Working Mechanism and Machine Types
Net clipping machines provide fast, secure bag closure for graded horticultural produce.
Core technical components:
- Clipping mechanism: Uses high-tensile aluminum or wire clips fed from spools or cartridges to crimp the top and bottom of tubular netting simultaneously.
- Pneumatic vs manual operation: Pneumatic clipping machines utilize compressed air foot pedals for high-speed continuous packing, while manual lever units suit small packing stations.
- Integrated cutting blade: Automatically severs the netting between the sealed package and the next bag in a single cycle.
- Tubular net chute: Smooth feeding funnel allows operators to quickly slide graded fruits and vegetables into the open netting sleeve.
Produce Quality and Post-Harvest Advantages
Packaging fresh commodities in breathable clipped mesh offers significant post-harvest benefits.
Key agricultural advantages:
- Ventilation and shelf life: Open mesh structure allows continuous air circulation, preventing moisture condensation and fungal rot in stored onions and garlic.
- Consumer visibility: Transparent mesh netting enables wholesale buyers and retail consumers to inspect produce color, size, and quality without opening bags.
- Standardized grading: Facilitates uniform 1 kg, 2 kg, or 5 kg retail-ready packaging that commands premium prices in modern supermarkets.
FPO Packhouse Integration and Subsidies
Adopting automated packaging machinery strengthens post-harvest infrastructure for farming collectives.
Implementation and assistance:
- FPO packhouses: Integrated into sorting, grading, and packing lines operated by Farmer Producer Organizations.
- Government assistance: Supported under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
- Maintenance: Keep clipping jaws lubricated and periodically inspect pneumatic air pressure regulators to ensure tight clip crimping.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the primary function of a produce clipping machine?
It crimps metal clips to securely seal graded agricultural produce like onions, potatoes, and citrus fruits inside tubular mesh bags.
Why are mesh net bags preferred for packaging onions and garlic?
Mesh bags provide complete air ventilation, preventing humidity buildup and fungal decay during transit and retail display.
Can Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) receive subsidies for packaging machinery?
Yes, FPOs can access financial assistance and interest subvention for packhouse machinery under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Tractors & Farm Machinery guides
Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.