In India's intense sunlight, UV-stabilised greenhouse film is not an extra feature. It is a basic requirement for protected farming. The country receives high levels of ultraviolet radiation for most of the year, and ordinary plastic cannot withstand this exposure. Without UV protection, greenhouse film quickly turns yellow, becomes brittle, and starts tearing. In many cases, it fails completely within four to six months.

UV-stabilised greenhouse film is made by mixing special additives directly into the plastic during manufacturing. These additives protect the plastic from sunlight damage, allowing the film to stay strong, clear, and flexible for three to five years. This gives farmers reliable crop protection and better long-term returns, even though the upfront cost is higher.

When non-UV or low-grade plastic is used, problems appear quickly. The film loses its strength, tears easily in wind, and becomes cloudy, which reduces the amount of useful light reaching the crop. Uneven degradation can also create hot spots inside the greenhouse, burning leaves, flowers, and fruits. These issues often force farmers to replace the film in the middle of the season, leading to crop exposure and unexpected expenses.

UV stabilisation and UV blocking are often confused, but they serve different purposes. UV stabilisation protects the greenhouse film itself from breaking down in sunlight. This is essential in India. UV blocking controls how much ultraviolet light enters the greenhouse and affects crop behaviour rather than film life. It is a production choice, not a durability requirement.

UV-blocking films are commonly used for vegetables and red roses because they help reduce pests, disease pressure, and petal blackening. UV-open films allow some ultraviolet light to pass through and are important for crops that rely on bee pollination or need better colour development. The right choice depends on the crop being grown.

Although UV-stabilised film costs more initially, it is far more economical over time. Non-UV plastic needs repeated replacement, each time adding material, labour, and risk to the crop. A standard 200-micron UV-stabilised film can last several years with one installation. Over a four-year period, this typically cuts greenhouse covering costs by more than half while keeping light and growing conditions stable.

To ensure quality, farmers should always check for a clear UV warranty from the manufacturer, proper film thickness suited to Indian conditions, and branded edge markings that confirm authenticity.

In India's harsh solar environment, UV protection is not optional. UV-stabilised greenhouse film is the primary shield for the structure, the crop, and the farmer's investment, ensuring safety, predictable lifespan, stable light, and lower long-term costs.
 

Source: www.floraldaily.com