Israeli greenhouse maker plans India foray

Rizkalla Brothers Limited, an Israel-based greenhouse manufacturer, is planning to form joint ventures with domestic strategic partners to bring its complete range of greenhouse solutions to the Indian market.

The $40-million (approximately Rs 160 crore) family-run company is in talks with three business associates in the country, including one in Hyderabad, and expects to form joint ventures with them soon, Helmi Abu Much, president of Rizkalla Brothers, told Business Standard.

"Though greenhouse cultivation is still at a nascent stage in India, we expect this to grow by leaps and bounds, considering the increasing awareness among the farming community on the productive advantages through this technology," Much said, adding that the total area under greenhouse cultivation globally was estimated to be around 50,000 hectare, of which India accounted for only 200 hectare. Greenhouse cultivation offers 10 times higher productivity than in open-air cultivation.

Much was in Hyderabad as part of a business visit led by Mouneer Agbaria, director (Asia Pacific division), ministry of industry, trade and labour, Government of Israel.

According to him, the company would provide the wherewithal to its local partners, who in turn would execute greenhouse projects in India on a turnkey basis on its behalf.

"We are looking at offering greenhouse solutions to high-priced vegetables like tomato, capsicum and cucumber. The investments will depend on the local business conditions and consultation processes. However, we plan to invest close to $5 million (around Rs 20 crore) in India by the end of this year," he said.

Besides greenhouse manufacturing, Rizkalla Brothers provides technical consulting at all stages from seed sowing in the nursery to completion of the first harvest in greenhouse. It exports its products to 23 countries including Latin America.