To know about polyhouse farming, first we need to understand what polyhouse is. Right? Let's try to understand the meaning of a polyhouse. A polyhouse is a structure made up of polyethylene, a transparent material where plants can be grown in controlled climatic conditions. Polyhouses can be both small and big based on the crop budget and type. Now, we got an idea of polyhouse, let's understand polyhouse farming in more detail.
Polyhouse farming is a type of greenhouse farming, which was introduced in the early 1980s. In polyhouse farming, crops are grown in a controlled climatic conditions and farmers can easily manage temperature and humidity as per the crop's requirement. In India, it is widely known technology because of its affordability factor. Polyhouse is of utmost importance because it protects plant from extreme weather conditions like sunlight exposure, winds etc. and helps them to grow efficiently. It is also better than open farming as the crop results is more reliable in this type of farming.
Types of Polyhouses
Polyhouses are mainly divided into three broad categories based on environmental control system, shape and technology. Let's have a look on each type of polyhouses below.
Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse
A naturally ventilated polyhouse is a basic and traditional type of polyhouse. It has climatic controlled features with drip irrigation systems, foggers, pest control systems, and ventilation control. They completely control the inside climatic conditions and helps crop to grow perfectly.
Environmental Controlled Polyhouse
Environmental controlled polyhouse, On the other hand, is a modern type of polyhouse. It has additional functional features which can control humidity, temperature etc. It can cultivate the off-season crop with its salient features which makes it a more sophisticated kind of polyhouse.
Components of Polyhouse
Polyethylene – Polyethylene is the most important component of a polyhouse as most of the polyhouses are made up of transparent polythene, which is tight, cheap and flexible. Polyhouses prevent thermal radiation thus, controls humidity and temperature.
Heating Systems – Heating systems are used to cover polyhouses with jute clothing during day and night to maintain inner temperature in the absence of sufficient solar energy.
Cooling Systems – In hot weather conditions, cooling systems are required. The cooling of polyhouse is done by providing adequate ventilation and removing the internal air of polyhouse out of it. It can be natural or by installing high power fans.
Watering 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 and sprinklers can be used. A PVC tube, pump and filtration systems are used in drip irrigation.
Shading Systems - Shading systems are used to protect polyhouse from high light intensity. Shade paints, agro-shade nets or retractable thermal screens are generally used.
Fertigation – Fertigation is the process of simultaneously applying fertilizers through the irrigation process to meet the specific requirement of the crops. It varies from single broadcasting of fertilisers to the use of soluble grade fertilisers over different operating systems.
Environmental Control – Polyhouses are protected from temperature, humidity and light by water circulating pump or exhaust fan, incandescent bulbs, and fluorescent tubes.
Variety of Crops grown in Polyhouse Farming
Polyhouses are used to cultivate off season crops under the synthetic roof. There are varieties of fruits and vegetables along with exotic flowers.
| Fruits |
Vegetables |
Flowers |
Nursery Plantations |
| Raspberries | Capsicum | Chrysanthemum | Cacti |
| Strawberries | Tomatoes | Gerbera | Colourful Exotic Plants |
| Muskmelon | Chillies | Orchid | Miniature species |
| Peach | English Cucumber | Rose | Ornamental indoor plants, etc. |
| Papaya | Leafy Vegetables | Carnation | |
| Grapes | |||
| Pomegranate | |||
| Banana |
These are the most common type of crops cultivated by polyhouses. Make sure to consider market demand, climatic conditions and preferences in selection of the crops.
Difference between Polyhouse Farming and Greenhouse Farming
| Aspect | Polyhouse | Greenhouse |
| Structure | metal framework covered with polyethylene or other plastic materials | galvanized steel frames, featuring glass or polycarbonate panels |
| Insulation | Polyethylene covering offers moderate insulation | Glass or polycarbonate panels offer superior insulation |
| Light Transmission | Allows sunlight to enter, but may scatter light | Provides excellent light transmission, minimizing light scattering and creating optimal conditions for plant photosynthesis |
| Temperature Control | Offers limited control over temperature through ventilation and shade nets |
Allows precise temperature control through ventilation, heating systems, and advanced climate control technology |
| Durability | shorter lifespan due to plastic coverings | Greenhouses tend to be more durable, with glass or polycarbonate panels |
| Cost | more cost-effective | Less cost-effective |
| Suitable Crops | Ideal for growing vegetables, flowers, and some fruit crops | Suitable for a wide range of crops including delicate flowers, high-value crops, and plants that require precise environmental control |
Polyhouse farming is gaining wide popularity in each country. It is an economical farming system to improve the crop yield and is the perfect replacement for traditional agricultural practices. It can boost the crop yield growth up to 8-10 times which is better than any traditional farming method. This method is also beneficial for the small-scale farmers as they can grow almost any kind of crop whether it is seasonal crop or the exotic off season crop. It is a more efficient farm, using less water and land. It also allows farmers to control the environment, leading to higher yields. In addition, it can protect crops from pests and diseases and provide a stable source of income. Hence, polyhouse farming will remain beneficial for the farmers in the coming years.
