Crafting India’s Irrigation Backbone: The Rise of Shridhar Kakani and Shriniwas Enterprises

At a time when India’s irrigation sector is undergoing rapid transformation, Shriniwas Enterprises stands out as a homegrown success story rooted in resilience, precision engineering, and an insider’s understanding of the agricultural pulse. From starting with a single moulding machine to building a fully equipped 16,000 sq. ft. manufacturing unit in Indore, founder Shridhar Kakani has steadily pushed the boundaries of what a small-scale enterprise can achieve in a competitive, climate-sensitive market. With deep industry networks, a focus on sustainability, and a commitment to empowering farmers with dependable HDPE sprinkler fittings, Kakani has quietly shaped one of the sector’s most compelling growth journeys. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about the challenges, ambitions, and innovations driving Shriniwas Enterprises forward.

Q: What inspired you to start this business? What is your vision, and how has your journey been so far?

A: Our business revolves around manufacturing fittings used in sprinkler irrigation systems, primarily made from HDPE material. Jaipur was the first city in India to adopt this technology, and from there it spread across the country. Today, Shriniwas Enterprises operates out of Indore, Madhya Pradesh. We currently run eight moulding machines, a big step up from the single machine we started with.

I hold an MBA in Marketing and worked for two years in the insurance sector before venturing into this field. When we began, our workspace was just 1,200 sq ft; today, we operate on 16,000 sq ft of land. We briefly ran a factory in Karnataka as well, but logistical challenges led us to shut it down, although our Shriniwas Irrigation unit continues to function there. We also have strong industry connections in Jaipur, which remains a familiar and important market for us. My vision is to expand our manufacturing capacity further and build a stronger footprint across India.

Q: What are the core technologies used in manufacturing these fittings? Which cities are key hubs for HDPE production?
A: The backbone of our manufacturing process is the moulding machine. The pipes used in these fittings are HDPE pipes, known for durability, flexibility, and high strength-to-density ratio. Jaipur pioneered HDPE manufacturing in India and was once the sole supplier to the entire country. Today, manufacturing hubs have also emerged in Nagpur, Bhil (Maharashtra), and Rajkot, which is now offering strong competition to Jaipur in terms of quality and scale.

Q: HDPE is known to be durable and recyclable. How do your sourcing and production processes support sustainability?
A: HDPE itself is derived from recycled plastic. Our fittings use two materials, pure and reprocessed. The recycling process ensures that plastic waste is put to productive use rather than ending up in landfills. HDPE pipes are flexible and environment-friendly, and the manufacturing process supports the broader goal of sustainability.

Q: How has the demand for sprinkler irrigation systems changed with shifting climate patterns?
A: Earlier, weather conditions were more predictable. Today, they’re highly volatile. Heavy rainfall during monsoons reduces the demand for sprinkler systems, as farmers don’t require controlled water application at that time. Sprinklers are designed to provide the right amount of water, neither excess nor deficit.

In places like Jaipur, sales have dropped because of erratic rains. The choice between drip and sprinkler systems now depends heavily on water availability and seasonality. Drip irrigation dominates in summers, while sprinklers see demand post-monsoon.

Q: What sets your fittings apart from other manufacturers?
A: Our industry is seasonal; business peaks only for two months, but we work for 10 months to prepare for that window. We pride ourselves on quality, efficiency, and prompt customer service. During peak season, demand rises sharply, and we meet it with speed and accuracy. Our manufacturing output is higher because we stay prepared year-round.

We are proactive in both material procurement and service delivery. Additionally, our strong dealer network across different states gives us an edge.

Q: How is manufacturing in new hubs like Rajkot different from traditional centres like Jaipur?
A: Rajkot operates on a credit-based system where farmers receive products against payment, which ensures smoother operations for manufacturers. Jaipur, however, traditionally worked on delayed payments. Manufacturers often had to supply goods first and receive payments only after farmers sold their produce. This delay is a major drawback.

Q: What is your long-term vision for the business?
A: Currently, we function as a small-scale unit supplying raw materials to bigger manufacturers who then market the final fittings under their own brand name. My long-term goal is to build a brand of our own, a company known specifically for manufacturing high-quality raw materials for fittings, ensuring even the smallest unit gains recognition in the market.

Q: Is it ethically right for products to be branded differently from the original manufacturer?
A: In our case, it is a mutually beneficial arrangement. We supply materials, they brand and market the final product. Both parties gain. It’s part of larger brand-building and is widely accepted in the industry.

Q: How can farmers be better educated about new agricultural technologies?
A: Today’s farmers are highly informed and far from uneducated. They actively use social media and are aware of market prices and product quality. If you quote even slightly higher rates, they will quickly fact-check you online. Their knowledge is sharp, and they are fully updated with modern farming practices.

Q: How do government policies influence the irrigation fittings industry?
A: Government subsidies are extremely beneficial for farmers. Policies led by leaders like Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, especially disbursement schemes, help farmers adopt better irrigation systems.

For manufacturers, plastic-based materials fall under the 18% GST slab. With revised GST rules, input credit has become more favourable, though tax structures do sometimes lead to losses.

Q: How is AI and automation impacting manufacturing in this sector?
A: AI adoption in the irrigation and agriculture equipment sector will take time. The industry still operates very traditionally, and transformation will be gradual.

Q: What are the key challenges the industry faces today?
A: The biggest challenge is the shrinking market. Earlier, Jaipur dominated manufacturing, so products were supplied across India. Now, with multiple hubs emerging, production is happening locally in several states. This has increased competition and reduced the geographic scope of each manufacturer’s market. The expansion of hubs has completely changed the dynamics.