Is polyhouse farming more beneficial than regular crops?
First and foremost, polyhouses allow you to grow your crops uninterrupted, year-round. The quality of the crops also tends to be better. Yield can be achieved to the level of 4 to 8 when compared to the open crops.
Various different research centers are India showed how the tomato, capsicum and cucumber inside the polyhouses give out 1550, 1500, and 1100 kg per 100 square meters respectively. The total period was between 4 and 10 months, while more than 90% came in the off-season.
In addition, the season can be prolonged well into July, or even August, if you apply micro irrigation and fertilizers. Between 20 and 25kg per square meter is more than possible. Therefore, you see, a year-round single crop is the biggest benefit here. Other than vegetables, flowers like Rose, Carnations, Gerbera, Lilly, Orchids, and Antherium also thrive in polyhouse farming. Profits are high, and the quality superb. Markets worldwide have huge potential if they turn more towards poluhouse farming.
The Cost
Polyhouse farming cost will, of course, depend on the shape and size of your desired house. The material can either be wood or steel, while the house itself may be naturally ventilated or environmentally controlled. For example, a 1000 square meter poly house is around $14 per square meter. Bigger houses require more of course. Gadgets and various automation require additional funds. Keep in mind that the unit area cost of a smaller house goes for more than of a larger one, as does the cultivation cost.
The crops you can grow depending on the location, surroundings, and demand. Do extensive research before dwelling into this, in order to maximize profit and minimize potential losses. Polyhouse farming requires skill, monitoring and precision.
When to expect income
Usually, the first significant profit is possible after 4 or 5 years after establishing your polyhouse farming station. Depending on various factors, a time frame of 2 to 3 years is also possible.
The recommended minimum for a ply house to be economically viable and sustainable is between 1 and 2 acres.
In any situation, opt for this instead of the regular open field crops, because polyhouse farming gives better results, and you do not depend on the weather changes and seasons.