Polyhouse : School of Agriculture| Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur

A polyhouse is a type of specialized structure that utilizes the controlled climate condition for the growth of different plants and other farming needs. We use polythene sheets to cover the structure and separate the internal environment from that of the outside.
Size
This polyhouse was established in 2017. The total area of polyhouse is 1800 sq. mts. polyhouse length 53 mts. and width 34 mts.

Material Used

Polyhouse used to utilize wooden frames to support the main structure. The modern-day polyhouses use many strengthened materials like G.I steel or aluminium rods to provide extra support and more strength. These materials make it possible for a polyhouse to stand in harsh weather conditions, even with a small size. These new polyhouses are most suitable for the harsh climate zones of India like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The internal skeleton is then covered with polythene sheets to make sure that the internal heat and other climatic conditions can be altered and maintained without any external influence.
Naturally ventilated Polyhouse This is the most basic and traditional type of polyhouse. In this type, there is very minimal control of climatic change. Your plants and crops are mainly at the mercy of the climatic conditions prevailing outside. Although there are a few helping aids like fogger, drip irrigation system, ventilation control, and pest control system, they are still not enough to yield off-season crops.

What you can grow in a Polyhouse

Mostly following varieties are obtained by utilizing these polyhouses
Cabbage, Capsicum, Cauliflower, Chili, Tomatoes, Coriander, cucumber etc.

Advantages of Polyhouse Farming

Polyhouse farming is becoming the new norm of irrigation. It solved the biggest problems related to farming including those of desert farming as well as low water supply solutions. Here are some of the most prominent advantages of polyhouse farming

Crops can yield higher profits as they are in increased demand with little supply.
Crop Advantages
You can enjoy a whole year yield of crops without having to wait for the season’s rotations.
As you are controlling the factors like humidity, temperature, and sunlight, etc. There are very few chances of crop damage and loss.
A drip irrigation system provides an effective solution for the scarcity of water supply. It is also more beneficial for crop growth.

Quality and Quantity Advantages

External environmental factors have little or no effect on the crops. Crops have a more favourable environment available for growth which eventually translates into higher profits.
Fertilizer application becomes much easier, you can even use automated systems to makes sure each plant is getting a definite amount of fertilizer for optimum growth.
Polyhouse can have more efficient drainage and aeration mechanisms.
More production of CO2 in a polyhouse is useful for plant growth.

Conclusion

It has been estimated that the yield under polyhouse or greenhouse farming can be achieved at a higher level – say about 4-5 times as compared to farming done in open field. Hence farmers must think of setting up a polyhouse rather than just working on open fields.