How to Start Greenhouse Farming in Kerala: Crops, 1 Acre Greenhouse Cost, Subsidy, and Loans

Greenhouse farming is an agriculture sector that uses artificial environments (greenhouses) to grow crops. This differs from traditional farming, which relies on the natural environment (such as the sun and rain) to provide the necessary nutrients. This type of agriculture utilizes controlled environments to grow crops, often yielding higher yields than traditional outdoor farming.

How to Start Greenhouse Farming in Kerala

What is Greenhouse Farming?

It is a type of agriculture where crops are grown enclosed. In Kerala, the main types of greenhouse farming are off-season vegetable production and flower cultivation. Greenhouses provide a controlled environment for plants, which results in higher yields and better-quality produce.

Greenhouse Vegetable Production in Kerala

It is a type of agriculture that uses climate-controlled environments to grow crops. This contrasts traditional farming, which relies on the natural environment (such as sunlight and rain) to grow crops.
Greenhouse vegetable production in Kerala is a relatively new practice but has recently gained popularity. There are different reasons for this, including the fact that greenhouse vegetable production can be done on a smaller scale than traditional farming and can be done all year round.
Greenhouse farming in Kerala is a great way to grow your products without worrying about extreme weather conditions and pests. It can be affordable for small farmers with the right subsidies and loans. You will save money and reduce your carbon footprint by growing organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other crops at home.

Key Rules for Starting Greenhouse Farming in Kerala

The first key rule for starting greenhouse farming in Kerala is to choose the right location. The ideal location for a greenhouse should be a flat, sunny spot with good drainage.
The next rule for starting greenhouse farming in Kerala is to select the right type of greenhouse. Different types of greenhouses are available on the market, so selecting the one that best suits your needs and budget is important.
The next key rule for starting greenhouse farming in Kerala is to get the necessary permits and approvals from the local authorities.
The other rule for starting greenhouse farming in Kerala is to purchase the necessary equipment. This includes a greenhouse frame, glass panels, heating and cooling systems, and other necessary components.
A well-designed business plan is also the main rule for starting greenhouse farming in Kerala. This business plan should include financial projections, crop selection, marketing strategy, and more.
The final key rule for starting greenhouse farming in Kerala is to start small and expand gradually. It is important not to bite off more than you can chew when first starting. It is better to start with a small operation and expand as your business grows.

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Greenhouse Farming Systems in Kerala

1. The open-air system is the most common type of greenhouse farming in Kerala. In this system, crops are grown in an open field with some shelter or protection from the elements. The main benefit of this greenhouse system is that it is relatively low-cost and easy to set up. However, the main disadvantage is that it offers little protection from pests and diseases.

2. The secure environment system is a more sophisticated type of greenhouse farming in Kerala. In this system, crops are grown completely enclosed, often with a controlled atmosphere and temperature. This provides high protection from pests and diseases but is more expensive.

3. The semi-closed system compromises the open-air and protected environment systems. In this system, crops are grown in an enclosed environment but with some ventilation to allow air exchange. This provides a moderate level of protection from pests and diseases while still allowing some air circulation to prevent stagnant conditions.

4. The closed system is the most expensive and sophisticated type of greenhouse farming in Kerala. This system’s crops are grown completely sealed without ventilation or air exchange. This provides the highest level of protection from pests and diseases but requires careful management to prevent problems such as fungal growth.

Benefits of Greenhouse Farming in Kerala

Greenhouse farming uses less water than traditional farming methods and reduces soil erosion. And because greenhouse vegetables are grown in controlled conditions, they are less likely to be contaminated with pesticides and other chemicals.
Greenhouse farming is a great way to increase the production of vegetables without relying on traditional soil-based methods. This can help reduce deforestation, improve soil fertility, and reduce the use of inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
By creating a controlled environment, farmers can increase crop yields while using less land and water. In addition, greenhouse farming can extend the growing season, protect crops from pests and diseases, and reduce labor costs.

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Greenhouse farming is an important tool for small farmers in the Kerala region who often lack the resources to compete with larger commercial farms. By increasing crop yields, greenhouses allow small farmers to stay in business and provide for their families. In addition, greenhouses create jobs for residents, which boosts the economy.
The main advantage of growing crops in a greenhouse is that you can control the environment inside the structure. This means you can protect your plants from pests and diseases and ensure they receive the optimal amount of light, water, and nutrients. Greenhouses also help to conserve water, as evaporation is reduced.
Finally, greenhouse farming is environmentally friendly. Greenhouses reduce the impact on local ecosystems by using less land and water. In addition, by controlling the environment inside the greenhouse, farmers can use fewer pesticides and herbicides, further reducing their environmental impact.

Is Greenhouse Farming Profitable in Kerala

It is a type of agriculture where crops are grown in protected environments. Greenhouse farming is a popular option for farmers in Kerala because it allows them to extend the growing season and produce higher yields. A greenhouse’s-controlled environment also helps protect crops from pests and diseases.

In Kerala, crops are grown under greenhouses to protect them from harsh weather conditions. These greenhouses are made of glass or plastic, allowing sunlight to enter while trapping heat inside. This helps to create a warm environment for the plants, which is ideal for their growth.

Crops are Grown Under Greenhouses in Kerala

Vegetable production in Kerala is done in greenhouses near urban areas. This type of greenhouse farming allows for the year-round production of vegetables and protection from harsh weather conditions. Flower cultivation is another common type of greenhouse farming in Kerala. Flowers grown in greenhouses can be harvested all year round, and they often have a longer shelf life than those grown outdoors.

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The main crops grown in Kerala under greenhouse conditions are vegetables, fruits, flowers, and spices. The state is also home to the world’s second-largest ginger production zone. The main crops grown in greenhouses in Kerala are Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Capsicums, Eggplants, and leafy vegetables. These crops are grown under controlled temperature, humidity, and ventilation conditions. The use of fertilizers and pesticides is also regulated to minimize their impact on the environment.

Number of Greenhouses in Kerala

There are a total of 2,837 greenhouses in the state. Most greenhouses are in the Thrissur district, followed by Palakkad, Malappuram, Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta.

The Cost of Setting Up a Greenhouse Farm in Kerala

Assuming you have all the necessary infrastructure, setting up a greenhouse farm in Kerala would cost Rs. 10 lakhs to 15 lakhs per acre. This includes the cost of construction, equipment, and seedlings. The cost of land and labor will vary depending on the location.

Can You Grow in a Greenhouse Year-Round in Kerala?

Yes, you can grow crops in a greenhouse year-round in Kerala. The state has a tropical climate conducive to growing various crops. Greenhouse farms in Kerala range from small family operations to large commercial farms. Setting up a greenhouse farm varies depending on the size and type of greenhouse, but it is generally less expensive than traditional open-field agriculture. Additionally, many government subsidies and loan programs are available to help farmers with the cost of setting up a greenhouse farm.

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Steps to Create a Greenhouse Business Plan in Kerala

The first step is to research and understand what type of greenhouse would best suit Kerala’s climate and growing conditions. There are many different types of greenhouses, so choosing one that will allow you to grow the crops you want to sell is important.
Once you have chosen the type of greenhouse you want to build, the next step is to develop a business plan. This should include a detailed description of your business, marketing strategy, financial projections, and management team.
The next step is to secure funding for your venture. This can be done through loans, grants, or private investment. It is important to have a solid business plan before seeking funding, as investors will want to see that you have a well-thought-out plan for success.
After that, begin construction of your greenhouse. This should be done according to your business plan’s specifications to ensure that it meets all local building code requirements.
Once your greenhouse is built, the final step is planting and growing! Be sure to keep accurate records of your yields and sales so that you can adjust your prices and production levels accordingly.

Largest Greenhouse Growers in Kerala

Kerala is one of the largest greenhouse growers in India. The state has a total area of 33,387 hectares under greenhouse cultivation, about 10% of the country’s total greenhouse area. Greenhouse farming in Kerala is mainly done for the production of off-season vegetables. The state has a good demand for off-season vegetables due to its large tourist population. Greenhouse farming in Kerala provides year-round employment to a large number of people. In addition, it also helps to reduce the migration of people from rural to urban regions.

Greenhouse Loans and Subsidies in Kerala

The Kerala government has launched a subsidy and loan scheme for greenhouse farming in the state. Several government schemes are available to support greenhouse farmers in Kerala. The most common scheme is the subsidy scheme, which provides financial assistance to farmers to offset the cost of inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides.

The Government of Kerala provides a subsidy for setting up greenhouses in the state. This subsidy is provided under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM). Under this scheme, the government will bear 50% of the cost of setting up the greenhouse as a subsidy. The remaining 50% has to be borne by the farmer or through a bank loan.

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The Government of Kerala offers a 50% subsidy for setting up a greenhouse farm up to a maximum of Rs. 10 lakhs per hectare. Kerala has various subsidy schemes available to help farmers set up greenhouses. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) is the most common subsidy scheme. The Agricultural and Rural Development Bank of Kerala (ARDB) provides loans for setting up greenhouse farms at an interest rate of 7%. The loan amount can be repaid over 7 years.

Challenges of Greenhouse Farming in Kerala

The main challenge is the high cost of constructing and operating a greenhouse. Greenhouses require a lot of energy to maintain the optimum temperature and humidity for plant growth, which increases the overall cost of production. In addition, greenhouses can be damaged by severe weather conditions such as floods or cyclones, leading to crop loss and financial losses for farmers.

Kerala greenhouse farmers’ biggest challenge is the high construction and maintenance costs. However, several government initiatives offer subsidies and loans to help offset these costs. When done correctly, greenhouse farming can be a highly profitable venture in Kerala. With the right crop selection and management practices, farmers can maximize their yields and make a good income from their greenhouses.

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Conclusion

Greenhouse farming uses artificial structures, such as greenhouses, to grow plants. Greenhouse farming in Kerala is an emerging sector with great potential. It is a type of agriculture that uses glass or plastic structures to maintain a temperature above the natural environment.

Last Updated: March 2, 2023

Author: Jagdish

How to Start Greenhouse Farming in Kerala: Crops, 1 Acre Greenhouse Cost, Subsidy, and Loans

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