While the Japanese horti- and agricultural industry is facing challenges as a result of aging among farmers, Japanese manufacturers of agricultural supplies are confident in finding new overseas markets. One of these companies is C.I. Takiron, a manufacturer of agricultural films and plastics.
C.I. Takiron was formed after a recent merger between C.I. Kasei, a plastic films manufacturer that is active in the greenhouse cover market since 1965 and Takiron. In addition to agricultural materials, the company produces plastics for infrastructure, construction, packaging and other industrial applications. Employing more than 3500, the company is the largest manufacturer of greenhouse films in Japan.
C.I. Takiron also manufactures irrigation tubing, horticultural twine, greenhouse clips, and many other plastics for agricultural applications. According to Tao Lin of the agricultural overseas department at C.I. Takiron, the Japanese company is a well established name in East-Asia. He explained that due to the growing demand for safely produced food, more and more companies in South-East Asia are looking at protected cropping.
"The concerns on food safety increases more and more. This is leading the crucial trend of reducing pesticide usage". Lin refers to the fact that greenhouse cropping and controlled environment agriculture are the first steps that growers can take in order to reduce their pesticide usage as crops grown inside a closed environment can be better protected against pests and diseases. This is creating a lot of business opportunities for the Japanese supplier too. "Smart build in functions inside the greenhouse films, such as anti-drip and anti-fog solutions', enhance growth and help growers thrive."
But while C.I. Takiron considers many Japanese growers of vegetables, fruits, flowers and seedling nurseries among his customers, Lin explained that the Japanese agricultural industry did not see spectacular growth over the last couple of years. In fact, the sector is shrinking as a result of aging among its farmers and not many youngsters feel attracted to a career in agriculture. "Domestic agriculture is shrinking continuously, that’s why we are aiming overseas markets", he said. "
C.I. Takiron is interested in partnerships with overseas distributors to expands it sales of greenhouse films, clips, twines and other plastic agriculutral supplies. For more information, please contact Mr. Tao Lin at lin.t@takiron.ci.co.jp or see www.takiron.co.jp