Polyhouse farming is slowly gaining popularity in India. A farmer can make huge profit from polyhouse farming. But there are many people who aren’t aware of what exactly is a polyhouse or greenhouse hence today in this article we will tell you all about polyhouse and its benefits. So let's start;
What is a polyhouse?
Polyhouse or a greenhouse is a house or a structure made of translucent material like glass or polyethylene where the plants grow and develop under controlled climatic conditions. The size of structure can differ from small shacks to big-size buildings as per the need. Above all, a greenhouse is a glass house whose interiors become warm when exposed to sunbeams as the house stops the greenhouse gas to leave. So when it is cold outside, the temperature inside is survival friendly and warm for the plants.
Difference between Greenhouse and Polyhouse Farming
Polyhouse is a type of greenhouse or we can say that it is a smaller version of greenhouse, where polyethylene is used as the cover. In developing countries like India, polyhouse farming is a popular greenhouse technology due to its low cost of construction and easy maintenance. Lath house is one more greenhouse technology where wood is used as the cover.
Poly house is cheaper as compared to greenhouse but the later is more long-lasting than polyhouse.
Crops grown in Polyhouse
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Fruits that can be grown are Papaya, Strawberry etc.
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Vegetables that can be grown include Cabbage, Bitter Gourd, Capsicum, Radish, Cauliflower, Chili, Coriander, Onion, Spinach, Tomato etc.
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Flowers like Carnation, Gerbera, Marigold, Orchid, and Rose can also be easily grown.
Benefits of Polyhouse Farming
Polyhouse is very beneficial for the farmers specially those who prefer organic farming. here are few of the benefits of a polyhouse:
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Your plants are grown under controlled temperature thus there is less chances of crop loss or damage.
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You can grow crops throughout the year and will not have to wait for any particular season.
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There are less pests and insects in a polyhouse.
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External climate will not have any impact of the growth of crops.
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Quality of produce is obviously higher in polyhouse.
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Good drainage and aeration
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Propagation of Ornamental Crops can also be done effortlessly in a polyhouse.
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Poly House gives the right environmental facilities to your plants in any season.
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It also increases yield for about 5 to 10 times.
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Less cropping period
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Fertilizer application is easier and is controlled automatically with the help of drip irrigation.
Types of Polyhouse
Based on environmental control system, polyhouse are of two types:
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Naturally ventilated polyhouse - This type of polyhouse or greenhouse does not have any environmental control system except for sufficient ventilation and fogger system to save the crops from bad weather conditions and natural pests and diseases.
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Environmental controlled polyhouse - They are constructed primarily to extend the growing period of crops or to increase the off-season yield by controlling the light, temperature, humidity, etc.
Conclusion
It has been estimated that the yield under polyhouse or greenhouse farming can be achieved at a higher level – say about 4-8 times as compared to farming done in open field. Hence farmers must think of setting up a polyhouse rather than just working on open fields.
