Material Grades and GSM Specifications
Agricultural tarpaulins are classified by their fabric weight measured in Grams per Square Meter (GSM) and polymer composition.
Higher GSM ratings indicate greater puncture resistance, tear strength, and long-term durability under harsh outdoor weather.
- 120 to 150 GSM: Lightweight tarpaulins suitable for temporary covering of grain heaps and small farm implements
- 200 to 250 GSM: Heavy-duty cross-laminated sheets ideal for multi-season grain drying, silage making, and transport trolleys
- 300+ GSM: Extra heavy-duty reinforced tarpaulins engineered for pond lining, hay covers, and semi-permanent storage godowns
- UV stabilization: Treated with specialized ultraviolet light stabilizers to prevent polymer embrittlement and cracking under hot sunlight
Agricultural Applications Across Farm Operations
Waterproof sheets serve diverse practical functions across crop harvesting, post-harvest handling, and livestock management.
Using clean tarpaulins for on-field grain threshing and sun-drying prevents soil and stone contamination, preserving grain quality and market price.
- Sun-drying grains: Spread clean tarpaulins in courtyards or farmyards to dry paddy, wheat, and pulses cleanly
- Trolley covering: Shield loaded grain trolleys during transport to agricultural mandis from sudden downpours
- Bunker silage: Line and seal green fodder pits with airtight heavy-duty tarpaulins to produce high-nutrition lactic silage
- Emergency storage: Protect fertilizer bags and seed lots from roof leaks or damp storage flooring
Government Subsidies and Maintenance Tips
State agricultural departments provide purchase subsidies on certified HDPE tarpaulins under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and NFSM schemes.
Farmers should clean, dry, and fold tarpaulins carefully after use, storing them away from rodents in cool, dry storage rooms.
- Department subsidies: Inquire on state agriculture DBT portals for capital assistance on approved ISI-marked tarpaulin sheets
- Eyelets & stitching: Choose sheets with reinforced heat-sealed edges and rust-proof aluminum eyelets for secure tying
- Rodent protection: Store folded tarpaulins off the floor on wooden pallets to prevent rodent chewing damage
Official source
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Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What GSM is recommended for agricultural grain drying tarpaulins?
A fabric weight between 200 to 250 GSM cross-laminated polyethylene provides the ideal balance of durability, puncture resistance, and handling ease.
Why is UV stabilization important in agricultural tarpaulins?
UV stabilization prevents intense solar ultraviolet radiation from degrading the plastic polymer, stopping sheets from becoming brittle and tearing.
Are there government subsidies for purchasing agricultural tarpaulins?
Yes, state agriculture departments provide subsidies for certified HDPE tarpaulins under agricultural mechanization and crop mission schemes.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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