Polyhouse farming information in India

Even though Polyhouse farming and Greenhouse farming terms are used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between these two terms.Greenhouse farming is a broad term which includes all types of Greenhouses made of Glasses,Polyethylene etc.Polyhouse farming is specific to the Greenhouses built using Polyethylene.Cost of Greenhouses ranges from Rs 80/Sq.ft to 500/Sq.ft out of which Polyhouses are cost effective.The cost will differ in polyhouse farming also based on the Quality of Polyethylene used.The Polyethylene sheet gauge varies from  200 to 800 micron.Ply film can tolerate an average temperature of55 ̊C and its average life span is 4 Years.

Construction of a Polyhouse

The Polyhouse structure is prepared with Iron pipes(GI) or Bamboos.For long life and strength,Iron pipes are recommended.But it is costly than Bamboos.The average length of a polyhouse is 30 feet(you can change the length and width based on your plan and availability of land) and 6 feet width.The direction of Polyhouse should be always east to west.This is to avail maximum sunshine.Polyhouse should be constructed in an area where maximum sunshine is available. 

Polyhouse Cucumber farming

Irrigation systems used inside polyhouses are

• Hand watering
• Tube method
• Sprinklers
• Drip Irrigation
• Mist system

These irrigation methods are used separately or in combined form based on the requirement inside the polyhouse.

Plants grown

Flowers:Mainly flowers like Gerbera, Anthurium, Marigold,Carnation,Rose etc are grown inside a Polyhouse farm.Read about Greenhouse flower farming and Greenhouse Gerbera farming for more details.

Vegetables:Tomato,Cucumber,cabbage,Asparagus,Broccoli,Capsicum etc are grown inside a Polyhouse farm.Read about Greenhouse tomato farming,Greenhouse cucumber farming etc fore more details.Greenhouse farming in terrace is also gaining popularity.

Polyhouse Rose farming

Polyhouse farming Advantages

Detailed advantages of Polyhouse farming is given in the post Greenhouse farming in India.Polyhouses mainly serves as a protection for plants and its surrounding environment.Hence maintain a favourable climate for plants.This will help us to increase the productivity 5 to 10 folds compared to open field farming.Quality of the products also will be superior.Optimum use of resources is possible inside a polyhouse. As the plants are grown throughout the year,farmer can expect high return compared to open field farming.

Main disadvantage of polyhouse farming is its high initial cost. The farmer/worker should be educated about latest technologies and greenhouse technology.Then only greenhouse farming will be successful.The cost of naturally ventilated polyhouse ranges from RS 800 to 1200 per square meter whereas Environment controlled fully automatic polyhouse cost range from RS 2000 to 3500 per square meter.The construction cost varies based on the quality of materials used.

There are lots of consultancies who provide services for setting up Polyhouses. Most of them are scams and they try to loot your money.Hence take care if you approach any consultancy.Approach Government agencies like Krishi Vigyan Kendra for free consultancy and training.

Polyhouse farming Subsidy

Both state governments and Central government are promoting Greenhouse/Polyhouse farming by providing various subsidies and schemes.Visit your nearest government agency like KVK,Krishibhavan,Bank etc for knowing more about government subsidies for polyhouse farming.

Polyhouse farming is the only solution for reducing the dependency of  our farmers on weather conditions.In India,Now weather conditions are not favourable for farming.This affected most of the farmers who depend rain for watering their plants. Polyhouse farming can be a life saver in such conditions.It reduces the loss of water and enables effective utilization of resources.This will help Indian farming sector and farmers in long term.

You are most welcome to post your views and opinions about Polyhouse farming.