Polyhouse farming is a type of protected cultivation where crops are grown inside a structure made with transparent polyethylene sheets. This controlled environment helps regulate temperature, humidity, light, and pests, enabling year-round production of high-value vegetables, flowers & exotic crops regardless of weather outside.
| Benefits | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Controlled climate | Crop growth unaffected by heat, rain, cold |
| Year-round production | Multiple cropping cycles per year |
| Higher yields | 2–5× more produce than open-field farming |
| Better quality produce | Uniform size/color/market demand |
| Water efficiency | Drip irrigation saves 40–90% water |
| Pest & disease control | Lower chemical use, healthier crops |
| Employment generation | Skilled labour jobs in rural areas |
| Suitable for export markets | Meets quality and standard requirements |
| Merits | Demerits |
|---|---|
| High productivity & quality | High initial investment |
| Year-round cropping | Requires technical knowledge |
| Less weather risk | Maintenance costs add up |
| Water & fertilizer efficient | Electricity for fans/irrigation may add cost |
| Better market prices | Needs good market linkages |
| Suitable for high-value crops | Not ideal for all crops |
Approximate costs vary widely based on size & tech level:
| Item | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Natural polyhouse structure | ?700–?1,200 per sq.m |
| Climate-controlled polyhouse | ?1,500–?2,200 per sq.m |
| 1-acre polyhouse setup | ?40 lakh – ?50 lakh (before subsidy) |
| Labour + installation | ?1.5 lakh – ?2 lakh |
| Maintenance & inputs | ?50,000 – ?1 lakh |
Total investment (1 acre) ? ?30 lakh – ?50 lakh before subsidy (varies with design & tech).
Profitability depends on crops chosen (e.g., capsicum, cucumber, tomato, flowers):
???? Estimated on 1 acre:
Revenue: ?20–?30 lakh per year (high-value crop)
Net Profit: ~?8–?15 lakh per year after costs
ROI Period: ~2–3 years if managed well
With effective marketing and crop choice, ROI can be faster and higher.
The Indian government supports polyhouse farming via:
? Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
…offers subsidy for construction + irrigation systems.
? National Horticulture Board (NHB)
…up to 50% subsidy on total project cost. Can be up to ?56 lakh per project under certain conditions.
? National Horticulture Mission (NHM)
…50% subsidy on polyhouse construction.
Many states add extra support — e.g., in Bihar up to 75% subsidy under certain schemes.
General farmers: ~50% subsidy typical.
SC/ST / small & marginal: can get higher, e.g., 75–95% in some states.
? Land ownership papers or lease agreement
? Identity and address proof
? Detailed project report (DPR)
? Bank loan sanction (if credit-linked)
? Crop plan and polyhouse design details
? Water & power availability proof
Visit District Horticulture Office or Agriculture Office
Get application form for Protected Cultivation / Polyhouse subsidy
Fill and attach documents (DPR, land proof, ID, bank sanction)
Submit to local horticulture authority
Approval & field inspection
Subsidy disbursed (often after bank loan release & project progress)
? Subsidy may be back-ended (released after proof of expenditure), especially under NHB.
Common high-value, high-profit crops:
???? Capsicum
???? Cucumber
???? Tomato
???? Flowers (rose, gerbera)
???? Strawberry
???? Leafy veggies
Herbs & nursery plants
Q1. Is polyhouse farming profitable?
???? Yes — with high-value crops and good management, net profit can be significant, often ?8–15 lakh/acre/year or more.
Q2. How long before I recover my investment?
???? Typically 2–3 years, depending on crop and market conditions.
Q3. What subsidy percentage can I get?
???? Usually 50%, sometimes up to 75–95% for special categories or states.
Q4. What crops give the highest ROI?
???? Capsicum, cucumber, flowers, strawberries, exotic vegetables.
Q5. Do I need a bank loan?
???? Often yes — to avail credit-linked subsidy under NHB/MIDH.
Q6. Can polyhouses work in all climates?
???? Yes — but you may need ventilation, cooling, or heating depending on region.
Q7. Is water supply mandatory?
???? Yes — reliable water is crucial for drip/irrigation systems.
Q8. Can I export polyhouse produce?
???? Yes, if quality meets export standards.
Q9. What size is best for beginners?
???? ~1,000 sq.m to 4,000 sq.m depending on budget and crop plan.
Q10. What is included in subsidy?
???? Structure, irrigation, fertigation, and sometimes planting material.
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