In developed nations like India and Bangladesh, polyhouse farming is becoming increasingly well-known. In order to improve output and profit while utilizing fewer resources, Polyhouse is meant to advance traditional agricultural methods.
If you’ve been thinking about setting up a polyhouse farming operation, you need first to understand what a polyhouse is, what polyhouse farming entails, its various forms, as well as the advantages of polyhouse farming. Polyhouse farming is the greatest choice for a farmer looking to invest in agriculture because it is still a relatively new trend that is still in the growth stage rather than a factor that has already gained traction.
What Is Polyhouse Farming?
The idea of greenhouse farming is used in polyhouse farming, however, glass is a fundamental component that is slightly different. Polyethylene is used in place of glass in conventional greenhouse farming. This has a similar ROI to greenhouse farming and far lower upfront expenses. Additionally, it lowers the price of setup and maintenance.
Since its inception, polyhouse farming has swept the agricultural industry, especially in nations like India where farming is a major driver of the GDP and farmers don’t make a lot of money through conventional farming.
Farmers can now produce, develop, and maintain a variety of plants on the same plot of land thanks to polyhouse farming, which allows them to make more money without investing much.
Crops That Are Ideal For Polyhouse Farming:
Nearly any type of crop can be grown in polyhouses beneath a synthetic roof. You are free to plant unusual flowers as well as out-of-season fruit and vegetable kinds. Crop yields for the specified crop types benefit from polyhouse:
Fruits:
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Muskmelon
- Peach
- Papaya
- Grapes
- Pomegranate
- Banana
Vegetables:
- Capsicum
- Tomatoes
- Chillis
- Japanese Cucumber
- Veggies with leaves
Flowers:
- Chrysanthemum
- Gerbera
- Orchid
- Rose
- Carnation
Nurseries Plants:
- Cacti
- Exotic Colourful Plants
- Small-sized species
- interior decorative plants, etc.
Types Of Polyhouse Farming:
Based on a variety of variables, polyhouses can be divided into two groups.
1. The Polyhouse Uses Natural Ventilation:
A polyhouse that is organically well-ventilated as the name implies, features both organic circulation and a fogger technology that deters pests, illnesses, and insects. However, they can also be used as a regular polyhouse. Naturally-ventilated polyhouses are particularly designed for dying plants that are in extreme danger and require quick attention. These polyhouses are reasonably priced and inexpensive.
2. Environment-Friendly Polyhouse:
Annual crop cultivation is better suited to polyhouses that are subject to environmental regulations. This is so that characteristics that are crucial to farming, such as temperature differential, humidity, ventilation, etc., may be maintained in an environmentally controlled polyhouse.
There are three types of polyhouses subject to environmental regulations:
- Lower-technology Polyhouse: As the name implies, lower-technology polyhouses are constructed using inexpensive components, such as shade nets. These are efficient at shielding crops from cold weather.
- Medium-tech Polyhouse: A medium-tech polyhouse also has larger equipment. It makes use of fans constructed of rusted iron.
- High-tech Polyhouse: To manage both the temperatures and moisture inside the structure, high-tech polyhouses have machine-based controllers. All year long, these mechanisms keep the polyhouse running smoothly.
Advantages Of Polyhouse Agriculture:
- Crops can be easily grown in a controlled environment. This facilitates the shift from open farmland to farming in polyhouses.
- No matter the season, crops can be cultivated year-round.
- A polyhouse is enclosed on all sides and has just one entrance. As a result, insects, illnesses, and pests cannot reach the plants.
- Plant growth is not hampered by the weather.
- Added-value byproducts.
- It is simple to maintain sanitization inside the polyhouse.
- Since drip irrigation may be used, fertilizer supply is made simpler.
- There is ventilation without the annoyance of insects and pests.
- constant plant growth during the course of its life.
- increased agricultural output.
- crop harvesting is simpler.
- Growing plants is made simpler.
Disadvantages Of Polyhouse Agriculture:
The following drawbacks are associated with polyhouse farming, much like any other farming technique:
- Airflow cannot be controlled fully, which thus restricts the farmer’s alternatives.
- Due to their higher footprint, naturally ventilated polyhouses are more expensive in terms of materials and labor.
- Since high-quality materials are required, the price rises. In the event of severe weather, inferior supplies may increase the likelihood of wear and tear, which may result in crop loss.
- Because various plants in a polyhouse have varying watering requirements, irrigation is a challenging operation.
Is Farming In Polyhouses Profitable?
What about polyhouse farming cost per acre? Do you want to know the cost of polyhouse farming? Well, polyhouse farming has the potential to be completely profitable. Keep in mind that polyhouses might cost up to Rs. 1,000,000 in total, despite being significantly less expensive.
Greenhouse Farming Vs Polyhouse Farming:
Modern agriculture frequently employs polyhouse farming and greenhouse farming to establish controlled settings for raising crops. Although they have similar goals, polyhouse farming and greenhouse farming are very different from one another.
1. Construction And Layout:
Polyhouse Farming: A polyethylene film or similar material is stretched over a framework composed of hoops or arches to create a polyhouse. They are frequently inexpensive and lightweight, making installation and customization simple.
Greenhouse Farming: A greenhouse’s solid framework is made of glass or stiff plastic panels. In contrast to polyhouses, the design frequently incorporates a foundation, walls, and a roof, creating a more substantial and long-lasting building.
2. Insulation And Radiation:
Polyhouse Farming: Variable levels of light transmission are provided by the polyethylene films used in polyhouse farming. They might have UV stabilizers and anti-condensation qualities, which would provide the crops with enough insulation. But compared to glass used in greenhouses, visibility may be less.
Greenhouse Farming: Plants can receive the best sunlight through the excellent illumination provided by greenhouses with glass or stiff plastic panels. Better insulation is also provided by the translucent materials, which minimizes heat loss in the cooler months.
3. Cost:
Polyhouse Farming: Because of their simpler design and use of lightweight resources, polyhouses are typically more affordable than greenhouses. For small- and medium-sized farmers with limited funds, they are a viable choice.
Greenhouse Farming: Due to the price of long-lasting materials like glass or concrete panels, greenhouses require a greater initial expenditure. They are frequently selected by large-scale agriculturalists or growers of highly valuable crops.
4. Climate Control And Temperature:
Polyhouse Farming: Agriculture in polyhouses has limited climatic and temperature control. Though they provide some defense against temperatures outside, they might not be as potent in harsh environments or during sharp temperature swings.
Greenhouse Farming: Farming in greenhouses is more effective because it provides greater respiration, moisture, and temperature control. They give farmers better regulated and steady circumstances, enabling them to cultivate crops all year round, regardless of the weather outside.
5. Variety Of Crops And Yield:
Polyhouse Farming: Vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs can all be grown in polyhouses. They can increase crop production as well as quality and provide a conducive environment for plant growth.
Greenhouse Farming: Greenhouses are adaptable and may host a range of crops. With improved environmental control, they can encourage the growth of delicate or valuable crops, producing bigger yields and higher-quality produce.
6. Upkeep And Durability:
Polyhouse Farming: Polyhouses need routine care, which includes changing out the polyethylene sheets, fixing any damage, and doing periodic cleaning. As opposed to greenhouses, polyhouses often have fewer years of use.
Greenhouse Farming: Greenhouses are designed to last longer and require less frequent upkeep. Panels made of glass or solid plastic have a longer lifespan since they are less prone to damage.
What Kind Of Polyethene Is Utilised In An Outdated Polyhouse?
For the ceiling, a 200 UV-stabilized film is employed, and for the sides, a 75% shade net. These indicators can vary depending on the sort of environment in your area, however, they can be used as a starting point.
The Best Worksite Selection Procedures For Polyhouse Farming:
Crops that require a warm atmosphere for growth can be grown in colder climates using polyhouse farming. With better technological developments, you can grow a variety of crops in a small amount of space. But in order to do that, you must also choose the ideal building location that will enable you to achieve superior long-term outcomes.
So let’s look at some elements to take into account when choosing the ideal polyhouse location:
Pollution:
The location of the polyhouse should be advantageous for growing crops. So pick a polyhouse location far from pollution. This is due to the fact that farming should always be done in locations with little or no carbon emissions from other companies or automobiles.
Stagnation Of Water:
Please choose a location for the polyhouse installation in India that does not have any low-lying areas, since they could subsequently become a source of water clogging problems during the water release period or the monsoon season. You should be careful while choosing the location for the polyhouse since crops can suffer from waterlogging.
Accessibility:
To cultivate a healthy harvest, however, the polyhouse you select should be far from the activity of the metropolis. Still, you should pick a polyhouse location that is simple to get to and has good connections to other nearby areas via various modes of transportation.
Conclusion:
In India, polyhouse farming is becoming increasingly popular. Even in the altered weather, growers may produce wonderful and exotic crops thanks to one of the successful agricultural techniques. It’s time for you to use the greatest and most modern farming techniques available in India to boost crop productivity. It has been discovered that polyhouses provide you with a 10–12 times greater yield of high-quality crops.
When considering a new venture, consider “agriculture” and consider how willing consumers like you are to spend their hard-earned cash on exotic fruits, veggies, and flowers. Change is the key to a happy existence, thus it’s time to evolve rather than cling to the outdated conventional ways.