Greenhouses that fetch higher yield

While a few years ago, farmers were wary of trying new methods, now, many of them seem to be embracing the method of greenhouse cultivation, reports Nrupathunga S K

Greenhouse farming is gaining popularity in the Malnad region. Youth from farming families seem keen to try their hand at this method. Throughout the district people are deserting outdoor cultivation and building greenhouses.

If this situation prevails, we may find greenhouses popping up all over the landscape. What makes it interesting is that a few years ago, even progressive farmers were reluctant to give this method a go; they feared the high investment at the initial stage as well as loss of crop.

Things have changed in recent times with people who have no agricultural background showing a sudden interest in growing vegetables and various kinds of flowers in greenhouses. A major reason could also be the subsidy being offered by the Horticulture Department.

According to greenhouse farmers, the government provides a subsidy of Rs 4.67 lakh exclusively to set up greenhouses, which has prompted cultivators to switch to this method. Greenhouses have become prominent in Teerthahalli taluk and parts of Bhadravathi taluk in Shimoga district. As many as eight greenhouse units are functioning in Teerthahalli taluk alone while there are five in Shimoga.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Rajendrakumar, a greenhouse farming method adviser explains, “I did a Bachelor of Science in agriculture in Bangalore in 1994. After graduating, I returned to my home town and thought of taking up agriculture in a new way. It was then that I came to know about greenhouse farming, thanks to agricultural scientists.” He points out that it wasn’t popular then in Karnataka at all. “It’s the technique of providing a favourable environment to the plants. In fact, it’s used to safeguard plants from adverse climatic conditions such as wind, cold, precipitation, excessive radiation, extreme temperature, insects and diseases. This apart, a greenhouse plays a vital role in creating the ideal climate for plants.”

The advantages

Listing out the advantages of greenhouse farming, he says the yield will be much higher when this farming method is used than when outdoor cultivation is taken up. Greenhouse cultivation is much more reliable. This method is suitable for vegetables and flowers. It’s possible to grow disease-free crops.

The water requirement is very limited and the need for labour is lower.
Rajendrakumar says the dearth of labourers is the major hurdle in farming these days. So, greenhouse farming is of great use to farmers provided they invest the lakhs of rupees needed to set up greenhouse at the initial stage. Once that’s done, they can expect good returns in the future.

“I am confident that more farmers will adopt this method in the near future, due to several factors, including land acquisition by KIADB for the implementation of development projects,” he added.

Flower cultivation in greenhouses has also begun in the district. Flowers like gerbera, rose and carnation are being grown in greenhouses.

Carnations can be grown in different colours – white, orange, yellow, red, etc. Apart from this, capsicum and other vegetables can also be grown.

There is a huge demand for these flowers as they are used for wedding ceremonies and other programmes as decoration, he explains.

“Greenhouse farming is picking up in the district. Even the demand for cut flowers in the market is growing. Unless we increase the number of greenhouses in the district, we may not be able to meet the market demand in the near future,” said Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department Vishwanath.