Agriculture is the prime requirement of a country. But today’s climate change and pest and disease attack towards crops stand as a major problem in economic loss to farmers and ultimately loss to the country. So it's time to think about modern agri techniques for more and sustainable yield.
we may adopt modern farming techniques such as Greenhouse farming, hydroponic farming etc. for more economic yield.
What is a polyhouse?
Polyhouse is a type of greenhouse, the structure made of translucent material like polyethylene where the plants grow and develop under controlled climatic conditions. The size of structure can differ as per the need.
The interiors of Polyhouse or a greenhouse become warm when exposed to sunlights as the house stops the greenhouse gas to leave. So when it is cold outside, the temperature inside is warm and survival friendly for the plants.
Difference between Greenhouse and Polyhouse Farming
Polyhouse is a type of greenhouse or we can define it as a smaller version of greenhouse, where polyethylene is used as the cover. Polyhouse farming is a popular greenhouse technology due to its lower cost of construction and easy maintenance.
Benefits of Polyhouse Farming
Polyhouse is very beneficial for the farmers especially those who prefer organic and hi-tech farming. Some benefits of a polyhouse farming are as follows:
Plants are grown under controlled climatic conditions thus there is less chances of crop loss or damage.
You can grow crops throughout the year and there is no need to wait for any particular season.
There are less pests and insects attacking in a polyhouse.
External climate will not impact the growth of crops.
Quality of produce is obviously higher in polyhouse.
Good drainage and aeration.
It gives the right environmental facilities to your crops in any season.
It may increase yield for about 4 to 6 times.
Less cropping period.
Fertilizer and pesticide application is easier and it may also be automatically controlled.
Crops grown in Polyhouse
Fruit crops that can be grown are Papaya, Strawberry etc.
Vegetable crops can be grown include Cabbage, Bitter Gourd, Capsicum, Radish, Cauliflower, Chili, Coriander, Onion, Spinach, Tomato etc.
Flowering crops can be taken as Carnation, Gerbera, Marigold, Orchid, and Rose etc.
How to start Greenhouse farming?
Greenhouse farming initially requires a heavy expenditure on infrastructure, equipment, labor, and raw material. Also, greenhouse farmers must have technical, economic & marketing knowledge. Hence you must finish a training program.
Types of Greenhouse:
There are different types of greenhouses available based on their shape, construction type, materials used, and ventilation. Each greenhouse type has its own advantage. Different types of the greenhouse are designed according to specific needs.
Generally, in India, sawtooth Natural ventilated greenhouse is used for cut flower, vegetable production purposes.
A) Greenhouse type based on Shape
1. Sawtooth type Greenhouse
2. Ridge and furrow type greenhouse
3. Uneven span type greenhouse
4. Even span type of greenhouse.
5. Sawtooth type.
6. Quonset greenhouse.
7. Interlocking ridges greenhouse.
8. Ground to ground greenhouse
B) Greenhouse type based on construction
Wooden framed structures – It is a low cost greenhouse for Vegetable crop Production.
Pipe framed structures.
C) Greenhouse type based on covering materials
Glass greenhouse
plastic greenhouse
D) Greenhouse type based on ventilation
Natural Vent Greenhouse :
This type of greenhouse is based on a natural ventilation process, and according to crop requirements; inside temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide gas can be maintained.
In this Greenhouse, upper and side shade nets prevent insect and bacterial access.
This type of greenhouse is used to produce cut flower-like Gerbera, Dutch rose, Carnation, Lily & Vegetables like Colour capsicum, Tomato, Cucumber and Exotic vegetables.
Climate control Greenhouse (Fan & Pad Polyhouses)
In this type of greenhouse, the internal environment is fully managed. Temperature and humidity are controlled by using micro-irrigation techniques.
This type of greenhouse is mostly used for Hi-tech Nursery. And it also costs more.
Selection of Greenhouse site
Before starting greenhouse farming, you have to consider the following point to initiate successful greenhouse farming.
1. Soil PH Should be between 5.5 to 6.5 and EC (Volatility) 0.3 to 0.5 mm/cm.
2. Water quality should be good.
3. The irrigation water should be range from PH 5.5 to 7.0 and E.C. 0.1 to 0.3
4. The selected place should be pollution-free.
5. There should be proper roads for transportation and shipping of goods in the market.
6. The place should be large enough for the upcoming expansion if any.
7. Workers should be available easily.
8. The soil should be well drained.
Apply For Bank Loan and Subsidy
The initial investment in greenhouse farming is more. To start, Greenhouse farming cost come may approximately 50 Lac- 60 Lac ( greenhouse cost per acre )
Many banks are providing Horticulture loans to farmers.
To get a loan from the bank for your greenhouse, you have to create a greenhouse farming project report with the help of a chartered accountant or any agency and present it to the bank for the loan. This project report is also useful for the subsidy application process for greenhouse.
Steps for creating a project report
1. Introduction about Greenhouse farmer
2. The need for a Greenhouse project
3. Technical analysis
4. Economical analysis
List of documents required in the bank
1. Detailed Project Report
2. land Report
4. Estimate of polyhouse
5. Blueprint of polyhouse
6. Estimate of plants
7. Estimate of Irrigation
8. Soil and water analysis report
9. Buyer’s letter
Apply for Greenhouse Subsidy
Indian government promotes greenhouse farming and subsidy is offered for greenhouse farming through the horticulture department.
The government gives a subsidy about 50%-60% to the project cost of the greenhouse. Subsidy percentage varies from state to state.
For subsidy-related information, read the guideline NHM & NHB website or contact the nearest government agriculture office they guide you.
Before applying for the subsidy following document required
Detailed Project Report.
Certified Copy of record of rights over the piece of project-land.
loan sanctioned letter issued by the bank with complete terms & conditions.
Place an order to the Greenhouse construction company.
After the government approves a Letter of Intent (LOI) for subsidy & passing bank loan Next step is to Start greenhouse construction. There are many greenhouse construction companies available. You may Contact them and check their past projects ( work quality) & negotiate for greenhouse construction rate.
Required Cost to set a Polyhouse
Greenhouse construction cost (Polyhouse) may be around Rs.700 to Rs.1000 per square meter. The cost depends on different factors like the quality of the material, size, shape, transport, and structure etc.
Plant Booking
To produce a good quality flower and vegetable plant, The seedling quality must be superior and free from any diseases.
before plant booking following point should be considered
1. which variety has high market demand
2. variety yield performance report
3. which variety suitable for our climate
4. disease and pest report
You can collect this information from a nursery representative or another greenhouse owner. Plant nursery companies may also give plant cultivation guidance.
Cultural practices
Every crop has a different management procedure. Plant nursery company provides detailed guidelines for the fertilization schedule, pest & disease control management procedure.
The Key to becoming a successful greenhouse farmer is “Every day close monitoring of crops.” It helps understand any pest disease attack on the crop at an early stage and also it helps to understand nutrients deficiency in the plant.
There are some important tools and chemicals also must be required for every greenhouse farmer. They are as follows:
EC-PH Meter – This meter is helpful for soil and water analysis. It is important to decide on a fertilizer dose combination.
Hygrometer -Thermometer – This device shows humidity and temperature inside the greenhouse.
Weighing Scale – This device is useful to measure the required quantity of fertilizer per dose.
Soil sterilization – Hydrogen Peroxide with Silver is mostly used for soil sterilization.
Marketing:
The good quality crop produced in the greenhouse as per market specification can be sold in nearby good markets or marketed with the help of an agent or broker. Most of the greenhouse growers market their products with the help of a broker/agents.
Conclusion:
Hope this article may help you to provide some ideas about setting up a polyhouse. Thank you.
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