As a professional manufacturer of agricultural protection netting, I’ve had the opportunity to work with farmers worldwide who face a wide range of challenges. One story that stands out is a customer with a 100-hectare pomegranate farm nestled near the Andes Mountains. His farm is situated in a high-altitude area, where the growing environment is both a blessing and a curse.
While the region offers rich soil and intense sunlight, it also faces two significant problems: sunburn and hailstorms.
A Painful Problem: 20–50% Losses Every Year
When the farmer first reached out to us, he was afflicted. Every season, 20% to 50% of his pomegranates were being damaged by sunburn.
In severe years, a single hailstorm could wipe out large portions of his crop in just a few minutes.
It was clear he needed a durable, long-term solution to protect his fruit and improve his yield.
Sunburn might sound like a minor cosmetic issue, but in reality, it’s a significant cause of financial loss. Sunburned fruit often can’t be sold in premium markets and quickly loses its shelf life.
For this farmer, the problem was getting worse every year.
Why Was Sunburn So Severe?
We did a detailed analysis and found that several factors were contributing to the sunburn:
- Fruit Position
Pomegranates tend to grow at the tips of the branches. As the fruit grows heavier, the thin branches bend down, exposing the fruit that was once shaded by leaves to direct sunlight. These newly exposed fruits have little resistance to UVB rays and quickly get sunburned. - High Altitude & UV Exposure
The Andes region has intense UV radiation. Studies show that for every 1000 meters of altitude increase, UV radiation increases by 10–12%. This farm’s elevation meant the fruit was constantly exposed to extreme sunlight. - Extreme Temperatures
During the peak of summer, temperatures in the area can soar above 45°C. Scientific studies confirm that once surface fruit temperatures hit 45°C or higher, sunburn damage can cause up to 40% yield loss. - Low Rainfall
The dry climate also adds stress to the plants, making them more vulnerable to both sunburn and hail damage.
All of these conditions combined to create a perfect storm of sunburned pomegranates and left the farmer feeling helpless.
The Solution: A Tailor-Made Netting System
After understanding his needs, we started working on a custom-designed hail and UV protection system. This wasn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we evaluated everything from the local climate and pomegranate plant structure to UV intensity and installation methods.
We provided a complete package including:
- The design and structure of the net
- The weaving process and thread strength
- Customized UV stabilizers suitable for high UV regions
- Color selection to balance light transmission and shading
- Accessories and fittings tailored for ease of installation and long-term durability
After careful consultation, we recommended our RTHT-B netting.
Why RTHT-B Was the Right Fit
The RTHT-B netting is made from 100% virgin HDPE, engineered to endure the harshest sunlight and extreme conditions. We incorporated a high-grade UV stabilizer specifically formulated for high-altitude environments. This netting has been lab-tested to offer a shade rate of approximately 20%, ideal for reducing heat stress while still allowing enough light for photosynthesis.
The net also provides excellent hail protection, acting as a reliable shield against sudden, damaging storms.
Most importantly, the RTHT-B netting has a lifespan of 8 years, making it a cost-effective investment for any commercial orchard.
The Results: Less Sunburn, Higher Yields
After installing the RTHT-B system, the farmer reported significant improvements. His orchard experienced:
- A 15–20% reduction in sunburned fruit
- Zero hail damage during the last storm season
- Noticeable improvement in overall fruit quality and yield
Final Thoughts
Helping this farmer overcome his challenges is exactly why we do what we do. Agricultural protection netting isn’t just about covering crops—it’s about protecting livelihoods, improving yields, and helping farmers grow with confidence.
If you’re facing similar issues with sunburn, hail, or any climate-related crop damage, we’d love to help you design a custom solution that works.
Contact us at info@eyouagro.com to learn more.
