How to Select the Best Tarpaulin for Agricultural Use

Introduction: Why Tarpaulins Are Essential in Agriculture

From small farms to large agribusinesses, one material continues to stand out as a low-cost, high-utility solution: the tarpaulin. Whether it’s monsoon season or post-harvest time, tarpaulins are widely used across India and beyond for protecting crops, covering storage, lining water reservoirs, and more.

In agriculture, where every inch of productivity matters and environmental conditions are unpredictable, having a reliable tarpaulin is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.

🌾 Choosing the right tarpaulin can make a real difference to your yield, produce protection, and water management.

What Is an Agricultural Tarpaulin?

An agricultural tarpaulin is a flexible, waterproof sheet used across farms and rural settings for protective and containment purposes. The most common types used in agriculture include:

  • HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) Tarpaulins
  • LDPE and PVC-coated Tarpaulins
  • Cross-laminated or multi-layer tarps

Among these, HDPE tarpaulins are most preferred in the farming sector due to their lightweight, UV-resistance, tensile strength, and affordability.

These sheets are usually treated to withstand:

  • Sunlight exposure (UV stabilized)
  • Wind and heavy rainfall
  • Chemicals and fertilizers
  • Microbial growth and fungal decay

🛡️ Tarpaulins serve as an agricultural shield — both above and below ground.

Common Uses of Tarpaulin in Farming

  1. Crop Protection
    Used to cover harvested crops like wheat, paddy, cotton, or onion before threshing or loading. Prevents moisture damage and reduces post-harvest loss.
  1. Mulching Sheets Substitute
    Farmers sometimes use black or dual-color tarpaulins as cost-effective ground covers to control weeds and maintain soil moisture.
  1. Fertilizer and Seed Bag Covering
    In warehouses or open fields, tarpaulins cover stacked bags from sun and rain.
  1. Tractor and Equipment Covering
    Machinery, engines, and diesel storage tanks are shielded from heat and dust.
  1. Temporary Shed Construction
    Tarpaulins help erect quick shelters for cattle, feed storage, or workers.
  1. Water Harvesting & Pond Lining
    HDPE tarps are used to line water tanks and small ponds in drought-prone areas, enabling better irrigation control.
  1. Silage Covers & Composting
    Used to wrap green fodder piles or cover organic compost for fermentation and protection from external contamination.

Key Problems Tarpaulins Solve in Rural Environments

Post-Harvest Loss Prevention
Rain during harvest season can spoil unprotected crops. Tarpaulins offer reliable coverage even during unexpected showers.

Water Scarcity
In dry regions, HDPE-lined water pits reduce evaporation loss and help store every drop harvested from rains or borewells.

Storage Space Constraints
Temporary godowns or on-field shelters can be created affordably with strong tarps — reducing reliance on built sheds.

Livestock Safety
Protect feed and cattle from weather changes with quick-to-deploy tarp shelters.

Transportation Risks
Covering loaded tractors or bullock carts with tarps reduces in-transit contamination and spoilage.

🚜 From kharif to rabi, tarpaulins stay relevant across every agricultural season.

Types of Agricultural Tarpaulins and Material Differences

Not all tarpaulins are equal — especially when used in agriculture. The right choice of material affects both durability and suitability for farm tasks.

🔹 HDPE Tarpaulins

  • Lightweight, strong, and UV stabilized
  • Woven inner layer + LDPE laminated coating
  • Water, chemical, and abrasion resistant
  • Ideal for crop covers, pond lining, and temporary shelters

🔹 LDPE Sheets

  • More flexible but lower tensile strength
  • Better for mulching and lightweight covers
  • Susceptible to tearing if not reinforced

🔹 PVC-Coated Tarps

  • Heavy-duty, heat-sealable, long-lasting
  • Often used for permanent shelters or large equipment covers
  • Heavier and more expensive

🌱 For most farm operations, UV-treated HDPE tarpaulins strike the perfect balance between cost and performance.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Tarpaulin for Farm Use

Here’s what every farmer, distributor, or agri-equipment dealer should evaluate:

  1. Weather Resistance
    Ensure the tarp is UV stabilized and can withstand extreme summer heat or monsoon rains.
  1. GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
    Higher GSM = higher durability. Choose based on application (covered below).
  1. Tensile & Tear Strength
    Needed especially for pond lining, silage cover, or during high winds.
  1. Waterproofing & Chemical Resistance
    For lining or exposure to fertilizers/pesticides, chemical resistance is essential.
  1. Ease of Handling
    If portability and fast deployment matter, choose lightweight reinforced HDPE sheets.
  1. Color & Opacity
    Blue-black dual tones are popular for light control. Green, orange, and yellow for safety and visibility.

How to Match Tarpaulin GSM with Agricultural Applications

Application Area Recommended GSM Notes
Crop Protection 90–120 GSM Lightweight and flexible
Pond Lining 200–250 GSM Leak-proof, reinforced edges
Silage Cover 150–200 GSM UV-resistant, wind-secure
Composting 120–150 GSM Blocks water, retains heat
Machinery Cover 180+ GSM Protects against sun and rust
Feed Storage Tent 200–250 GSM Durable with eyelets & ropes

💡 Welpack offers GSM customization as per application – not one-size-fits-all.

Welpack’s Tarpaulin Features Tailored for Farming

At Welpack Industries, our agricultural tarpaulins are made with Indian farming challenges in mind.

UV-Stabilized Coating
Protects from solar degradation over long-term field use

Welded Seams
No leakage, especially important in pond applications

Strong Eyelets at Regular Intervals
For easy tying, securing to structures or vehicles

Heat-Sealed Borders
Prevents edge fraying and increases lifespan

100% Waterproof & Mildew-Resistant
Critical for wet season or storage scenarios

Available in Rolls or Custom-Cut Sheets
Supports both dealers and direct-to-farm sales

Custom Sizes, Colors, and UV Options for Rural Conditions

Welpack offers full customization options based on your location, crop, and usage season.

🧵 Size Options:

  • Rolls up to 12 ft, 18 ft, 24 ft width
  • Pre-cut sheets in 3x3m, 5x5m, 10x10m, and more
  • Custom lengths and shapes available on request

🎨 Color Options:

  • Blue, black, green, orange, yellow, white
  • Dual-tone for light control and product differentiation

☀️ UV Grades:

  • 200 to 1600 hours
  • Tailored to regional sunlight intensity

Why Welpack Is the Preferred Tarpaulin Brand for Indian Farmers

With a presence across India’s rural, agri-input, and export markets, Welpack has earned trust through:

IS-Standard Materials — Tested for rural and rugged use
In-House Manufacturing — Better quality control, faster delivery
Custom Branding for Distributors — Ideal for agro-dealers and co-ops
Bulk Supply to Mandis & NGOs — Supporting rural infra projects
Responsive After-Sales Support — From samples to reorders

👨🌾 Whether you’re covering a single crop or lining a 50,000-liter water tank — Welpack has a tarp that fits.

🟩 Who Should Buy Agricultural Tarpaulins?

If you’re working in any part of the agri-supply chain, tarpaulins are a must-have asset. Here’s who benefits most:

  • Small & Marginal Farmers – for crop protection, pond lining, and animal sheds
  • Agricultural Input Retailers – add high-margin, fast-moving tarp products
  • NGOs & Rural Development Agencies – for monsoon relief and farm support
  • Contract Farming Companies – to safeguard bulk produce
  • Seed, Feed & Fertilizer Distributors – protect bagged inventory
  • AgriTech Startups – bundle tarp with irrigation, storage kits

🌾 A simple tarpaulin can solve multiple problems with just one investment.

Tips for First-Time Buyers and Distributors

Buying your first tarpaulin? Here are field-tested tips:

  1. Check GSM & Lamination Quality
    Avoid underweight sheets that tear under strain.
  2. Ask for UV Stabilization Rating
    Especially important if using in direct sun or semi-permanent sheds.
  3. Request Pre-Shrinkage Testing (for pond liners)
    Guarantees fit and durability under water load.
  4. Look for Strong Eyelets
    Rust-proof metal eyelets every 1 meter make tying easy.
  5. Choose Standard or Custom Sizes Based on Usage
    Pre-cut sheets are better for farmers. Rolls are ideal for distributors.
  6. Buy from Certified, Indian-Origin Manufacturers
    Ensure it’s not a low-quality import.

Certifications, Testing & Quality Assurance

Welpack tarpaulins are manufactured under strict quality protocols with:

  • ISO 9001:2015 Certified Units
  • GSM and Tensile Test Reports
  • UV Stability Certification (up to 1600 hrs)
  • 100% Virgin Polymer Usage
  • Field-tested in Indian rural conditions
  • Environmentally safe, recyclable options available

All tarps are tested for leak resistance, impact strength, puncture tolerance, and laminate adhesion before dispatch.

Why Buy Agricultural Tarpaulins from Welpack Industries

With decades of experience and presence across India, Welpack Industries is the go-to source for high-quality tarpaulin solutions.

Why We Stand Out:

  • 🔹 Pan-India Distribution Support
  • 🔹 Flexible MOQ – from 5 pcs to 5,000 rolls
  • 🔹 Private labeling for agri-dealers
  • 🔹 Custom UV/GSM configuration
  • 🔹 Packaging & bundling options for exports or NGOs
  • 🔹 Responsive after-sales & reorder tracking

🧵 From the smallest village haat to the largest mandi, Welpack tarpaulins deliver durability, affordability, and scale.

📞 Ready to order or need a size suggestion? Contact Us Now

15 Voice Search–Optimized Buyer FAQs

  1. What is the best GSM for agricultural tarpaulin?
    For general crop cover, 100–150 GSM is ideal. For pond lining or silage, go for 200+ GSM.
  1. Are HDPE tarpaulins waterproof?
    Yes, Welpack HDPE tarps are 100% waterproof with heat-sealed joints.
  1. Can I use tarpaulin for lining farm ponds?
    Yes, especially 200–250 GSM UV-stabilized sheets.
  1. Do you offer ready-cut sizes?
    Yes, we provide pre-cut sheets and rolls based on demand.
  1. Are tarpaulins UV protected?
    Yes, with options ranging from 200 to 1600 hours UV protection.
  1. How do I store the tarpaulin when not in use?
    Clean, fold, and store in a dry shaded place. Avoid sharp bends.
  1. Can it be used for temporary cattle sheds?
    Absolutely. Durable and weather-resistant for shed roofing and walls.
  1. What color tarpaulin is best?
    Blue-black or green are common. Dual-color options offer better light control.
  1. How long does a good tarp last?
    With proper care, HDPE tarps can last 2–5 years.
  1. Are Welpack tarps tear-resistant?
    Yes, tested for high tear and tensile strength.
  1. Do you supply to government tenders or NGOs?
    Yes, bulk and institutional supply available.
  1. Can tarpaulins be used in monsoons?
    Yes, ideal for rain protection of crops and materials.
  1. What’s the MOQ?
    We support both small and bulk orders – flexible MOQ.
  1. Are these recyclable?
    Yes, our products are made from recyclable virgin-grade HDPE.
  1. Where can I order from?
    Just visit Contact Us and our team will assist.