A Guide to Protected Cultivation in India: Its Meaning, Objectives, and Importance

Table of Content

• Introduction
• What is protected cultivation?
• Objectives of protected cultivation
• Types of protected cultivation
• Scope of protected cultivation in India
• Importance of protected cultivation
• Limitations of protected cultivation
• Conclusion

Introduction

Protected cultivation is a common practice in developed countries but in a developing country like India its use is limited. But with the increase in the demand for quality agricultural produce in the last decade in the country, the need is to enable farmers to adopt cultivation technologies that are specific to the region and suitable for crops.

Also, if India has to attain self-sufficiency in food and provide food security to all while keep on exporting quality fruits and vegetables, India need to adopt protected cultivation.

In this blog, we will understand meaning of protected cultivation in India, objectives and importance.

What is Protected Cultivation?

Protected cultivation refers to the practice of planting crops in a controlled environment that is protected from external factors such as extreme weather conditions, pests, and diseases.

It is usually done by using structures such as greenhouses, net houses, shade houses, and polytunnels. These structures provide a physical barrier between the crops and the external environment.

Let’s define protected cultivation in detail, such as the scope of protected cultivation, types of protected cultivation, advantages of protected cultivation, and more.

Objectives of Protected Cultivation

Protected cultivation is done to achieve certain objectives, including efficient water use and enhancing productivity per unit of area. Some of them are listed below:

• Protecting plants from abiotic stress such as excess/deficit water, temperature, hot and cold waves, etc.
• Enhancing productivity of crops per unit of area.
• Efficient use of water and at the same time minimizing weed infestations.
• Reducing the use of pesticides and insecticides in the production of crops.
• Promoting high value, quality horticulture produces.
• Producing flowers, vegetables and fruits throughout the year and also in the off season.
• Producing disease-free and genetically better transplants.

Types of Protected Cultivation

Several types of protected cultivation are there with their own benefits and limitations. Here, we have provided the list of the most common types of protected cultivation:

Greenhouses

A greenhouse is a formation made of glass or plastic that allows for the controlled growth of plants. Greenhouses are commonly used for growing crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. They provide protection from external factors such as wind, rain, and pests and allow for the regulation of temperature, humidity, and light.

Net Houses

Net houses are structures made of netting or mesh that provide protection from pests and insects, allowing only air and light to pass through. Net houses are commonly used for growing vegetables and fruits, especially in regions where pests and insects are a major problem.

Shade Houses

Shade houses are structures made of shade cloth or other materials that provide shade to the crops. They are commonly used for growing plants that require less sunlight, such as ornamental plants and some vegetables.

High Tunnels

High tunnels are structures made of plastic or other materials that are used for growing crops. They are like greenhouses but are typically smaller and have a simpler design. High tunnels provide protection from external factors such as wind and rain while allowing the regulation of temperature and humidity.

Floating Row Covers

Floating row covers are lightweight materials that are placed over crops to provide protection from pests and insects. They are widely used for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables in those areas where insects and pests are a major threat to the crops.

Vertical Farms

Vertical farms use hydroponic or aeroponic systems that are used to grow crops in a vertical space. They are commonly used in urban agriculture and provide a way to grow crops in areas with limited space.

Each type of protected cultivation has its own advantages and disadvantages. You may choose the type depending on the factors like the type of crop being grown, the climate, and the available resources.

However, all types of protected cultivation provide a controlled environment that allows for the optimisation of crop growth and development, leading to higher yields and better-quality produce.

Scope of Protected Cultivation in India

The scope of protected cultivation is substantial and consists of a range of crops, production systems, and farming practices. Here are some of the areas where protected cultivation can be used:

Vegetables

Protected cultivation can be used to grow a wide range of vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, and leafy greens. The controlled environment provided by greenhouses and other structures protects the crops all-round the year.

Fruits

Protected cultivation can be used to grow fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and grapes. It is especially useful in regions with harsh climate conditions where these crops cannot grow outdoors.

Flowers

Protected cultivation is commonly used in the production of cut flowers such as roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums. The controlled environment allows optimal growth and flower production, leading to higher yields and better quality.

Ornamental Plants

Protected cultivation can also be used in the production of ornamental plants such as succulents, ferns, and tropical plants. These plants require specific growing conditions that can be provided by greenhouses and other structures.

Seedlings

Protected cultivation is useful in the production of seedlings for transplanting in open fields. The controlled environment allows for optimal growth and development of the seedlings, leading to better crop establishment and higher yields.

Urban Agriculture

Protected cultivation can be used in urban agriculture to produce fresh vegetables and herbs in areas with limited space. It includes rooftop gardens, vertical farms, and community gardens.

Importance of Protected Cultivation

Protected cultivation has its own importance. The major benefits of protected cultivation are listed below:

Improved Crop Quality

Protected cultivation provides a controlled environment that allows for the optimisation of crop growth and development. It results in a better-quality product that is more uniform in size, shape, and colour.

Higher Yields

Protected cultivation allows for year-round production of crops, resulting in higher yields and more consistent supply throughout the year. It is especially important in regions with harsh climates where outdoor production is not possible.

Protection From External Factors

Protected cultivation provides a physical barrier that protects crops from external factors such as wind, rain, and pests. It reduces the risk of crop damage and loss, leading to higher yields and better-quality produce.

Water Conservation

Protected cultivation allows for the regulation of water usage, resulting in more efficient water usage and conservation. It is especially important in regions with limited water resources.

Reduced Pesticide Usage

Protected cultivation reduces the need for pesticides, as the controlled environment reduces the risk of pest infestations. It leads to a reduction in pesticide usage and a more environmentally friendly farming practice.

Urban Agriculture

Protected cultivation is a useful tool for urban agriculture, allowing for the production of fresh vegetables and herbs in areas with limited space. It includes rooftop gardens, vertical farms, and community gardens.

Overall, protected cultivation is an important tool for modern agriculture. It allows for the optimisation of crop growth and development, leading to higher yields and better-quality produce. It also reduces the impact of farming on the environment, as it allows for the reduction of water and pesticide usage.

Limitations of Protected Cultivation

The protected cultivation in India come with certain limitations. These include initial higher capital cost, and finding skilled labour, among others. See below:

• The initial infrastructure comes at a high capital cost.
• Finding skilled labor and their local replacement is a challenge.
• Limited technical know-how regarding cultivation in protected structures.
• The operations demand continuous and intensive efforts.
• Close supervision and monitoring are necessary.
• Managing certain pests and soil-borne pathogens proves to be challenging.
• Repair and maintenance pose significant obstacles.
• Assured marketing is essential due to the substantial investment of resources such as time, effort, and finance.

Conclusion

The scope of protected cultivation is massive. We hope we are able to deliver complete information regarding protected cultivation through this blog. If you want to learn about tractors, farm equipment, and different agricultural practices, stay tuned with Tractorkarvan for more information.