Seasoned farmers and gardening enthusiasts are gaining traction with the technique of polyhouse or greenhouse farming. The National Horticulture Mission will provide a significant boost to it as well. Under this program, the government is incentivizing the adoption of polyhouse farming by offering a generous 50% subsidy on both the construction of polyhouse structures and the costs associated with crop production.
Optimizing Crop Growth, The Science Behind Polyhouse Farming
Polyhouse farming is referred to as greenhouse farming or polytunnel farming. This method involves cultivating plants within enclosed structures made of materials such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polycarbonate sheets. These structures are commonly known as polyhouses or greenhouses. Farmers can regulate environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and ventilation through these means, creating ideal conditions for plant growth. By leveraging these controlled environments, polyhouse farming enables year-round cultivation, and shields crops from adverse weather conditions. Farmers gain greater control over pests and diseases, resulting in improved yields and superior produce quality.
Polyhouse Farming’s Impact on Extreme Weather Regions
Regions with extreme weather conditions and a lack of arable land can benefit from polyhouse farming as an innovative solution. The extension of the growing season allows for the cultivation of crops that are maladapted to open-field systems. Thus, through water saving and efficient use of fertilizers and pesticides, Polyhouse promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
This has been proved recently in Bijnor where the local authority sanctioned 18 polyhouse farming schemes. This new way of doing agriculture has shown great benefits for growing flowers or vegetables as it provides the best environment for them to grow in and protects them from harsh elements outside.
Polyhouse farming has been adopted by farmers in Bijnor for various crops such as gerbera, rose, lily, capsicum, tomato, cucumber, and pumpkin. Consequently, there is a remarkable increase in their incomes due to this shift to polyhouse farming.
Transforming Lives and Livelihoods
Polyhouse farming has been embraced by people such as Akhilesh Chaudhary and Imran Khan, among others, resulting in the cultivation of flowers and vegetables which has yielded them considerable financial rewards. Polyfarming has now become a full-time occupation for some people like Himanshu Tyagi who due to the ease of setting it up and substantial subsidy provided by the government think that the returns on investment are very promising.
According to senior horticulture inspector Narpal Malik, polyhouse farming could increase crop output from 10 to 12 times in comparison with conventional methods of farming. The increasing interest among farmers is evident through rising numbers of them applying for subsidies towards installing polyhouses. Not only does the government support the construction of polyhouses but also allows growing crops in these structures thus further encouraging its adoption.