Polyhouse Farming in India, Benefits and Techniques for Growing Crops, Know on Khetivyapar

Playhouse farming has transformed the agricultural sector significantly. It has empowered farmers to grow various crops on a single plot of land and maintain their growth effortlessly, leading to significantly higher profits without requiring extensive time or effort. Farmers are able to cultivate fruits, flowers, and vegetables based on market demand.

Recognizing that some farmers are not reaping the benefits of this, new technologies in playhouse farming are being developed. Birsa Agricultural University in Ranchi has been at the forefront of developing polyhouse techniques on rooftops. Farmers encounter numerous challenges during the hot season, prompting Birsa Agricultural University to enable year-round farming on rooftops with playhouses, resulting in enhanced productivity and reduced costs.

Why is playhouse technology necessary:

Playhouse technology, pioneered by Dr. Pramod Rai, enhances the productivity and quality of vegetables grown using this method, while also improving crop management and microclimate control. Management of subtle climate parameters such as soil and air temperature, light intensity and quality, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, etc., is achieved through this protected agricultural technology. High soil and air temperatures during the summer months from March to May pose significant obstacles to the cultivation of tomatoes and bell peppers. More than 50% of the produced fruits are adversely affected due to sunburn. Cultivating tomatoes and bell peppers in playhouses during the summer months helps mitigate this issue, although sunlight levels are low from June to February. Hence, temporary shade net structures should be installed from March to May. By employing this method, the quality of vegetables improves by at least 50-60%, and productivity increases by 30 to 40% compared to open-field cultivation.

How to Vegetables cultivation or Fruits in a Rooftop Playhouse:

During the hot season, the soil and air temperature and light intensity within the playhouse are considerably high due to the greenhouse effect. Naturally ventilated playhouses are effective for approximately 8 to 9 months per year. A playhouse can be constructed on the rooftop using bamboo and covering materials. Farmers can adjust the covering on the roof of the playhouse according to weather conditions, as developed by Birsa Agricultural University. During the hot season, it is covered with a UV-stabilized film of 200 microns, while in the cold season; it is covered with a green shade net. This technology functions as a playhouse from November to February, as a rain shelter from June to October, and as a shade net from March to May. The productivity of vegetables and fruits increases when cultivated in playhouses.

Benefits of Playhouse Farming:

1. Crops or vegetables can be grown easily in playhouses, reducing the risk of contamination compared to open-field farming.
2. Crops can be cultivated year-round in playhouses regardless of the weather.
3. Playhouses have only one entry point and are covered from all sides, reducing the likelihood of plant infestations, diseases, and pests.
4. Maintaining cleanliness inside the playhouse is easy and external climatic factors do not hinder plant growth.
5. Drip irrigation and fertilizer application are simplified in playhouses.
6. There is increased crop production and ease of harvesting in playhouses.

Disadvantages of Playhouse Farming: traditional open-field farming plants can receive ample fresh air and optimal temperature, unlike playhouses where adequate ventilation is hindered due to being enclosed from all sides. Ventilated playhouses, as well as long shade nets and shelter nets, entail significant expenses. The utilization of high-quality materials escalates the overall costs. Inferior materials are susceptible to damage from severe storms, resulting in crop losses. Managing irrigation in playhouses can pose challenges.

Read More... Farmers Can Earn Good Income by Cucumber Cultivation in Polyhouse, Know the Method

Conclusion: Playhouse farming has spearheaded a revolution in the agricultural domain. It aids farmers in augmenting their profits and facilitates the cultivation of premium-quality crops with ease. The advancement of playhouse technology has paved the way for innovative approaches in agriculture and offers viable solutions to farmers' predicaments. Furthermore, playhouse farming contributes to environmental preservation by necessitating lesser water usage reduced fertilizer application, and minimal pesticide utilization for crop cultivation.