Material grades, GSM ratings and durability
- Material types: Multi-layered woven High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) laminated with Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), and multi-layered cross-laminated multi-polymer sheets (Silpaulin).
- GSM selection: 120 to 150 GSM for lightweight crop transport covers; 200 to 250 GSM for long-term grain yard and hay stack covering; 300+ GSM for heavy-duty silage and farm pond lining.
- UV stabilization: Quality agricultural tarpaulins feature UV-stabilized polymer coatings that resist thermal degradation and brittleness under intense solar exposure.
Agricultural and post-harvest applications
Farmers spread tarpaulins on threshing floors to collect clean grain without soil contamination, cover grain piles in APMC mandis during unexpected rainfall, protect dry cattle fodder and straw stacks from rot, and build temporary solar grain dryers. Heavy-gauge puncture-resistant tarpaulins are also deployed to line farm ponds and raw vermicompost pits.
Care, storage and government subsidies
- Fold and store tarpaulins in dry, shaded rooms away from direct sunlight and rodent gnawing when not in use.
- Reinforced eyelets (grommets) around the edges should be tied with elastic bungees or soft ropes rather than sharp wires.
- State agriculture and horticulture departments provide 40% to 50% subsidies on certified agricultural tarpaulins under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and NFSM.
Official source
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Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What GSM tarpaulin is ideal for covering grain at farm mandis?
A 200 to 250 GSM UV-stabilized multi-layered tarpaulin provides an optimal balance of tear strength, waterproof reliability, and easy handling.
What does GSM stand for in tarpaulins?
GSM stands for Grams per Square Metre; higher GSM numbers indicate heavier, thicker, and more durable fabric.
Can farmers receive government subsidies on agricultural tarpaulins?
Yes, state agriculture departments provide purchase subsidies for certified tarpaulins under NFSM and SMAM portals.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More General Agriculture guides
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