Research Project

On

Protected Cultivation (Polyhouses) - Agriculture

Submitted by

NEHA THAKUR

In partial fulfillment of for the award of the degree

Of

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

SHOOLINI UNIVERSITY

OF LIFE AND SCIENCE AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

SCIENCES

BAJHOL, SOLAN, HP -173212

March, 2020
 Acknowledgement

I take this opportunity to express my deep sense of gratitude, thanks and regards towards
all of those who have directly or indirectly helped me in the successful completion of this
project.

First of all I would like to my sincere thanks to Prof. YS Negi sir for their guidance and
for providing necessary information regarding the project & also their support in
completing the project.

The learning obtained during the course of the project would surely go a long way in
shaping my career.
 EXECUTIVE SUMMERY

About Floriculture

Floriculture, also known as flower farming is a branch of horticulture that deals with cultivating
ornamental and flowering plants. The flowers and plants cultivated are meant for sale. These can
be used in the cosmetic industry, the perfume industry and even the pharmaceutical industry.

Floriculture not only includes the cultivation of plants but also their marketing. Flowers are
marketed to local as well as distant markets. Cut flowers are also exported long with its products
like scents, medicines and oils. The commercialization of flower cultivation has been a result of
changing lifestyle of people.

Various forms of floriculture plants include bedding plants, foliage plants, cut flowers, flowering
plants and cut cultivated greens. Flowering plants are used indoor and are sold in pots. Foliage
plants are also used indoor and are sold in pots or hanging baskets. Cut flowers are sold in
bouquets and bunch.
 List of Content

S.No Content Page no.

1. Organization Structure
1.1 About Protected Cultivation 1-6
1.2 Mission&Vision
2. Introduction
2.1 About Floricultural 7-8
2.2 Objectives of study
2.3 Importance and scope
3. Design 9-21
3.1 Structural design
3.2 Different types of protected structures
4. Environmental control in polyhouses

5. Off-season production of flowers

6. No of polyhouses in Himachal

7. Problems in cultivation of polyhouses

8. Conclusion
 1. Organization Structure

1.1 About Protected cultivation

After the advent of green revolution in India, more emphasis is laid on the quality of the
agricultural produce along with the quantity of production to meet the ever-growing food and
nutritional requirements. As a profession, agriculture is not attractive for the educated youth,
which is partly due to the drudgeries associated with field work. To motivate the educated youth,
agriculture has to be developed to be a remunerative and drudgery-less industry as competitive as
any other industry using agro-technologies like greenhouse. Then only a sense of pride will be
associated with agriculture.

Some of the areas are inaccessible as well as inhospitable where normal cultivation is not
possible. To cater the needs of the population in the inaccessible areas greenhouse cultivation
could be an answer. There is very good and sustainable demand for fresh vegetables around the
cities and towns. The main purpose of protected cultivation is to create a favorable environment
for the sustained growth of crop so as to realize its maximum potential even in adverse climatic
conditions.

Protected cultivation, which enables some control of wind velocity, moisture, temperature,
mineral nutrients, light intensity, and atmospheric composition has contributed and will continue
to contribute much to a better understanding of growth factor requirements and inputs for
improving crop productivity in open fields. Technologies for protection (windbreaks, irrigation
soil mulches) or structures (green house, tunnels, and row-covers) may be used with or without
heat. The primary emphasis is on producing high-value horticultural crops (vegetables, fruits,
flower, woody ornamental and bedding plants).

Protected cultivation practices can be defined as a cropping technique where in the micro
climate surrounding the plant body is controlled partially/ fully as per the requirement of the
plant species grown during their period of growth. Our country is self dependent on food grain
production but to fulfill the nutritional security, the gap between increasing demand of
horticultural produce has to be filled. This gap cannot be filled by the traditional horticulture

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Among the greatest constraints in horticultural crop production are a lack of sun light,
temperature that are either too hot or too cold, moisture deficiencies in soil nutrients, excessive
wind velocity and atmospheric carbon dioxide. Most of these are climate factors or directly
related to them. Many of these constraints have been alleviated by protected cultivation or
controlled environments.

Present Status

Protected Cultivation technology is a relatively new technology for our country. The total area
covered under protected cultivation in our country is approx 30,000 hectares. There has been a
very good development in this area during the last five years. The leading states in the area of
protected cultivation are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and North-eastern states,
Uttarakhand, Tamilnadu and Punjab. The major crops grown in the protected cultivation are
tomato, capsicum, cucumber, melons, rose, gerbera, carnation and chrysanthemum. Nursery
grown in the protected cultivation is becoming very popular venture for income and employment
generation.

The greenhouse technology is more than 200 years old. The Europeans were considered the
pioneers in this field. Later with the advent of plastics during the Second World War a new phase
in the green house technology emerged. Now a day, nearly 90% of the new green houses are
being constructed by utilizing Ultra Violet (U.V) stabilized polythene sheets as the glazing
material. In India, the technology is still in its nascent stage. The area under green house
cultivation as reported by 2007-08was about 500 has in India. This figure is quite significant
when compared with the total area under green house in the world which was 2,75,000 has
reported for the year 1999-2000. Thus it can be safely stated that there exists a vast scope for
expansion for green house technology in India.

Application for the green house technology for commercial purpose is however in its infancy in
India. The green houses which existed in 1960s were used for commercial purposes but the
impetus and the much required thrust came only in the mid 1980's with the emergence of the
industries manufacturing. Ultraviolet stabilized Low Density Poly Ethylene (LDPE) and the
development of the indigenous technology for low cost green houses. Indian Petro Chemicals
Limited (IPCL) was one of the foremost industries operating in collaboration with the

2
agricultural scientists in this field. In 1985, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
designed and set up green house at Leh (J&K).

Today there are more than 1840 small and medium sized greenhouses at Leh. The Defense
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have provided adequate support and
technological help in this project. Nowadays the much needed vegetables are being grown
throughout the year in these hostile climates. Production of brinjal, capsicum, tomato and other
cucurbits is taken in the summer months on a large scale, whereas the green leafy vegetables are
being grown in the long frozen winter months when the average temperature reaches -30.20C.
Underground greenhouses and soil trenches are also being used on a large scale in these remote
areas.

The protected cultivation technology provides favorable climatic conditions and reduces the

stress levels for realizing the yield potential of crop plants. This technology has great potential in
tropical islands where open cultivation of vegetables is restricted by heavy rains during rainy
season.

Agricultural, an age old practices in India involved cultivation of variety of agricultural crops. As
time elapsed, farmers of India moved from traditional agricultural to modern agriculture or
cultivation of cash crops to increase the productivity and income from the farm land and thus
rural economy transformed from crop to cash. In a study, similar scenario was observed in a
progressive farm family in Mahog village of Himachal Pradesh, India, where the Thakur family
is professionally involved in cultivation of variety of flowers including Carnation,
Chrysanthemum, Gladiolus, Lily, etc.

Protected Structures for Growing Vegetables and Flowers Vegetable and flower production is
significantly influenced by the seasonality and weather conditions. The extent of their production
cause considerable fluctuations in the prices and quality of vegetables. Striking a balance
between all-season availability of vegetables and flowers with minimum environmental impact,
and still to remain competitive, is a major challenge for the implementation of modern
technology of crop production. The plant's environment can be specified by five basic factors,
namely, light, temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide and nutrients.

3
The main purpose of protected cultivation is to create a favorable environment for the sustained
growth of plant so as to realize its maximum potential even in adverse climatic conditions.
Greenhouses, rain shelters, plastic tunnels, mulches, insect-proof net houses, shade nets etc. are
used as protective structures and means depending on the requirements and cost-effectiveness.
Besides modifying the plant's environment, these protective structures provide protection against
wind, rain and insects.

Protected cultivation is relevant to growers in India who have marginal and small land holdings,
which helps them to produce more crops each year from their land, particularly during off-season
when prices are higher. However, growing vegetables and flowers under protected conditions
requires comparatively high input cost and good management practices, which have direct
bearing on the economic viability of the production system. Even if the protective structures are
cost effective, proper planning, management and attention to details are needed to achieve
maximum benefits.

Benefits of Protected Cultivation

The benefits which can be derived from the protected cultivation are as follows:

 Environment control allows raising plants anywhere in the world at any time of the year
i.e. crops could be grown under the inclement climatic conditions when it would not be
otherwise possible to grow crops under the open field conditions.
 The control of the microcosm allows the production of higher quality products which are
free from insect attack, pathogens and chemical residue.
 High value and high quality crops could be grown for export markets.
 Income from the small and the marginal land holdings maintained by the farmer can be
increased by producing crops meant for the export markets.
 It can be used to generate self employment for the educated rural youth in the farm
sector.

Future Potentialities

4
Research conducted at various locations by the State Agricultural Universities, Indian council of
agricultural research institutions, DRDO and other organizations have confirmed that, there is a
vast scope of utilizing the protected cultivation technology for growing many vegetables, flowers
and few fruit crops in different parts of the country. The studies conducted by DRDO have
proved that even in high altitude areas of Leh and arctic deserts, the green house cultivation can
assure fresh supply of vegetables.

Year round cultivation of selected vegetable crops such as tomato, capsicum and cucumber is
possible under protected environment with single/ multi crop in a year, which fetches off season
higher price with quality produce and also with lower cost of cultivation and longer duration of
crop. There is high demand of colored capsicum, parthenocarpic cucumber and cherry tomato in
the hotel industry and export market throughout year at very attractive market price of the
produce. India has a vast scope for exporting cut -flowers such as Gerbera, Carnation and Lilium
etc grown under protected environment.

1.2 Mission and vision

A mission statement is a set of guiding principles, including your values, that describe why and
how you farm.

A vision statement describes what your farm or ranch, and the community in which it exists, will
look like in the future.

About the Mission

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme
for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops,
mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo.

While Government of India (GOI) contributes 85% of total outlay for developmental
programmers in all the states except the states in North East and Himalayas, 15% share is
contributed by State Governments. In the case of North Eastern States and Himalayan States,

5
GOI contribution is 100%. Similarly, for development of bamboo and programmers of National
Horticulture Board (NHB), Coconut Development Board (CDB), Central Institute for
Horticulture (CIH), Nagaland and the National Level Agencies (NLA), GOI contribution will be
100%.

2. Introduction

2.1 About Floriculture

6
Floriculture, also known as flower farming is a branch of horticulture that deals with cultivating
ornamental and flowering plants. The flowers and plants cultivated are meant for sale. These can
be used in the cosmetic industry, the perfume industry and even the pharmaceutical industry.

Floriculture not only includes the cultivation of plants but also their marketing. Flowers are
marketed to local as well as distant markets. Cut flowers are also exported long with its products
like scents, medicines and oils. The commercialization of flower cultivation has been a result of
changing lifestyle of people.

Various forms of floriculture plants include bedding plants, foliage plants, cut flowers, flowering
plants and cut cultivated greens. Flowering plants are used indoor and are sold in pots. Foliage
plants are also used indoor and are sold in pots or hanging baskets. Cut flowers are sold in
bouquets and bunch.

2.2 Objective of Study

1. To study the inter-temporal growth of floriculture in Himachal Pradesh.

2. To study the infrastructural and marketing facilities for floricultural products.

3. To highlights the Problems and prospects of floriculture in Himachal Pradesh.

2.3 Importance and scope of study:

 Importance

Importance of greenhouses or Specific Benefits of Green houses:

1. Crop is protected from cold, wind, storm, rain and frost.

2. Due to controlled conditions there is better germination, plant growth and crops mature faster.

3. Improved quality & quantity of produce with long shelf life.

4. Use of water is optimized and there is reduction in its consumption by 40 - 50%.

5. Effective utilization of inputs.

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6. Crop can be grown throughout the year.

7. Best technology for commercial production of high value crops like flowers, medicinal plants,
etc.

8. Can be used for solar drying of farm produce

9. Involvement of labor force can be reduced

10. Crop cultivation under inclement climatic conditions

11. Certain crops cultivated year round to meet the market demands

12. High value and high quality even organic, crops grown for export markets

 Scope in India

Floriculture has tremendous potential in India. The different types of climatic conditions provide
for the possibility of growing almost all the major cut flowers. However, flowers in India are
produced in open field conditions, mostly during the mild winter months without use of any
advanced technology. As a result, the quality and quantity available for marketing are
heterogeneous and vary according to the prevailing weather conditions.

India has better opportunities in the development of the floriculture sector due to the following
reasons:

 Diverse climatic conditions and locations suited for growing different types of flowers
 Skilled manpower to absorb the technology and implement the same at a relatively low
cost
 Soil and water supply at most locations
 Good radiation/ sunlight leading to healthier plant growth and better quality flowers
 Good period of sunlight even during the heavy rains leading to continued plant growth
and yield.

3. Design

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Greenhouse design

3.1 Structural Design

Many types of greenhouse structures are successfully employed in protected agriculture, and
each type has its own advantages and is well suited for a particular case. The different structural
designs of greenhouse based on the types of frames are available A straight side wall and an
arched roof

(Fig. a) is possibly the most common shape for a greenhouse, but the gable roof

(Fig. b) is also widely used. Both structures can be free standing or gutter connected with the
arch roof greenhouse. The arch roof and hoop style

(Fig. c) greenhouses are most often constructed of galvanized iron pipe bent into form by a
roller pipe bender. If tall growing crops are to be grown in a greenhouse or when benches are
used, it is best to use a straight side wall structure

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(Fig. d)) Rather than a hoop style house, this ensures the best operational use of the greenhouse.
A hoop type greenhouse is suitable for low growing crops, such as lettuce, or for nursery stock
that are housed throughout the winter in greenhouses located in extremely cold regions. A Gothic
arch frame structure

(Fig.) can be designed to provide adequate side wall height without loss of strength to the
structure. This form of structure, along with others, can be used as a single free standing
greenhouse or as a large range of multi-span, gutter connected units.

Floriculture

The greenhouses are to be designed for necessary safety, serviceability, general structural
integrity and suitability. The structure should be able to take all the necessary dead, live, wind
and snow loads. The foundation, columns and trusses are to be designed accordingly. The
greenhouse structures are to be designed to take up the loads as per design loads prescribed by
the National Greenhouse Manufactures Association (NGMA of USA) standards –1994.

 Greenhouse / polyhouse designs, different types of protected structures based on soil

and climate Greenhouse type based on shape:
1. Lean-to Type Greenhouse: A lean-to design is used when the greenhouse is placed
against the side of an existing building. This design makes the best use of sunlight and
minimizes the requirement of roof supports. The roof of the building is extended with
appropriate greenhouse covering material and the area is properly enclosed.

10
 Lean-to-type greenhouse

2. Even Span Type Greenhouse: In this type, the two roof slopes are of equal pitch and
width. This design is used for the greenhouse of small size, and it is constructed on
leveled ground. Several single and multiple span types are available for use in various
regions of India. For single span type, the span in general varies from 5 to 9 m, whereas
the length is around 24 m. The height varies from 2.5 to 4.3 m.

3. Saw Tooth Type Greenhouse: These are also similar to the ridge and furrow type
greenhouses except that, there is provision for natural ventilation in this type. Specific
natural ventilation flow path develops in a saw tooth type greenhouse.

11
4. Quonset Greenhouse: In quonset greenhouse, the pipe arches or trusses are supported
by pipe purlins running along the length of the greenhouse. In general, the covering
material used for this type of greenhouses is polyethylene. Such greenhouses are
typically less expensive than the gutter connected greenhouses and are useful when a
small isolated cultural area is required. These houses are connected either in free
standing style or arranged in an interlocking ridge and furrow.

5. Greenhouse Type Based on Utility: Classification of greenhouses can also be made

depending on the functions or utilities. Of the different utilities, artificial cooling and
heating of the greenhouse are more expensive and elaborate. Hence based on the
artificial cooling and heating, greenhouses are classified as that uses active heating
system and active cooling system.
a) Greenhouses for Active Heating: During the night time, the air temperature
inside greenhouse decreases and to avoid the cold bite to plants due to freezing,
some amount of heat has to be supplied. The requirements for heating greenhouse
depend on the rate at which the heat is lost to the outside environment. Various
methods are adopted to reduce the heat losses, namely, using double layer
polyethylene, thermo pane glasses or to use heating systems, such as unit heaters,
central heat, radiant heat and solar heating system.

12
 Greenhouses for Active Heating

b) Greenhouses for Active Cooling: During summer season, it is desirable to

reduce the temperatures of greenhouse than the ambient temperatures, for
effective crop growth. Hence suitable modifications are made so that large
volumes of cooled air are drawn into greenhouse. This type of greenhouse either
consists of evaporative cooling pad with fan or fog cooling. This greenhouse is
designed in such a way that it permits a roof opening of 40% and some cases
nearly 100%.

Greenhouses for Active Cooling

3.2 Different types of protected structures

1. Hi-Tech Poly House

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These structures are also known as fan & pad poly house. It is the costlier structure in all the
protected structures because all the latest technology used in it and all operations are operated by
computers i.e. irrigation, fertigation, temperature control, up and downs of plastic walls etc. High
valued crops are grown in these structures. Due to higher cost, adoption of these structures is
very less but the production under these structures is higher as compared to other protected
structures.

2. Natural Ventilated Poly House

a) Tubular

These structures are manually operated. Irrigation, fertigation and all other operations are done
manually. These structures come under mid-range cost structures. Cost of these structures is less
than hi-tech but higher than others. In this standing structure is made up of stainless steel and
wall and roof with plastic walls. Polythene sheet (150 gm thick) used in construction prevents
entry of ultraviolet light, conserves CO2 and enhances plant growth and development.
Temperature and moisture inside the poly house are higher than the outside condition, which
improves photosynthesis and uniform plant growth.

b) Wooden and Bamboo

This is similar to tubular structures but the standing structure is made up of bamboo or wooden.
Life of these structures is small as compared to the tubular structure. In this no specific control
device used for regulating the internal environment in the poly house.

c) Shade Net

Shade Net house is considered as one of the real innovations to provide development of healthy
seedlings for various horticultural crops irrespective of climatic conditions. These structures are
less costly than above structures. This protects crops from harmful ultraviolet and some infrared
radiation. Shade nets were used for protection of valuable crops against excess sunlight, cold,
frost, wind, and insect/birds.

14
Fig 1: (A) Hi-tech Poly house (B) Natural Ventilated poly house (C) Shade Net (D) Walk in
tunnel (E) Plastic tunnel

d) Walk in Tunnel

Walk-in tunnels structure is covered with UV film, suitable for all types of crops; flowers and
vegetables. These structures are small in size mostly adopted by farmers. The reason for this
adaptation is lower initial cost structure. At this temperature is not controlled but internal climate
is differed from outside

e) Plastic Tunnel

These are small structures creating nursery like impact. It protects plants from harsh climatic
conditions such as rain, wind, hail snow etc. These are mainly used for raising nursery. These
structures are help in early seed germination. All around the year cultivation is possible.

15
 Different types of Cladding material involved in Green house/polyhouse

 Cladding material: transparent material mounted on the walls and roof of a green
house.

A. Rigid cladding material: cladding material with such a degree of rigidity that any
deformation of the structure may result in damage to it. Ex. Glass

B. Flexible cladding material: cladding material with such a degree of flexibility that
any deformation of the structure will not result in damage to it. Ex. Plastic film

 Properties of ideal greenhouse covering material:

1. It should transmit the visible light portion of the solar radiation, which is utilized by
plants for photosynthesis
2. It should absorb the small amount of UV in the radiation and convert a portion of it
into visible light useful for plants
3. It should reflect or absorb IR radiation which are not useful to plants and causes
greenhouse interiors to overheat
4. It should be low cost
5. It should have usable life of 10 to 20 years
 Covering material: they are of glass, fiberglass, or plastic. Each type has its advantages
and disadvantages 11.
a. Glass – 90% light transmission
b. Fiberglass – 90-95% light transmission

16
 c. Polyethylene – 65-75% light transmission
d. Vinyl –90% light transmission

 flowers and their cultivation

1. Rose
Roses are the most beautiful flower top among the cut flower grown under
protected cover and marketed world. Excellent shape and size, bewitching colors
and good keeping quality attracts people worldwide

 Type of greenhouse required:

 Under mild climatic conditions (Bangalore and Pune) roses can be successfully cultivated
under naturally ventilated polyhouses
 However, under warm and high temperatures (Hyderabad and Delhi) it needs forced
ventilation system (cool-cell pad) to get quality flower.

 Environmental requirement:
 Rose is a sun loving plant requires high light intensity,
 Optimum day and night temperature requirement is 24-260 C and 15-170c, respectively,
 75% relative humidity and CO2 level up to 1000 ppm.

 Cultivation practices: Bed sizes

 1-1.6 m wide,
 30-40m long and

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  15-20cm/ 30-40cm height
 0.5-0.75m between two beds.

 Spacing:
 0-40 cm between rows,
 14-18cm or 15-20cm /m2 is opt between plants
 6-9 plants /m2, however, 7 plantsimum

 Planting:
 6-18 month old budded plants may be played during May- June.
 The soil should be loose and humid but not too wet nor muddly.
 Planting may be in 2- row system.
 Per compartment of 6.40 meter 6 rows of plants can be planned.
 The distance between the plants in one row varies around 15-20 cm.
 This results at 7 to 8 plants per meter square (depending on cultivar and cultivation
system).

2. Carnation:

Carnation is the leading cut flower grown in 52 ha area during 2009-10 under greenhouses in
Himachal Pradesh. This has become popular on account of its following qualities:

 Excellent vase life

 Wide range of flower colors and forms
 Ability to withstand long distance transportation
 Rehydrate easily
 Lighter weight

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 Florist carnations:
 Standard
 Spray
 Mini
 Micro

 Popular carnation cultivars:

Dona, Pink Dona, Malaga, White Dona, Rony, Rhodos, Lipstick, Empire, Romana,
White Tendra, Sonsara, Dakar, Liberty, Solar, Green Lady, Tempo, Varna, Sun Shine
and Charment etc.

 Environmental factors:
Light: Photoperiod (long days over 16 hours) and intensity (100 watts bulb spaced at
10.5m at 1.5m height)
 Temperature: Night (winter: 10-11o C, spring: 12.7o C and summer: 13-15.4o
C) and day (18-23o C)
 Ventilation: Free circulation of air
 Relative humidity: 50-60%.
 CO2: 500-1500 ppm

 Propagation:
Terminal stems cuttings (8-10 cm long with 4-6 leaf pairs)

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 Micro-propagation

 Soil and growing medium:

Light texture loam or sandy loam soil which is well drained and aerated.
Soil pH: 6-7

 Planting time:
N.I. plains: Sep.-Oct.
Low hills: Sep.-Nov.
Mid hills: Jan.-Feb.
High hills: Mar.-April
Staggered planting at 15 days interval ensure regular supply of cut flowers.

 Planting density and spacing:

Ordinary: 25-32
Plants/m2 High : 40 plants/m2
Standards: 20 x 20 cm
Spray: 30 x 30 cm
 Optimum nutrition:
N: 5.4%, P: 0.31%, K: 3.8%
Standards: FYM: 5 kg, N: 30g, P: 20g, K: 10g/ m2
Spray: FYM: 5 kg, N: 40g, P: 20g, K: 10g/ m2
Now commercially nutrition is given through fertigation

 Soil moisture and irrigation:

 Optimum soil moisture is 300-500 cm tension
 Irrigation is done through drip irrigation with three lines in five rows in a bed.
 Daily water requirement varies with the outside temperature from 2 to 3 liters/m2.
 Water soluble fertilizers are also given along with irrigation.
 During vegetative phase irrigation through sprinkler/ mister/ fogger is beneficial.

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3. Chrysanthemum:

Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) has origin in Northern hemisphere in China.

Chrysanthemum is grown for cut flower, loose flower, pot mum, hanging baskets and bedding
and border plant. It has become popular on account of its excellent vase life, wide range of
flower colours and forms and lighter flower weight. It is classified on the basis of inflorescence,
photoperiod and temperature.

The important cultivars of chrysanthemum for export are Snow ball, Snow Don White,
Mountaineer, Sonar Bangla, Bright golden, Anne, Chandrama, Ajay, Birbal Sahni, Lehmans,
Nanako and Sonali Tara. Although, chrysanthemum is a short day plant flowering when the
critical day length is less than 9.5 hours. However, now the cultivars have been developed which
can flower in any season.

 Soil:

Sandy-loam having pH 6.2-6.7 is ideal for growing chrysanthemum.

 Climate:
 Light (Intensity: 1.2-1.6 MJ/m2 /day, Quality: 600-800nm, Photoperiod: less than 9.5
hours)
 Temperature (night: 10-16oC, day: 18-21oC)
 CO2: 500-1000ppm

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 Propagation:
 Terminal stem cuttings (4-5 cm) during June-July, and
 Suckers during February to April

 Planting density and spacing:

 Greenhouse cut flowers: 40-54 plants/m2 .
 Loose flowers: 30 x 20 cm or 20-25 plants/m2
 Standards: 20 x 20 cm
 Sprays: 30 x 30 cm
 Pot mums: 3-5 cuttings/pot (15 cm)

 Nutrition:
 FYM: 3-5 kg/ m2
 N:P:K::30:10:15g/m2 at monthly interval
 Loose flowers: FYM: 10-15 ton, N: 150kg, P: 100kg, K:120 kg/ ha)
 Spray of light solution of cake + SSP at bud developing stage is very beneficial. Apply
nitrogen through CAN source as urea causes phyto-toxicity.

 Irrigation:
Soil should have 60-70 per cent moisture. Depending upon weather 8-10 irrigations of
2.5- 5 cm depth are required.

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 4. Environmental control in polyhouses
Control of greenhouse environment means control of temperature, light, air composition and
nature of root media. Precise control of different parameters of greenhouse environment results
in better timing of crops, higher quality crops, disease control to maximize economic returns and
conservation of energy that optimizes energy inputs.

A. Temperature control: The thermostat can be coupled to water circulating pump or

exhaust fan for controlling the temperature inside the greenhouse. Bimetallic strip (differential
expansion) or thin metal tube filled with liquid or gas (movement of tube due to change in
volume of gas or liquid) acts as sensors and activates a mechanical switch. Generally
temperature may be controlled by following methods:

1. Ventilation

a) Natural convection: A temperature difference is set between greenhouse temperature and

ambient temperature and causes natural movement of air through roof vent provided in the roof.

b) Forced convection: If the rate of heating of room temperature becomes higher than the rate
of heat removal through roof vents then heat removal is possible only through forced convection
in which fan is provided in greenhouse. The rate of heat removal depends on capacity of fan.

2. Evaporative cooling system: developed to reduce the problem of excess heat inside the
greenhouse

a. Fan and Pad cooling system: Most common summer cooling system in greenhouses. A pad
composed of excelsior (wood shreds) or cellulose material is placed vertically along one side of
the greenhouse and exhaust fan on opposite side. Warm outside air is drawn in through the pad.
Supplied water in the pad by the process of evaporation absorbs heat from the greenhouse and
produces cooling effect. KhusKhus grass mats can also be used as cooling pads

b. Fog cooling: Fog or sprinklers can be used to cool green houses and maintain humidity but it
is costlier than pad fan cooling. A high-pressure pumping apparatus generates fog containing
water droplets with a mean size of less than 10 microns using suitable nozzles. These droplets
are sufficiently small to stay suspended in air while they are evaporating and utilize the heat of

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greenhouse air. Fog is dispersed throughout the greenhouse, cooling the air everywhere. Both
types of summer cooling systems can reduce the greenhouse air temperature well below outside
temperature. The fan and pad cooling system can lower the temperature of incoming air by 80%
and fog system 100% of difference between dry and wet bulb temperature respectively. A
maximum night temperature of 13 to 15.50 C and a day temperature of 240 C are generally set to
start the heaters and fans; respectively.

B. Relative humidity control: Humidistat coupled to water circulating pump or exhaust

fan to control the RH inside the fan and pad greenhouse. With the evaporative pad cooling
system lowering the dry bulb temperature will generally raise the RH by 70-80%. This is usually
sufficient for crops such as carnation and 15 chrysanthemums. The RH in Non-ventilated (NV)
Greenhouse can be increased by providing foggers.

C. Light intensity control: In certain areas where natural illumination is absent or very
low, illumination for plants may be provided by artificial sources. Incandescent bulbs generate
excessive heat and are unsatisfactory in most instances. Fluorescent tubes are useful as the sole
source of light for African violets, gloxinias and many foliage plants which grow satisfactorily at
low light intensities. Excessive light intensity destroys chlorophyll even though the synthesis of
this green pigment in many plants is dependent upon light.

D. CO2 control: The present, more sophisticated CO 2 generator control systems are based
on CO 2 sensors. These sensors continually monitor the CO 2 level in the greenhouse and a
single sensor can be connected to several greenhouses by sampling tubes and air samples drawn
by a pump. The signal from the sensor is used to control the CO 2 generator so that a constant
CO 2 level can be maintained. Information from the single sensor with multiple sampling tubes
is received by a computer, which in turn controls CO 2 generators in each greenhouse.

 Artificial lights, Automation in polyhouses

 Various methods of Supplemental Lighting in Greenhouses:
Before selecting a light source for greenhouse lighting, numerous factors should be
considered. Among these are the.

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 1. Total energy emitted by the lamp,
2. Efficiency (% of electrical energy converted to light energy),
3. Wavelengths emitted (especially in the 400 to 700 nm wavelengths),
4. Cost, life expectancy (of bulbs and fixtures), and the fixtures required (including
ballasts).
 Supplemental lighting during daylight hours to enhance photosynthesis is proved to be
highly effective. Such lighting is more profitable in High Density Plantings, such as
rooting and seedling beds and the production of young plants. Many types of lamps have
been used in the greenhouse. Basically they fall into 3 groups:
1. Incandescent lamps (tungsten-filament):- These lamps are generally not used
for supplemental lighting in greenhouses for photosynthetic purposes. A large
portion of the radiation given off by these lamps is in the form of infrared (heat).
Because of this, their efficiency rating is only 7%. Lamps range from 40 to 500
watts. Life span ranges from 750 to 1000 hours. In order to produce enough light
for effective photosynthetic lighting, a large number of these lights would be
required. This would require a large number of fixtures and would result in large
amounts of heat being produced.

2. Fluorescent lamps:- These lamps are most commonly used in growth chambers
and seed germination rooms. They are rarely used to produce crops in
greenhouses. As with incandescent lamps, a large number of lamps would be
required to produce enough light to benefit the crop. These fixtures cost money,
require additional wiring and block natural sunlight. Fluorescent lamps are more
efficient than incandescent lamps (20% efficiency) and provide their light over a
broader spectrum (more in the blue region) than incandescent lamps.

3. High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps: - Now days, the HID lamps are
preferred types for the final stages of the crop growth in the greenhouse. These
are the most commonly used lamps for supplemental lighting in greenhouses. As
with fluorescent lamps, these lamps require ballasts that can be very heavy and
generate significant amounts of heat. Reflectors are used to direct the light

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 generated downward and to improve uniformity of light distribution. Numerous
types off bulbs are available for use in HID lamps such as high pressure mercury,
metal halide, low pressure sodium and high pressure mercury. The most
commonly used HID system at present utilizes high pressure sodium lamps.

 Greenhouse cultivation of Rose, Soil, Climate, Varieties, Propagation

and intercultural operations

 Temperature requirement: The greenhouse temperature is generally maintained from
200C or 210C on cloudy days and 240C –280C on sunny days. However, plenty of light,
humid and moderate temperature ranging from 150C to 280C may be considered as
optimum conditions for roses. Ideal humidity – 60-65% and high RH results Powdery
mildew and lower RH causes desiccation and reduce flower quality.CO2 level- 1000-
1200 ppm is favorable.

 Growth media: Well drained soil rich in organic matter and oxygen is good for roses.
Organic matter as high as 30 per cent in the top 30 cm of the growing beds is preferred
by many growers. The pH of the soil should be around 6 to 6.5 with less EC.

 Layout and Planting: Raised beds are prepared, 5 beds each of 1.20m width per 8m
bay. The width of path could be 0.40m. There could be two rows of plants per bed. The
lower number of rows per bed and higher number of paths allow better air circulation.
Row to row distance could be 30 cm and plant to plant distance 17cm. Each row of 24m
length could contain 140 plants so that planting density of 70,000 plants per hectare (7-
13 plants/m2 ). Planting may be done in the months of February to April and/or July to
September in a phased manner.

 Manuring: Organic manures are required to be added so that top 30 cms. of the soil has
30% organic matter content. A dose of 15 Kg. FYM per square meter has been
incorporate in to beds.

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 Fertilizer Application:
Application of nutrients should be based on analysis of soil and plant. Nitrogen and
Potassium = 200 PPM
No. of applications = Twice a week for 7 months along with irrigation Phosphorus = Soil
application @ 1.8 kg/m2

 Irrigation and drainage: Rose plants require a lot of water, at least 6mm / day i.e. about
60 cum / ha / day. A drainage line may be laid below the beds for disposal of excess
water.

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 5. Off-season production of flowers
Flower forcing is an operation or treatment to the plant, after it reaches the ripeness to flower
stage, in order to stimulate it to flower at a specific date (e.g. on New Year’s day), or during
offseason period. The flowering date/period may be earlier or later than the normal date/period
of flowering.

The goals of flower forcing are off-season production and specific-date production. Cut flowers
which are available during the normal season are plentiful, thus fetching a low price. Sometimes
the farmers have to sell their produce even at a loss. In some cases, flowers which could not be
sold are either left on the plants or are spoiled after being harvested. Thus, it would be beneficial
for farmers to produce cut flowers during the off-season period to obtain higher price, although
the inputs may be higher.

Similarly, the demand for cut flowers is generally very high during certain occasions such as
New Year, Christmas, Valentine Day, etc. Thus, it will be to the farmer’s advantage if they can
produce cut flowers to be available on these specific dates. The objectives of forcing plants to
flower during off-season or at certain specific dates are: To avoid surpluses of in-season cut
flowers

 To avoid wastage or spoilage of surplus cut flowers

 To avoid danger of epidemics
 To distribute employment throughout the year
 To increase farmers income
 To reduce imports and trade deficit
 To satisfy customers at the time of their needs
 Factors affecting flowering are photoperiod, temperature and humidity.
 Flowering behavior of plants is controlled by seasonal changes.

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 There are two types of flowers with respect to the seasonal effect on flowering:
a. Little influence of seasonal changes: e.g. Roses, marigold, chrysanthemum,
heliconia, etc.
b. Great seasonal influence: e.g. jasmine, dendrobium orchids, etc.

 Seasonal factors can be of various types viz.

1. Photoperiodic influence: This includes short day plants, which are temperature
and humidity influenced; also long day plants, which are also temperature and
humidity influenced.
2. Temperature influence: This includes low temperature requiring plants, which
are photoperiodic and humidity influenced; as also, high temperature requiring
plants which are also photoperiodic and humidity influenced.
3. Humidity influence: Including low and high humidity requiring plants

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 7. Number of polyhouses in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a hill state where a majority of marginal and small farmers practize
traditional farming, which is not remunerative. A manifold increase in the resource-use
efficiency in crop production can be obtained through protected cultivation compared to open-
field conditions. Protected cultivation can help marginal and small farmers provided the financial
and extension services for infrastructural development and transfer of technology are speeded-up
to bring the desired technology to the region. In protected cultivation, high-value cash crops,
vegetables and flowers are grown and managed under controlled conditions with higher per unit
productivity and profitability.

Protected cultivation has become a new agri-entrepreneurship in HP with the support of state and
central governments. The state government has initiated protected farming through Horticultural
Technology Mission and Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan Bagwan Samridhi Yojna.

Consequently, a large number of polyhouses (>8000) have been constructed in the state with
about 223.2 ha area under protected cultivations. To achieve these targets, the State Departments
of Agriculture and Horticulture as well as two State Agricultural Universities through their 12
Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s have worked hand-in-hand to make this enterprise a great success. This
article presents status and promotional programmes on scaling-up of protected cultivation as well
as the potential and prospects of this new agri-entrepreneurship in economic development and
transformation of rural livelihoods in HP.

Total Number of polyhouses in HP

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Subsidy given by the Government

Himachal government will rescue those farmers and horticulturists who adopted polyhouses
cultivation technique under the Horticulture Mission but got buried under heavy loan due to
failed crops.
The state government has come to rescue of the farmers and decided to provide assistance to
those who were interested to construct polyhouses again despite the fact that they had already
availed this assistance under the scheme, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said on Thursday.

All those who are interested to reconstruct polyhouses up to 4000 square meters, he said, would
be imparted training besides providing 85 per cent subsidy under the Mission for Integrated
development of Horticulture (MIDH).

Earlier, the subsidy was 50 per cent which would be raised to 85 per cent, chief minister said.

Government has also decided to give 50 per cent subsidy on planting material to all the affected
farmers on demand, and priority will be given to those farmers in all such schemes and activities
of the horticulture department including MIDH, he added.

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 7. Problems of cultivation in polyhouses

Problems faced by Protected Cultivation:-

 In order to grow vegetables in hot, humid conditions can be difficult for controlled

environment growers whether growing in a greenhouse or a warehouse. 
 The challenges of greenhouse growing in a hot climate are different than the challenges
faced by growers in cooler regions. 
 If one is using an evaporative cooling system to lower the temperature the problem can
be solved. Suppose if the outside temperature is 110ºF, the temperature in the greenhouse
can be lowered to 75ºF-80ºF (25ºC-27ºC) as long as the air is dry enough and water is
available. The dryness can be a challenge, causing tip burn on sensitive crops. 
 There are some parts in the country that deal with hot, humid summer conditions and
very cold winters. There are regions where heat stress is a major issue for crops causing
all kinds of physiological disorders including incomplete pollination and fruit ripening
disorders. During the winter, heating and humidity can also be an issue. There is also an
issue with low light levels so supplemental lighting is more important. Because of the
limited optimum growing season greenhouses using indoor productions systems
makes more sense especially in adverse climatic conditions. 

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 8.Conclusion
The protected cultivation of high value crops has become irreplaceable both from economic and
environment points of view. It offers several advantages to grow high value crops with improved
quality even under unfavorable and marginal environments. However, due to high training needs
of the green house growers and some poor quality produce with pesticide residues has been a
matter of great concern. These issues can easily be addressed by integrating various production
and protection practices including location specific designing and construction of the polyhouses
for efficient input use. Creating awareness among the greenhouse growers for judicious use of
pesticides for safe production can be instrumental in providing quality products without polluting
the environment.

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