Have you ever wished to have quality fruits and vegetables all year round during the seasons of your choice? It is time we reveal that you can generate and cultivate these fancy flowers in a hothouse and shield them from the scorching sun and other unpredictable climatic conditions. Many Indian farmers have started cultivating their plants in an enclosed structure, and this type of cultivation is known as polyhouse farming.
Polyhouses are, in a way, greenhouses that are constructed with a covering material of polyethylene to ensure that the crop grows in the required conditions. This is one of the most sustainable methods that farmers should embrace to improve their plant’s growing style.
Here are some benefits of polyhouse farming in India:
Polyhouses provide favorable conditions for crops to grow and avoid unfavorable conditions such as harsh weather, pests, and diseases. That results in high yields and better quality of produce as compared to open-field farming.
Polyhouse cultivation, unlike traditional farming, is not limited to any particular season throughout the year; you can always cultivate. It gives a predictable stream of revenues and the opportunity to satisfy consumers’ needs regardless of the season.
Polyhouses help in water management by adopting measures such as drip irrigation. Further, fertilizers and pesticides can be applied, which reduces wastage.
Higher yields, better quality, and possibly lesser wastage are the results of polyhouse farming, which results in more profits for farmers.
Polyhouse can be used to grow a number of crops, from fruits and vegetables to flowers and herbs. This enables the farmers to expand their area of production and target specialty markets.
On the aspect of weather incidences, polyhouse farming eliminates the problem of unpredictable weather. This is stable and cuts out risks associated with traditional agricultural practices.
Polyhouse farming practices result in the use of advanced and efficient farming practices such as liquid fertilizers and pest control.
The farmers can utilize polyhouses for organic farming because of the controlled weather, pests, and diseases.
The location of the structure is very important in the establishment of a polyhouse. You need to prepare the perfect growing climate where you have sufficient exposure to sunlight for the plant to carry out the photosynthesis process, availability of water supply for watering, and shelter from the lofty and strong winds that may harm the structure.
Consider access to markets – will fresh produce be sold locally, or is the location suitable for transportation of the produce? Considering these points will put your polyhouse at a vantage for the best environmental conditions for plant growth and proper distribution of the produce.
There are various types to choose from, each with its advantages.
Walk-in tunnels: Walk-in tunnels are excellent for a small area, and they still have many openings to include food for plants.
Multi-span structures: The other is a multi-span structure, which is suitable for large-scale farming as the structures provide ample space for the various plantings.
These two above are the common types of polyhouse. Other than these, there are many different types of polyhouses, such as naturally ventilated polyhouses and environmentally controlled polyhouses, and depending on the technological advancement of the polyhouses, they can also be categorized as low-tech polyhouses and high-tech polyhouses.
As for the permits and approvals, it is worth noting that polyhouse construction may require various permits and approvals depending on the size and purpose of the polyhouse to be constructed. Simply, it is always better to refrain from taking risks and to study all possible regulations in detail.
One of the most crucial factors to consider before planning your polyhouse farming is you must understand your polyhouse farming cost.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right crops for your polyhouse:
You must consider the required climate for your desired crop.
Will it flourish year-round, or does it require specific seasons?
You must research if there is a strong local market for your chosen crop.
You must consider what your polyhouse farming cost per acre. When you know your price, you can easily determine your per-acre profit.
You can cultivate juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, or exotic bell peppers all year round!
Strawberries, melons, and even grapes can thrive in the controlled environment of a polyhouse. Infact strawberry cultivation is much easier in polyhouse setup.
polyhouses are a haven for delicate flowers – You can cultivate roses, lilies, or even orchids!
You can start with fresh basil, fragrant rosemary, or zesty thyme.
Here’s a breakdown of essential practices to ensure your crops thrive:
Good quality soil is the backbone of a flourishing polyhouse. You cannot directly replenish the soil with natural elements like rainfall and decomposing leaves, so it is important to provide a rich and fertile base.
Think of enriching your soil mix with organic compost, coco peat for aeration, and controlled amounts of fertilizers to give your plants the perfect start.
Planting techniques in a polyhouse differ slightly from traditional open-field methods. Seedling trays are often used to nurture young plants in a controlled environment before transplanting them into raised beds or containers within the polyhouse.
This allows for better control over initial growth conditions and ensures stronger seedlings before they face the polyhouse environment.
In your poly house project, you have the power to create the perfect irrigation system for your crops. Drip irrigation, a water-efficient method that delivers water directly to the plant’s roots, is a popular choice for polyhouses.
This minimizes water waste and ensures targeted delivery of moisture for optimal plant growth. Additionally, fertigation, the practice of incorporating fertilizers into your irrigation system, can be a game-changer, providing essential nutrients directly to your plants’ roots.
Different crops have specific temperature preferences, so monitoring and adjusting the environment is key. Ventilation fans become your best friends, helping to circulate air and prevent overheating during the day.
During cooler nights, you might need to utilize techniques to retain warmth. Temperature monitoring systems become your eyes and ears, providing valuable data to ensure your plants bask in the perfect temperature range.
While the controlled environment of a polyhouse offers protection from some outdoor pests, it can also create ideal conditions for others to thrive. Since space is limited, a single pest outbreak can quickly spread.
Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases. Organic solutions like neem oil sprays or introducing natural predators can be effective first lines of defense. However, there might be situations where controlled use of non-organic solutions becomes necessary.
If you are planning to start polyhouse farming, then you must consider a perfect agriculture spray machine or sprayer for your indoor farm.
Krishispray has a variety of sprayers, including spray machines, tractor sprayers, spray guns, spray nozzles, and Italian spray guns for all your spraying needs on your farm. Research thoroughly and grow your polyhouse cultivation.
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