biodegradable Agricultural Film

Mulch films have become an essential component in modern agriculture. The Indian mulch films market is also witnessing a rise in the use of biodegradable mulch films, which offer a distinct advantage over traditional polyethylene (PE) mulch films as they can be left on the field at the end of the crop cycle without causing any environmental damage.

Biodegradable agriculture mulch films are designed to preserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, limit weed growth, and protect agricultural harvests from various weather conditions. In India, mulch films are primarily used for growing food and vegetable crops over extensive areas, with vegetables and fruits contributing to 72% of the demand for mulch films in 2020.

Impact On Crop Yield

The application of mulch films in India has expanded from its initial application in vegetable and flower production to various cash crops, including peanut, watermelon, sugarcane, and tobacco, as well as grain crops like corn, wheat, and rice. This has resulted in yield increases of 20%–50% for grain crops, playing a key role in ensuring the supply of agricultural goods in India. This growth is boosted by the increasing demand for agricultural films such as farming mulch, silage and greenhouse films. Despite the numerous advantages of mulch films, one of the challenges faced by the market is the high cost of mulching films.

Mulch Films Manufacturers And Suppliers

With the increasing demand for mulch films, several manufacturers and suppliers have emerged in the Indian market, such as Neha Impex, a prominent manufacturer, and supplier of a wide range of agricultural products based in Kolkata. On the other hand, Berry Global Inc., BASF SE, Ab Rani Plast Oy, Plastika Kritis SA, and Novamont SpA are some of the leading mulch film suppliers in India. 

OFB’s Insight

The Indian mulch films market has witnessed a dramatic rise in recent years, as the government has made greater investments in agriculture and the burgeoning population has increased the demand for food. To keep this trend going, NABARD has invested Rs.700 crore (approx. 100 million dollars) in venture capital funds for investing in agricultural and rural-focused start-ups. This promising move will ensure that mulch films are adopted more widely throughout the country. With continued advancements in agricultural science and technology, it is expected that the adoption of mulch films will continue to grow in India, contributing to the overall growth of the global mulch films market.

Read more: What’s Stretch And Shrink Film And Its Uses Across Industries?

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