The Emergence of Greenhouse Farming in India

Table of Contents

• Greenhouse Farming in India
• Types of Greenhouse Farming
• Benefits of Greenhouse Farming
• How to Start Greenhouse Farming?
• Suitable Crops for Greenhouse Farming
• Challenges in Greenhouse Farming
• Conclusion

Greenhouse Farming in India

A greenhouse farming is a farming model that can grow crops in fully or partially controlled climatic conditions to achieve the best growth and productivity of the crops. The method of giving plants a favourable atmosphere is known as greenhouse technology. The cultivation of annual and perennial crops, the flowers and vegetables production, the development of the nurseries using tissue culture are the main purposes of greenhouse.

Types of Greenhouse Farming

Greenhouses come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and ventilation configurations. Each greenhouse has a different benefit. There are many greenhouses designs available according to the crop needs. Typically, a sawtooth Natural Ventilated Greenhouse is used in India. Let us have a look on different types of greenhouses below.

1. Greenhouse Type Based on Shape

• Sawtooth-type Greenhouse
• Ridge and Furrow type Greenhouse
• Uneven Span type Greenhouse
• Even Span type of Greenhouse
• Quonset Greenhouse
• Interlocking Ridges Greenhouse
• Ground-to-Ground Greenhouse

2. Greenhouse Type Based on Construction

• Wooden framed structures – It is a low-cost greenhouse for Vegetable Production.
• Pipe-framed structures

3. Greenhouse Type Based on Covering Materials

• Glass Greenhouse – Glass greenhouse most suitable for cold weather country like United states, Canada.
• Plastic Greenhouse – plastic greenhouse also called polyhouse which is mostly used in India.

4. Greenhouse Type Based on Ventilation

• Natural Vent Greenhouse - This is a natural ventilation-based greenhouse which maintains the temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide as per the crop’s requirements.
• Climate Control Greenhouse – In these types of greenhouses, temperature and humidity are controlled by using micro-irrigation techniques and the internal environment is fully managed. This type of greenhouse is mostly used for Hi-tech nurseries and hi-tech hydroponic project.

Benefits of Greenhouse Farming

There are many benefits of greenhouse farming. Let’s have a look on some of the benefits of greenhouse farming below.

1. Year-Round Cultivation and Protection from Unfavourable Climatic Factors - Greenhouses allow all year-round cultivation regardless of extreme weather conditions. Crops can thrive in harsh winters as well as in scorching summers. Extreme weather conditions such as storm, wind, rain, frost and temperature affect crops and lead to loss of crops or reduction in crop quality. Plants remain safe with the help of effective greenhouse farming.
2. Pest and Disease Control – Because of the controlled environment in greenhouses, there is a minimum risk of pests and diseases. Fewer people entering the space reduces the chances of introducing unwanted elements to the crops. If any issue arises, let the plant isolated to protect the entire harvest. 
3. Quality Products – There is an availability of quality crops all the time with the help of greenhouse farming.
4. Yield and Profit Maximization - Greenhouse farming helps plants to produce more, increases the quality of the produce which results in the profitability of farmers compared to open-field farming.
5. Efficiency and Conservation of Resources – Technologies like drip irrigation helps to determine plant requirements in the right dosage including water, nutrients, pesticides, etc. This prevents unnecessary costs and helps to maximize minimal resources.
6. Land Utilization- Greenhouse technology helps farmers maximize land space for food production in vertical farming systems. Here, plants are grown and stacked vertically to maximize space. That is, multiple crops are grown in layers allowing more crops to be produced on a small area of land.

How to Start Greenhouse Farming?

As we have developed the basic knowledge about greenhouse farming so far, it’s time to know the essential steps to start the greenhouse farming. Let’s have a look on the essential steps to be considered while starting greenhouse farming.

Step 1: Research local market to get a better understanding of greenhouse farming.

Step 2: Choose your crop preference and consider factors like transportation costs and storage requirements.

Step 3: Understand consumer preferences and offer high value crops.

Step 4: Estimate the initial investment required for land, greenhouse structure, equipment, seeds/seedlings, and operational costs.

Step 5: Make thorough research on the government subsidies and loans running for greenhouse farming projects in India.

Step 6: Make your final financial decision.

Step 7: Select a well-drained, fertile land with ample sunlight exposure.

Step 8: Ensure easy access to water, electricity, and transportation for smooth operations. Consider factors like proximity to markets and availability of labour.

Step 9: Look for land with a slight slope to facilitate drainage and avoid waterlogging, which can damage crops.

Step 10: You are all set to start greenhouse farming.

Suitable Crops for Greenhouse Farming

As we have discussed greenhouse farming and its benefits so far, let’s talk about the crops which are suitable for greenhouse farming. But usually, the question comes to our mind that why plants and crops grow better in greenhouse? Let’s find the answer.

Greenhouse farming is essential for most of the crops as it provides more controlled and consistent climatic conditions to the crops with less humidity, appropriate light (for photosynthesis) and the soil is better for the plants to grow.

Here’s a list of most popular floriculture and vegetable growing crops in a Greenhouse.

Challenges in Greenhouse Farming

Greenhouse farming is the popular and modern farming technique available today. Many farmers are adopting this technique against traditional farming methods and techniques. With benefits, there are also some challenges that farmers usually face while setup greenhouse. Let’s understand some challenges that farmers might face during greenhouse farming.

• Initial Investment Requirement - The initial investment to set up a greenhouse has been a hindrance for many small - scale farmers as installing a greenhouse is usually higher than starting an open field farming venture.
• Technical Expertise- Greenhouse farming involves specialized knowledge and skills. Farmers need to understand the climate control, irrigation systems, and crop management within a controlled environment.
• Pest and Disease Management - Pest and disease management can also pose a challenge as enclosed environments may create breeding grounds for the growth and development of harmful insects and pathogens.
• Access to Technology - Technology is limited to many regions in our country which become a hindrance for farmers in their development. Lack of technology leads to the irregularity to set up a greenhouse.
• Market Fluctuations – Finding premium buyers for produce can be difficult sometimes.

Despite these challenges, farmers are growing and finding greenhouse farming a more sustainable solution for food security and economic stability.

As per Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said that an additional area of 2.51 lakh hectare has been covered under protected cultivation including greenhouse structures towards horticulture promotion since inception of the MIDH scheme i.e., from 2014-15 to 2021-22. An expenditure of Rs. 2963.91 crore has been reported by the States, he said.

Conclusion

Greenhouse farming presents a sustainable opportunity for Indian agriculture. By carefully planning, selecting the right technology, and adopting best practices, farmers can cultivate a successful greenhouse operation and contribute to a more secure and productive food system.