Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, organized a Manak Manthan on the Wide Circulation Draft (WC Draft) of “Quick Coupled Polyethylene Pipes and Fittings for Irrigation Systems” [IS 17425: FAD 17 (27076) WC2] at its Chennai Branch Office.

 

The programme was conducted to facilitate focused stakeholder consultation on the proposed revision of Indian Standard, which aims to standardise quick coupled polyethylene piping systems widely used in agricultural and irrigation applications. The draft standard seeks to address performance requirements, material specifications, dimensional parameters and testing methods to ensure durability, ease of installation, water efficiency and long service life under varied field conditions.

India’s increasing emphasis on micro-irrigation, water-use efficiency and modern agricultural practices has led to extensive adoption of portable and quick coupled polyethylene pipe systems. The formulation of this standard is expected to support farmers, irrigation departments and manufacturers by ensuring product reliability, interchangeability and safety, while promoting quality-driven growth in the irrigation sector.

Shri S. D. Dayanand, Scientist–F / Senior Director & Head, BIS Chennai Branch Office, delivered the Welcome Address and outlined the objectives of the programme. He emphasised that “standards for irrigation products play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture and water conservation. Active stakeholder participation at the WC stage ensures that the final standard is technically robust, practically feasible and aligned with field realities.”

Dr. Ravichandran Kandaswamy, Emeritus Professor, Polymer Technologist and former Professor & Head, Department of Rubber & Plastics Technology, MIT Campus, Anna University, delivered the Keynote Address as Guest of Honour. He highlighted the importance of material selection and long-term performance of polyethylene products used in irrigation systems. He noted that “polymer-based irrigation solutions must be designed to withstand mechanical stress, UV exposure and repeated coupling operations. A well-framed Indian Standard will help ensure consistent material quality, enhance product life and build confidence among users and farmers alike.”

The technical discussion on the WC Draft was led by Shri Vijay Jadhav, Director – Manufacturing and Development, Finolex Plasson Industries Pvt. Ltd., Pune, and Principal Member, FAD 17. He provided industry insights on design considerations, jointing mechanisms and performance requirements for quick coupled polyethylene pipes and fittings. He observed that “standardisation of quick coupling systems will help address compatibility issues, improve installation efficiency and promote wider adoption of quality irrigation products across the country.”

The session on BIS activities and digital initiatives was conducted by Smt. Anurita Nidhi Hemrom, Scientist–C / Deputy Director, BIS Chennai Branch Office. She briefed participants on BIS certification processes and demonstrated the use of the e-BIS portal for standards access, online applications, renewals and real-time tracking. She highlighted that BIS’s digital services enhance transparency and ease of doing business, and encouraged stakeholders to actively utilise the e-BIS platform.

An interactive Open House discussion followed, during which participants deliberated on material performance, coupling durability, dimensional tolerances, field usage challenges and testing requirements specific to irrigation environments. Valuable feedback and suggestions received during the session will contribute to further refinement of the draft standard.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from manufacturers, MSMEs, irrigation solution providers, technical experts, industry representatives and other stakeholders. The event reaffirmed BIS’s commitment to developing scientifically sound, industry-aligned and future-oriented Indian Standards that support sustainable agriculture and national development.

Participants were also encouraged to download the BIS Care App and subscribe to Standards Watch, BIS’s bi-weekly bulletin for updates on standards development and related activities.

***

SS/SE

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2207842) आगंतुक पटल : 34