Greenhouse Farming in Karnataka: Crops, 1 Acre Greenhouse Cost, Subsidy, and Loans

Karnataka is the most popular greenhouse-farming state in India. Greenhouse farming is a practice that enables farmers to produce crops in an optimal environment, even when there are external factors like climate change and erratic weather. Karnataka is one of the state’s leading greenhouse farming in India, with over 85% of the total greenhouses in India located here. Greenhouse farming has revolutionized how crops are grown and managed.

Greenhouse Farming in Karnataka

Greenhouse Farming in Karnataka

What is Greenhouse Farming?

A Greenhouse is an outlined construction with huge materials to develop crops under incomplete or completely controlled natural conditions for ideal development and usefulness.  The greenhouse business plan is worldwide the quickest developing area. The utilization of the nursery is creating non-seasonal and seasonal crops, developing top-notch blossoms and vegetables, and arranging a nursery by tissue culture. 

Is the Greenhouse Profitable in Karnataka?

Yes, greenhouse farming is profitable in Karnataka. Greenhouse farming is the fastest-growing sector of all agricultural production activities. Therefore, greenhouse farming is goldmines that offer the most profitable business opportunities. 

Greenhouse Vegetable Production in Karnataka

Greenhouse farming in Karnataka has a bright future, thanks to the increasing demand for fresh produce year-round and the favorable climate conditions in the state. With proper planning and financing, starting a greenhouse farm in Karnataka can be a profitable venture that provides you with a steady income. The state of Karnataka is blessed with a tropical climate, making it ideal for greenhouse vegetable production.

In case you missed it: Fish Farming in Karnataka: How to Start, Subsidy, License, and Business Plan

Greenhouse Fruit Farming

The average temperature in the state ranges from 20-25°C, with high humidity levels. This makes Karnataka an ideal location for growing a wide variety of vegetables, including Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peppers, and Eggplants. Greenhouse farming in Karnataka has been on the rise in recent years due to the many benefits it offers farmers. Greenhouses protect from extreme weather conditions and pests, which can damage crops.

They also allow farmers to control the environment inside the greenhouse, such as temperature and humidity levels. This results in higher yields and better-quality produce. Greenhouse farming in Karnataka can help farmers get better yields through more efficient inputs like water and fertilizers. It can also help to extend the growing season for crops, which can lead to higher incomes for farmers.

How Does Greenhouse Farming Work?

Greenhouses are structures covered in transparent or translucent material and have controlled heating and humidification systems. They work by trapping the sun’s heat inside the structure, creating a microclimate ideal for plant growth. Greenhouse farming is a type of agriculture where crops are grown in enclosed structures, typically made from metal or plastic, to create controlled environments. These environments allow farmers to control the growing process by regulating temperature, humidity, and ventilation.

Greenhouse farming can be used to produce a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Farmers in Karnataka are also adopting modern technologies such as drip irrigation and protected cultivation from improving yields. Greenhouse farming is an efficient way to produce vegetables, fruits, and flowers year-round. In Karnataka, India, where the climate is tropical, greenhouses allow farmers to grow crops that would otherwise be impossible to grow in the region.

Crops Grown Under Greenhouses in Karnataka

The main crops grown in greenhouses in Karnataka are Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Chillies, Eggplants, Leafy Vegetables, Capsicums, and Chillies. These crops are highly valued by consumers and fetch good prices in the market. Greenhouses provide an ideal environment for crops to grow in as they can be controlled to some extent. Farmers can regulate the greenhouse’s temperature, humidity, and ventilation levels, which can impact crop growth.

In case you missed it: 10 Practical Applications of AI in Agriculture: Impacts and Benefits of Crop Health and Yield

Greenhouse Tomato Farming

By growing crops under greenhouse conditions, farmers in Karnataka can improve yields and reduce losses caused by bad weather. Karnataka has a diverse range of soil types and climates, making it suitable for growing various crops. The most common crops in Karnataka are Rice, Wheat, Maize, Pulses, and Oilseeds. Other crops grown in the state include Sugarcane, Cotton, Tobacco, and Jute. Karnataka is also one of India’s leading coffee and spices producers.

Greenhouse farming is an important part of agriculture in Karnataka. The state has many greenhouses for various purposes, such as flower cultivation, vegetable production, and nursery production. In terms of vegetables, Tomatoes, Brinjals, Capsicums, and Cucumbers are some of the most popular crops grown in greenhouses in Karnataka. As for Flowers, Roses, Carnations, and Chrysanthemums are some of the most popular varieties in the state.

The suitable crops for vertical greenhouse farming are Cucumbers, String beans, Chili peppers, Tomatoes, Spinach, Microgreens, Peppers, Melons, Peas, Herbs, Squash, Swiss chard, Kale, Zucchini, Strawberries, Grapes, Lettuce, Raspberries, Sweet corn, Leeks, Baby carrots, Broccoli, Pumpkins, Garlic, Mushrooms, Ginseng, Bamboo and other Citrus fruits like Oranges, Lime, and Lemons.  

Majority of the Greenhouse Farms in Karnataka

To give plants and seedlings the best chance, you should set your greenhouse up somewhere that gets lots of sun and natural daylight and is protected from harsh winds. Most of the greenhouse farms in Karnataka are located in Bangalore, Tumkur, Mysore, Hassan, and Mandya. The total area under greenhouse cultivation in Karnataka is about 18 hectares.

What are the Different Types of Greenhouse Farms in Karnataka?

Karnataka is the leading state in India for greenhouse farming. The state has a diverse range of climatic conditions, making it suitable for cultivating a wide range of crops under a protected environment. Three greenhouse farms are prevalent in Karnataka: low-tech greenhouses, high-tech greenhouses, and net houses.

  1. Low-tech greenhouses are the most traditional type of greenhouse and are typically made with locally available materials such as bamboo or wood. These greenhouses provide basic protection to crops from extreme weather conditions and pests.
  2. High-tech greenhouses are more sophisticated structures that use advanced materials and technology to create a controlled environment for optimum crop growth. 
  3. Net houses are designed to cultivate delicate crops such as fruits and vegetables. They provide complete crop protection from pests and harsh weather conditions.

In case you missed it: A Guide to Understand Importance of Drones in Agriculture/Farming:  Advantages, Applications, and Different Types

Greenhouse Vegetable Farming

Cost to Build a Greenhouse Farm in Karnataka

The cost of setting up an acre greenhouse varies depending on the type of structure and materials used. The cost of setting up an acre greenhouse farming in Karnataka is between Rs. 3 to Rs. 10 lakhs, including the cost of construction and other materials like plastic covering, irrigation system, etc.

Can You Grow in a Greenhouse Year-round in Karnataka?

Karnataka’s climate is tropical and subtropical, making it possible to grow crops in greenhouses year-round. The average temperature in Karnataka ranges from 20-25°C, with some areas reaching as high as 28°C. There are two main types of greenhouse farming in Karnataka: open fields and protected cultivation.

Open-field cultivation is when crops are grown in an open area, not surrounded by a greenhouse. This type of farming is more common in Karnataka because it is less expensive than protected cultivation. However, open-field cultivation is more susceptible to pests and diseases because a greenhouse does not protect the crops.

Protected cultivation is when crops are grown inside a greenhouse. This type of farming is less common in Karnataka because it is more expensive than open-field cultivation. However, protected cultivation is less susceptible to pests and diseases because a greenhouse protects the crops.

Create a Greenhouse Business Plan in Karnataka

1. Research the market for greenhouse farming in Karnataka. This includes looking at the demand for different crops, the average acre greenhouse cost, and the subsidy and loan options available.

2. Draft a business plan should include your proposed business model, operating costs, marketing strategy, and financial projections. This will be used to secure funding and permits, so make sure it is clear and concise.

In case you missed it: Growing Bitter Gourd Organically in Karnataka: Farming Practices and Production Management

Greenhouse Cultivation

3. Research the greenhouse farming industry in Karnataka. Find out what crops are typically grown in greenhouses in the state and what the average acre greenhouse cost is. You can also research government subsidies or loans available to help start your business.

4. Create a business plan for your greenhouse farming business in Karnataka. Include information on the type of greenhouse you will build, the crops you will grow, your expected costs and income, and your marketing strategy.

5. Prepare all the necessary documents. These include applying for any required permits from the government of Karnataka and getting insurance for your greenhouse business.

6. Develop a budget for your startup costs and ongoing expenses. For the cost of building a greenhouse, you will need to factor in the cost of seeds, fertilizer, labor, and utilities. Make sure to include a buffer in your budget for unexpected costs.

Key Rules for Starting Greenhouse Farming in Karnataka

  • Firstly, obtain a license from the Karnataka state government. This is essential to ensure that your farming activities are legal and compliant with all applicable regulations. 
  • You will need to register your farm with the agricultural department of Karnataka. This will ensure that your farm is included in the database of farms in Karnataka and will also help you obtain any subsidies or benefits available for greenhouse farmers in Karnataka. 
  • It is important to note that greenhouse farming is an intensive form of agriculture and requires a large amount of investment. As such, it is recommended that you take out a loan from a financial institution before starting your greenhouse farming venture.

In case you missed it: Top Agriculture Colleges in Karnataka: List, Government, and Private 

Greenhouse Farming

Greenhouse Subsidy and Loans in Karnataka

In Karnataka, the state government is promoting greenhouse farming as an agricultural activity farmers can take up. The government provides subsidies and loans for those who want to set up greenhouses on their farmlands. The Indian state of Karnataka is promoting greenhouse farming to increase farmers’ agricultural production and incomes. The state government has created several subsidies and loan programs to encourage farmers to adopt greenhouse farming practices.

The government of Karnataka provides subsidies for setting up greenhouses for farmers. The subsidy is 50% of the total cost, up to a maximum of Rs. 5 lakhs per hectare (2.47 acres). In addition, loans are also available from financial institutions for setting up greenhouses at reasonable interest rates. Greenhouse farming in Karnataka is a part of the Krishi Bhagya Programme of the local government. Almost all the vegetable plants are grown in Karnataka greenhouse. 

The government of Karnataka provides a subsidy of 50% on the total project cost for setting up a greenhouse under the National Horticulture Mission. Various schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Krishi Loan offer financial assistance for farmers wanting to set up greenhouses in Karnataka. In addition to this subsidy, loans are also available from financial institutions like banks and cooperatives at attractive interest rates to set up a greenhouse in Karnataka.

Under the NMSA (National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture), the central government is providing a subsidy of 50% of the cost of setting up a greenhouse, up to a maximum of Rs. 1 lakh. The state government also provides a subsidy of 30% of the cost, up to a maximum of Rs. 50,000. Some important subsidies;

  • NHB (National Horticulture Board) grants a 50% subsidy per beneficiary on a 112-lakh maximum project ceiling.
  • GAIC (Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation) grants a greenhouse subsidy of 6% up to 4 lakhs on loan interest in Gujarat.  
  • National Horticulture Mission (NHM) gives a subsidy of 50% up to 50 Lakhs maximum limit.
  • Every state provides an additional subsidy under the name SHM (State Horticulture Mission), which gives a 15 – 25 % subsidy on the amount of 50% granted by NHM.

Challenges of Greenhouse Farming in Karnataka

  1. Greenhouse farming in Karnataka faces many challenges, including the high cost of acre greenhouse, lack of water availability, and insufficient government support.
  2. The cost of building an acre greenhouse in Karnataka is extremely high, making it difficult for farmers to invest in this type of agriculture.
  3. Water availability is another challenge for greenhouse farmers in Karnataka. In many parts of Karnataka, groundwater is depleted, making it difficult to irrigate crops.
  4. The government provides very little support to greenhouse farmers in Karnataka. No subsidies or loans are available for those wanting to get into this type of agriculture.

In case you missed it: District Wise Crop Production in Karnataka: List of Crops Grown in Karnataka

Greenhouse Farm Management

Conclusion

Greenhouse farming can increase crop production. You can establish the ideal environment conditions required to develop more plants per square foot than developing agriculture in an open field. It is the method of giving good natural conditions to plants. Greenhouse farming is a type of agriculture where crops are grown in controlled environment structures.

The climate in Karnataka is very conducive to greenhouse cultivation, and the state has access to all the necessary inputs, such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, etc. If you are planning for greenhouse farming in the following districts of Karnataka, the above blog post will help with the basics of greenhouse agriculture/cultivation.

BagalkotHaveri
Ballarikalaburagi
Bangalore RuralKodagu
BelagaviKolar
BengaluruKoppal
BidarMandya
ChamarajanagarMysuru
ChikballapurRaichur
ChikkamagaluruRamanagara
ChitradurgaShivamogga
Dakshina KannadaTumakuru
DavanagereUdupi
DharwadUttara Kannada
GadagVijayapura
HassanYadgiri

2 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here