Polyhouse Farming in India: Cost, Benefits & Key Components

In India or other countries, there are several agricultural practices that took place from ancient times and every time a new method of farming was introduced the changes took place in civilization.

If you say that agricultural methods shifted from one type of farming to another due to advanced technology then you are not fully correct because, some types of farming like polyhouse farming were introduced around 30 CE when the roman created artificial environments to grow cucumbers year-round for Emperor Tiberius, who was advised to eat one cucumber each day.

Let's understand deeply about polyhouse farming in India:

What is a polyhouse?

When the crops are grown under a controlled environment featured by the greenhouse effect with partially or fully enclosed transparent polyethylene sheets this structure of farming is called polyhouse farming. This method is used to promote the growth of crops in different seasons and protect plants from extreme weather conditions like sunlight exposure, winds, etc.

It is also known for its economical and efficient alternative characteristic of traditional farming as it increases crop production by as much as 10 to 12 times, depending on the crop and management practices. Polyhoouse farming cost varies from Low-Cost Polyhouse which is ₹450 - ₹750 to High-Tech Polyhouse that is ₹1500 - ₹4000.

This method of farming is gaining attention among farmers and is considered the future of farming because it helps them to make enough profit from small plots of land in any kind of weather or climate condition, with the help of customized environments such as regulating temperature, humidity, sunlight, and other environmental factors to help to enhance crop production.

Also Read: Types of Crops in India

Components of polyhouse farming

Let's divide the components on the basis of structure framework, cladding material, environment control system irrigation, and fertilization system:

Structure framework

1. Foundation

• You can understand the meaning of foundation as the root of a polyhouse tree. Its main objective is to connect the whole structure to the ground, also preventing it from tipping over or being blown away by wind.
• The foundation hole has an ideal size that ranges between a diameter of 30 centimeters (about 1 foot). A square cubic hole must be 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm (about 2 feet x 2 feet x 2 feet).
• Additionally, PCC with a 5 cm thickness should be used to cover the vertical poles up to a height of 60 cm to prevent the poles from rusting.

2. Columns

It's a vertical structure of a polyhouse that extends all the way to the top to strengthen the structure. The polyhouse is made up of galvanized Iron Pipes and also avoids channel structures because they could distort as a result of wind pressure.

3. Girders

Girders are the horizontal part of the structure that connects columns typical from the gutter height, The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set standards for the layout, design, and construction of polyhouses.

4. Purlins

• Purlins are materials made up of galvanized iron which is used to support the cladding to the column, it helps to divide the weight of the structure evenly across the root.
• Outer diameter ranges between 48 mm and thickness at the ridge gutter arch must be 2.0mm. Cable purlins are used in flat-roof net houses to promote vegetable cultivation.

5. Bracings

• It is the diagonal support of polyhouse structures that provides stability against climate issues such as wind to prevent the deformation of the structure. It is the essential component to support the vegetable polyhouse.
• Bottom-to-pillar bracing should be 33mm OD with 2mm thickness, with a length of 1.2m, fixed from pillar to bottom.

6. Arches

Arches are curved structural elements used in polyhouse construction to support the covering material of a polyhouse.

Cladding material

1. UV-stabilized polyethylene is the most important component of polyhouse which are also identified as transparent covers that are cross-laminated and moisture-resistant. It's a plastic cover with a thickness of 1501m that can be customized to enhance the structural performance of a polyhouse.
2. Different types of cladding are used to support the structure such as flexible cladding which is used for its durability and ability to withstand structural deformation, and rigid cladding which is made up of glass.

Environmental control system

• Ventilation system: this system involves roof side vents, roof vents, and exhaust fans to regulate the air circulation and control the temperature.
• Cooling systems: A cooling system is an important component to support the life of crops in a polyhouse, this is done by providing adequate ventilation with the help of cooling pads, or spacing for natural wind.
• Heating system: Use jute clothing during the day and night to maintain the inner temperature in the absence of sufficient solar energy or in the winter season.

Irrigation and fertilization system

1. Water systems: Water systems are used to test the quality of the water before installing the polyhouse. The water sources should be checked properly. Micro irrigation systems like drip irrigation in which PVC tube pumps are used also sprinklers can be used.
2. Fertigation System: For the healthy growth of plants fertilization is important for supplying nutrients to e roots and soil. This system comprises broadcasting of fertilizers to the use of soluble grade fertilizers over different operating systems from single.

Also Read: Types of Irrigation Systems in India

Difference between polyhouse and greenhouse

There are so many differences between polyhouse and greenhouse farming that vary from the following aspects although both playhouses and greenhouses are structures used to cultivate plants in a controlled environment:

1. Material: Glass and polycarbonate panels are used as roof walls in greenhouse farming whereas polyhouses use plastic sheeting.
2. Cost: Greenhouses are more expensive as compared to playhouses because they require expensive material glass, polyhouse is very cost-effective due to their simpler construction and use of less expensive materials.
3. Size: Polyhouse is practiced on small farms with smaller structures as campers to greenhouses that are available in a wider range of sizes, from small backyard structures to large commercial facilities.
4. Mobility: Polyhouses are more mobile because they are made of plastic sheeting that can be easily moved or dismantled. Greenhouses are more difficult to move due to their glass or polycarbonate panels.
5. Temperature and climate condition: Polyhouses provide limited control over temperature and climate, and may not be as effective in extreme climates or during significant temperature fluctuations on the other hand Greenhouses offer better control over temperature, humidity, and ventilation, providing a more stable and controlled environment.