Indian greenhouse project takes shape

Added on 20 April 2022

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Dutch Greenhouse Delta and Sahyadri Farms work together to improve soft fruit production in India.

Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD) and Sahyadri Farms have signed a letter of intent to start working on the "cleaner, healthier, safer and higher quality" production of fresh produce in India.

The pair have begun work on a greenhouse project, which is set to result in the construction of a high-tech facility in the state of Maharashtra.

"Together, we intend to do research on customer wishes and future trends," said Azhar Tambuwala, director of marketing at Sahyadri Farms. "We also want to talk to large retail chains, large hotel chains, large restaurant chains and large government-run organisations - like universities and the army - to find out what is the best crop, the most profitable crop and the most wanted crop that can be grown in greenhouses in a way that is more beneficial than open-field farming."

Turning ideas into actions, Sahyadri and DGD are currently undertaking a feasibility study to determine the best greenhouse solution to optimise profitability, sustainability, food safety, quality and logistics. "This feasibility study will shed light on commercial and technical feasibility and viability," Tambuwala said. "The intent is to write a more compact and minimal feasibility report to venture into the next stage."

Once the feasibility report is complete, Sahyadri and DGD will canvas investors, growers and any other stakeholders deemed necessary. "The feasibility study will provide the information to inform, attract and persuade new partners, if needed, to start developing a greenhouse solution befitting the future ambitions of Sahyadri Farms," Tambuwala added.

"The final stage will be designing, building and operating the greenhouse in order to provide Sahyadri Farms with sustainable, high-quality produce to be sold. It will strengthen the commercial position of Sahyadri Farms and our farmers."

Soft fruits, including a range of berry varieties, will be a key focus of the feasibility study.