Greenhouse Farming in India – A full guide !

• What is Greenhouse Farming?
• Advantages of Greenhouse
• Types of Greenhouse Farming
• Points to Consider before selecting a greenhouse site
• Most productive Greenhouse farming states in India
• Crops suitable for Greenhouse Farming
• How to start Greenhouse Farming

What is Greenhouse Farming

Greenhouse farming, also known as greenhouse cultivation or controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), is a method of growing plants in an enclosed structure, typically made of glass or plastic, in which environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light can be regulated and controlled.

Greenhouses provide a controlled environment that protects plants from extreme weather conditions, pests, and diseases. The environment inside a greenhouse can be customized to suit the needs of different types of plants, allowing for year-round production of crops that may not be able to grow in the local climate or season.

Greenhouse farming can be used to produce a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers. The technique is widely used in commercial agriculture as well as in smaller-scale operations such as urban farming and home gardening.

Advantages of Greenhouse

Greenhouses offer several advantages over traditional outdoor farming, including:

• Climate Control

Greenhouses allow farmers to regulate temperature, humidity, and light levels, providing ideal growing conditions for plants throughout the year, regardless of external weather conditions.

• Protection from Pests and Diseases

By providing a controlled environment, greenhouses reduce the risk of pest infestations and plant diseases, which can significantly increase crop yields.

• Increased Productivity

By providing ideal growing conditions and protection from external factors, greenhouses can increase productivity and yield, allowing farmers to grow crops year-round and produce higher-quality crops.

• Extended Growing Season

Greenhouses allow farmers to extend the growing season for crops, allowing them to produce crops during seasons when they would not be able to grow outdoors.

• Energy Efficiency

Modern greenhouse designs are energy-efficient and can be powered by renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, reducing energy costs and carbon footprint.

• Better Quality Crops

By providing optimal growing conditions, greenhouses produce high-quality crops that are healthier, more flavourful, and have a longer shelf life.

Types of Green houses for Farming

There are various types of greenhouses based on different factors such as shape, construction, material and ventilation.  Each type of greenhouse is designed to meet specific needs.

In India, Sawtooth natural ventilated greenhouse is commonly used for flower and vegetable production purposes. Let’s look out some of its types according to different factors:

Greenhouse types based on shape

1. 1. Sawtooth-type Greenhouse
   2. Ridge and furrow type greenhouse
   3. Uneven span type greenhouse
   4. Even span type of greenhouse.
   5. Sawtooth type.
   6. Quonset greenhouse.
   7. Interlocking ridges greenhouse.
   8. Ground-to-ground greenhouse

Types based on Construction

1. Wooden framed structure
2. Pipe framed structure.

Greenhouse types based on Covering Materials

1. Glass Greenhouse
2. Plastic greenhouse

Greenhouse types based on Ventilation

1. Natural vent greenhouse
2. Climate control greenhouse

Points to Consider before selecting a greenhouse site

Location plays a major role in a successful farming. Similarly in greenhouse farming selecting a location is a crucial factor. Here are some points for your reference that you should consider and follow before selecting a location for greenhouse farming:

• The soil’s PH should be between 5.5 to 6.5 and volatility should be 0.3 to 0.5 mm/cm.
• Uninterrupted water availability on the selected location is mandatory.
• The PH of irrigation water should range between 5.5 to 7.0 and EC (Volatility) between 0.1 to 0.3.
• Selected places must be pollution free.
• Roads and transportation facilities should be proper for ease in transportation and shipping goods.
• The place should be expansion friendly to bear upcoming expansions.
• Labour or workers availability should be at ease.
• Drainage of the soil should be exquisite.

Most productive Greenhouse farming states in India

Karnataka is the most popular state of India for Greenhouse farming. Greenhouse farming in Karnataka is the part of the local government’s program – Krishi Bhagya programme. Almost every vegetable in Karnataka is grown by greenhouse farming method. Additionally, Gujarat, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar, Kerala and Haryana are other states conducting greenhouse farming

Profitable Greenhouse Farming crops

Greenhouse farming requires high investment, despite the fact, greenhouse crops have high commercial value & sustainable market demand. Because people love locally grown crops either in a greenhouse or in gardens. Mostly floriculture crops and horticulture crops such as all cut flowers and vegetables are mainly grown in a greenhouse.

Many crops are suitable for greenhouse farming,but we are now focusing on profitable crops. For this you should choose the greenhouse crops that can give you more than one harvest and will overgrow. Here is a list of some profitable crops:

Vegetable and fruit crops

1. Sweet corn
2. Cucumbers
3. Baby Carrots
4. Pumpkins
5. Spinach
6. Tomatoes
7. Herbs
8. Garlic
9. String beans
10. Squash
11. Strawberry

Floriculture crops

1. Gerbera
2. Dutch Rose
3. Carnations
4. Anthurium
5. Lily
6. Orchids
7. Gypsophila
8. Limonium
9. Alstromeria

How to start Greenhouse Farming

Greenhouse farming at commercial level demands high cost. Because it requires huge investments in heavy equipment, raw material, infrastructure, and labour. To earn desired profit in greenhouse farming you should have good technical, marketing and economics knowledge as well. Therefore, you should get training before starting greenhouse farming. Here are various steps you must follow to ease the process.

Starting a greenhouse farming operation can be a rewarding and profitable venture. Here are some steps to help you get started:

• Conduct Market Research

Determine what crops are in demand in your local market and what types of greenhouses are suitable for your climate.

• Choose a Location

Select a location that has easy access to water and electricity and is free from flooding or other natural disasters.

• Choose a Greenhouse Type

Select a greenhouse that meets your needs and budget. Consider the type of crops you plan to grow, the size of the greenhouse, and the climate in your area.

• Secure Funding

Determine how much money you need to start your greenhouse farming operation and identify potential sources of funding, such as loans, grants, or investors.

• Purchase Equipment and Supplies

Purchase greenhouse equipment such as heaters, fans, ventilation systems, and lighting, as well as the necessary supplies such as soil, seeds, and fertilizers.

• Hire Staff

Hire skilled laborers and managers who have experience in greenhouse farming and are knowledgeable about the crops you plan to grow.

• Implement Best Practices

Implement sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, pest management, and proper irrigation techniques to ensure the health and productivity of your crops.

• Develop a Marketing Plan

Develop a marketing plan to promote your greenhouse products and identify potential customers, such as local restaurants, farmer’s markets, or grocery stores.

• Monitor Progress

Monitor the progress of your greenhouse operation regularly and make adjustments as necessary to optimize production and profitability.

Conclusion

Greenhouse farming offers many benefits to farmers and consumers alike. With climate control, pest and disease protection, increased productivity, extended growing seasons, and better-quality crops, greenhouses offer a controlled and efficient environment for growing a wide range of crops.

Greenhouse farming also promotes sustainability and energy efficiency by reducing water usage, decreasing the need for harmful chemicals, and utilizing renewable energy sources. With careful planning and implementation, greenhouse farming can be a profitable and rewarding venture for farmers and a source of healthy, locally grown produce for consumers.