India's fast-growing protected cultivation sector is facing a familiar problem of too much heat inside the greenhouse, says Hidde Huisintveld of Lumiforte, the Dutch company behind the ReduSystems range of greenhouse coatings. "In India, we have observed the challenge of keeping crops within the right temperature and light range, especially during hotter months. Just like human beings, plants need an optimal climate to thrive, and coatings can play a direct role in helping growers preserve their crops and yields."
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Lumiforte has been active in India since 2019 and stepped up its presence from 2022, working closely with its local distributor, Agriplast. Huisintveld visits India twice a year and calls it a market with huge potential. He shares his top three insights about working in India: "Firstly, any international organization needs strong local partnerships and patience. India is vast and extremely diverse, and without a strong local partner, it is very difficult to succeed. Secondly, India is not a market for quick wins; long-term commitment and regular visits are essential to build trust. Lastly, for Indian growers specifically, proof of concept under local climate conditions matters more than results from projects in Europe or other regions."
Huisintveld emphasizes that climate change is amplifying the urgency to make greenhouses more adaptive. "In states like Rajasthan, summer temperatures can touch 50 degrees Celsius, severely limiting the number of months when greenhouse production is feasible." By reducing heat load and fine-tuning the light spectrum inside the structure, coatings can help extend the growing season. "As a result, growers can bring their products to market during periods of low supply, which leads to higher market prices for their crops," he adds.
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Lumiforte's portfolio includes solutions for different types of covered systems, from simple plastic tunnels to more advanced greenhouses with cooling and screens, with tailor-made advice on product choice and dosage for each location and crop. Huisintveld explains what makes their coatings unique: "They block heat right at entry, unlike shade screens installed inside that let infrared radiation flood in first, driving up internal temperatures. Growers can test this easily by coating one greenhouse, shading another without coating, and then comparing internal temperatures. The difference is apparent," he says. When paired with screens, coatings deliver better year-round microclimate control and flexibility.
Given that greenhouse cultivation already uses significantly less water than open-field farming, Hidde believes that using coatings to optimize light and temperature can push both yields and resource efficiency further. "With steady year-on-year growth in India and a strong response at events such as Horti Connect in Bangalore, we are confident that the country's horticulture sector will become one of the largest in the world," he concludes
For more information:
Hidde Huisintveld
Lumiforte EMEA BV
Tel: +31 611 49 02 89
Email: [email protected]
www.lumiforte.com
