Polyhouse Farming in India : Benefits and Techniques for Growing Healthy Crops

Polyhouse farming involves structures made from materials like plastic, which protect plants by controlling temperature and humidity. They protect crops from bad weather, pests, and diseases. Furthermore, Polyhouses come in different types, from simple tunnels to high-tech spaces, meeting various farming needs. 

Polyhouse farming also offers significant advantages, such as farmers being able to grow crops all year. They can choose from a wide range of plants. Additionally, they get better-quality produce and more crops compared to traditional farming methods. Let’s explore how polyhouse farming is making farming easier and better for everyone.

Types Of Polyhouses Farming

There are different types of polyhouses, each with its advantages and disadvantages. However, the best type of polyhouse for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Here are some of the most common types of polyhouses farming:

• Naturally ventilated polyhouses: These are the simplest and most affordable type of polyhouse. Apart from this, they don’t have any environmental control systems. Instead, they rely on natural ventilation.

This helps maintain a comfortable level of temperature and humidity inside the polyhouse. Moreover, naturally ventilated playhouses are a good option for growing crops in mild climates.

• Pad And Fan Polyhouses: These polyhouses use evaporative cooling pads and fans to control the temperature and humidity inside the polyhouse. 
• Double-Layer Polyhouses: These polyhouses have two layers of plastic film, with an air gap in between. The air gap in a polyhouse helps to maintain stable temperatures inside by acting as insulation.
• High-Tech Polyhouses: In high-tech polyhouses, there are fancy systems like sensors and computers controlling things like temperature and light. Along with this, these high-tech ones are the most expensive but can also give the most crops.

The kind of polyhouse you pick depends on your farm size and what plants you’re growing. If you’re new to polyhouse farming, starting with a naturally ventilated one is a good idea.

The type of polyhouse you choose will also depend on the size of your farm and the types of crops you want to grow. Moreover, if you are just starting with polyhouse farming, a naturally ventilated polyhouse is a good option. As you gain experience, you can upgrade to a more advanced type of polyhouse.

Polyhouse Farming Advantages

Polyhouse farming, also known as greenhouse farming, offers several advantages:

1. Controlled Environment: Allows control over temperature, humidity, light, and other environmental factors, creating optimal conditions for plant growth.
2. Extended Growing Seasons: Enables cultivation throughout the year, irrespective of external weather conditions, leading to increased yield and continuous production.
3. Protection from Pests and Diseases: Reduces the risk of pest infestation and diseases, minimising the need for chemical pesticides.
4. Water Conservation: Efficient water usage through controlled irrigation systems like drip irrigation reduces water wastage.
5. Higher Yield and Quality: Provides ideal conditions for plants, resulting in better quality produce and increased yields.

Polyhouse Farming Disadvantages

Despite its advantages, polyhouse farming comes with its own set of challenges and limitations, which include:

1. High Initial Investment: Setting up polyhouses involves significant initial costs for infrastructure, equipment, and technology.
2. Energy Consumption: Maintaining a controlled environment requires energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation, leading to high operational costs.
3. Technical Expertise: Requires skilled labour and technical know-how to manage and operate complex systems effectively.
4. Maintenance Challenges: Regular maintenance of equipment, monitoring of environmental conditions, and system upkeep are essential, adding to operational complexities.
5. Risk of Equipment Failure: Malfunctions in the system can lead to adverse effects on crops and production.

Polyhouse Farming Cost

The cost of setting up a polyhouse can vary greatly depending on several factors, making it easier to give an exact figure with more details. However, I can break down the cost into various components and provide a range for each to give you a better idea:

1. Size and Type of Polyhouse:

• Size: The bigger the polyhouse, the more materials and labour are required, naturally leading to higher costs. A small, basic polyhouse around 200 sq. meters could cost ₹30,000 to ₹50,000, while a large, high-tech one exceeding 1000 sq. meters could reach ₹5 lakhs or even more.
• Type: Naturally ventilated polyhouses are the simplest and cheapest, whereas hi-tech polyhouses with automated climate control systems will be the most expensive. On the other hand, fan and pad, double-layer, and shade net polyhouses fall somewhere in between.

2. Materials and Construction:

• Frame: The frame can be made from galvanised steel, PVC pipes, or wood. Moreover, steel is the most durable but also the most expensive, while wood is affordable but requires regular maintenance. Apart from this, PVC pipes offer a good balance between cost and durability.
• Covering: The polythene film used for covering also varies in quality and price. 
• Other materials: Doors, ventilation systems, irrigation systems, and internal structures like benches or trellises add to the overall cost.

3. Location and Labor:

• Location: Setting up a polyhouse in a remote area might incur higher transportation costs for materials and labour.
• Labour: Labor costs can vary depending on the region and the complexity of the construction.

Difference Between Polyhouse Farming and Greenhouse Farming

Polyhouse farming and greenhouse farming are both ways to grow plants in a controlled place. They have differences in how they are made and how well they work.

• Structure and Design:

Polyhouse Farming: These are made of thin plastic stretched over a frame. They’re simple to put up and not too expensive.

Greenhouse Farming: Greenhouses have solid walls and roofs made of glass or strong plastic. They’re sturdier and last longer.

• Light and Insulation:

Polyhouse Farming: The plastic in polyhouses lets some light through but not as much as glass. It keeps the plants warm but might not be as good at insulation.

Greenhouse Farming: Greenhouses let in lots of light and keep the plants warm better because of the clear materials they’re made of.

• Cost:

Polyhouse Farming: These are cheaper to set up because they use lighter materials.

Greenhouse Farming: Greenhouses cost more because they use stronger materials like glass.

• Controlling Climate:

Polyhouse Farming: They can’t control the temperature as well, especially in extreme weather.

Greenhouse Farming: Greenhouses are better at controlling temperature and humidity, making it easier to grow plants all year round.

• Growing Different Plants:

Polyhouse Farming: You can grow lots of different things in polyhouses, like veggies, fruits, flowers, and herbs.

Greenhouse Farming: Greenhouses also work for various plants and can handle sensitive or expensive crops better.

• Maintenance and Durability:

Polyhouse Farming: They need more care and might not last as long because the plastic needs replacing, and they can get damaged easily.

Greenhouse Farming: Greenhouses need less fixing and last longer because the materials are stronger.

Overall, polyhouses are simpler and cheaper. At the same time, they might not be as effective at controlling the environment as greenhouses. Greenhouses are stronger and better suited for long-term use.

Also Read : What is Greenhouse Farming

Polyhouse Farming Subsidies 

Subsidies in many regions aim to offset this cost and promote the adoption of polyhouse technology.

• Subsidies can cover construction expenses and equipment purchases or offer incentives for specific crops.
• Eligibility and subsidy amounts vary, often focusing on small-scale farmers or particular agricultural products.
• The goal is to make this farming method more accessible, improving food production, crop quality, and farmer income.
• However, long-term success hinges on developing sustainable practices and effective market strategies beyond subsidy support.

Polyhouse Structure Design

Polyhouse structure design is crucial for success in controlled-environment agriculture. Choosing the right design depends on several factors, including:

1. Climate and Location:

Temperature: Consider your local climate’s extremes and the desired temperature range for your crops. Moreover, for cold climates, double-layered or hi-tech polyhouses with insulation and heating systems might be necessary.

Wind and Snow: Strong winds and heavy snowfall require a robust structure with reinforced frames and adequate bracing.

2. Crop Requirements:

Light Transmission: Select materials like UV-resistant polythene film that allow sufficient light penetration for your chosen crops.

Ventilation: Design effective ventilation systems, including roof vents, sidewall openings, and fans, to maintain optimal air circulation and prevent humidity buildup.

3. Size and Shape:

Land Availability: Choose a size that fits your available land and future expansion plans.

Shape: Single-span structures are affordable in polyhouse farming. However, they require proper ventilation for a healthy development of the plants. On the other hand, multi-span structures are versatile, especially for large areas and various crops.

4. Materials:

Frame: Galvanized steel is durable and long-lasting but expensive. PVC pipes offer affordability and ease of assembly. However, they might require more frequent replacement. On the other hand, wood is a sustainable option, but it needs regular maintenance.

Covering: Choose UV-resistant, high-quality polythene film for optimal light transmission and durability.

Polyhouse Farming Crops List

As mentioned, in the world of polyhouse farming, various plants thrive within a controlled environment.

Vegetables:

– Tomatoes: Polyhouse create perfect conditions for tomato farming growth, resulting in increased yield and superior-quality fruits.

– Cucumbers: Similar to tomatoes, polyhouses offer the right temperature and humidity for consistent and tasty cucumber production throughout the year.

– Peppers: Bell peppers, chilli peppers, and other varieties thrive in polyhouses due to the controlled environment that shields them from pests and diseases.

– Lettuce: Polyhouse-grown lettuce benefits from stable temperatures and steady moisture, allowing multiple harvests annually.

– Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and arugula flourish in the controlled environment of polyhouses, ensuring tender and flavorful leaves year-round.

Fruits:

– Strawberries: Polyhouses extend the strawberry season and protect the fruit from harsh weather, resulting in early and juicy harvests.

– Melons: Watermelons, cantaloupes, and other types of melons grow sweeter and larger in the warm and humid polyhouse environment.

– Grapes: Polyhouses enable earlier or later grape cultivation, shielding them from frost and ensuring consistent yields.

– Berries: Raspberries, blueberries, and delicate berries thrive in polyhouses, extending their harvest period and protecting their fragile nature.

Flowers:

– Roses: Polyhouses provide an ideal setting for year-round rose growth, protecting them from pests and diseases while controlling temperature and humidity.

– Carnations: Consistent bloom quality and longer flower life ensured in polyhouses for carnations.

– Lilies: Optimal conditions in polyhouses lead to larger blooms and extended vase life for lilies.

– Gerbera daisies: Vibrant and consistent blooms produced by gerbera daisies in the controlled environment of polyhouses.

The selection of crops for your polyhouse should consider local climate, market demand, and your preferences. Moreover, thorough research, evaluation of resources, and alignment with goals and market opportunities are crucial in choosing the right crops.

Conclusion

Polyhouse farming is like a vibrant oasis in farming. At the same time, it helps grow lots of perfect fruits and veggies all year, no matter the weather. However, it needs care and some money at the start, plus knowing how it works. Despite this, if you plan well and understand the market, these challenges become more achievable.

Technology helps a lot, making things grow better and using fewer resources. Moreover, this farming revolution helps make sure there’s enough food for everyone in the future. Therefore, by starting small and working step by step, we can all benefit from a better harvest and more success together.

FAQs

Q1. What is Polyhouse farming?

Ans. Polyhouse farming involves covering crop fields with see-through polyethene sheets. Moreover, plants receive nutrients through water with dissolved nutrients delivered by drip irrigation.

Q2. What Are Types of Polyhouse?

Ans. low-tech, medium-tech, and hi-tech are three types of polyhouse farming systems. 

Q3. What Is The Difference Between A Polyhouse And A Greenhouse?

Ans. Greenhouses use glass or polycarbonate panels, while polyhouses use plastic sheeting. However, glass costs more but lasts longer and insulates better than plastic.

Q4. What Are The Advantages Of Polyhouse Farming?

Ans. Polyhouse farming boosts crop quality and production by 5 to 10 times with better air, drainage, and year-round optimal conditions.

Q5. How To Start Polyhouse Farming?

Ans. When making your polyhouse, think about what crops you’ll grow. You can grow things like lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. 

Q6. How Profitable Is Polyhouse Farming?

Ans. Polyhouse construction in India costs Rs 2000 to Rs 4000 per square meter. It can yield 8 to 20 lakhs per acre annually, depending on crops.

Q7. How Much Land Required For Polyhouse?

Ans. The minimum size for a full-height playhouse is 105 square meters.