Working Group Report

on

Development of
Protected Cultivation in Haryana

Haryana Kisan Ayog

CCS HAU Campus, Hisar-125004
Government of Haryana
 Working Group Report
on
Development of Protected Cultivation
in Haryana

Haryana Kisan Ayog

CCS Haryana Agricultural University Campus
Hisar 125004
Government of Haryana
 The Working Group

Chairman
Dr. Brahma Singh
Former Director
Agriculture and Life Sciences
Defence Research and Development Organization

Members
Dr. Balraj Singh
Director
National Research Centre for Seed Spices
Tabiji, Ajmer, Rajasthan

Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Director
Directorate of Floricultural Research
ICAR, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012

Dr. S.K. Arora

Former Head
Department of Vegetable Science
CCS HAU, Hisar, Haryana. 125004.

Nodal Officer
Dr. M.L. Chadha
Former Director (Africa & South Asia), AVRDC- The World Vegetable Centre
Consultant, HKA, CCSHAU, Hisar, Haryana

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CHAIRMAN
HARYANA KISAN AYOG
CCSHAU CAMPUS
HISAR-125004

FOREWORD
Haryana is well suited for the promotion of horticulture, especially in view of it's
vicinity to the National Capital Region and other big cities around, beside having
easy access to both domestic and external markets. In this context, technology of
Protected Cultivation, to grow low volume high value crops, offers great potential to
the farmers engaged in peri-urban agriculture. The technology is also scale neutral
as it benefits both the large-scale and small scale farmers and ensures higher
productivity as well as income.
Protected cultivation of vegetables and flowers also offers much needed option for
agricultural diversification needed to increase farm income. High quality nursery
raising of vegetables is a new option in meeting the increasing demand for kitchen
gardening by the affluent Urbanites interested in growing their own healthy foods.
Similarly, growing of good planting materials of fruits and flowers offers yet other
options of increasing farmer's income.
In view of above, Haryana Kisan Ayog took the initiative to form a Working Group
on Protected Cultivation under the leadership of Dr. Brahma Singh, with Drs. Balraj
Singh, Ramesh Kumar and S.K. Arora as members, and Dr. M. L. Chadha as a nodal
officer from the Ayog. I congratulate Dr. Brahma Singh and his team for their sincere
efforts in bringing out this useful Report entitled "Protected Cultivation for Haryana"
in a record time. It not only contains valuable information relating to this field but
would serve as a Road Map for promoting peri-urban horticulture in the State. I am
sure the Department of Horticulture, State Agriculture University, the extension
workers/officials and the farmers interested in horticulture will benefit from this
report and in the process accelerate protected cultivation in the State of Haryana.
It is also our expectation that this publication will be useful especially for the
progressive young farmers willing to adopt new entrepreneurial skills to benefit from
secondary agriculture, for which protected cultivation is one of the best options.

(R. S. Paroda)
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FORMER DIRECTOR
AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCES, DRDO &
CHAIRMAN
WORKING GROUP ON PROTECTED CULTIVATION
IN HARYANA

PREFACE
Ensuring food and employment security to over 1.2 billion population from available
resources on a sustainable
basis in the country is a huge task. Besides wheat and rice, Haryana is one of the
leading states in the production of certain fruits, vegetables, flowers and mushrooms.
Present statistics show that Haryana can boast of its leading position in India in
production of cauliflower (5th), pea (6th), cabbage (7th), okra (7th), onion (7th), tomato
(7th), brinjal (9th) and potato (10th). Haryana is also producing sizeable quantity of
flowers like marigold, roses and tube rose. Among the modern agro-technologies,
protected cultivation technology of horticultural crops and their nursery
multiplication is getting added attention due to its distinct advantages such as higher
productivity, off-season production and entrepreneurial avenues.
Modern protected cultivation technologies cover climate control greenhouse and
poly/net protected structure farming, hi-tech horticulture, naturally ventilated green/
polyhouse, soil-less vegetable farming (hydroponics and aeroponics), plasticulture,
drip irrigation, fertigation and integrated nutrient, pest, water and weed
management. Simple and low cost protected structures such as net houses (shade,
insect proof), poly tunnels, plastic mulch etc. are also getting popular among the
farmers. Due to shortage of power and its tariff, the provisioning of cooling and/ or
heating devices in protected structures is uncommon.
Central Government programmes like National Horticulture Mission, National
Committee on Plastic Applications in Horticulture (NCPAH), Rashtrya Krishi Vikas
Yojana (RKVY), Vegetable Initiatives in Urban Clusters, and others are laying
emphasis on protected cultivation.
Government of Haryana has taken lead in popularization of protected cultivation by
establishing two demonstration centres at Gharaunda and Sirsa under Joint Indo-

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Israel agriculture promotion programme, establishing clusters for vegetable
production, mushroom production and many more to boost horticulture production
in the State. Besides, the Government has appointed a separate Working Group on
protected cultivation for Haryana under Haryana Kisan Ayog. This step seems to be
the first of its kind. The report under reference has been prepared by this Group by
interacting with all stakeholders including farmers spread over the State. The Group
has brought out the strength of the state in this venture and suggested ways and
means to achieve the goal of boosting horticultural production through protected
cultivation in the State. It is hoped that all the stakeholders would take advantages of
this report in achieving the common goal of boosting not only the horticultural
production but also strengthening all the stakeholders by converging their energies in
mutually progressive manner.
I would be failing in my duty if I do not acknowledge the help rendered by Dr. R. S.
Dalal, Member Secretary Haryana Kisan Ayog, Dr. M. L. Chadha, Consultant,
Haryana Kisan Ayog Dr. Ravi Kant, Research Fellow, Haryana Kisan Ayog; and Dr.
Balraj Singh, Member of Working Group on protected cultivation and Director,
National Research Centre for Seed Spices, Tabiji, Ajmer, Rajasthan, Dr. Ramesh
Kumar, Director, Directorate of Floricultural Research, ICAR, New Delhi and Dr S. K
Arora, Former Professor and Head, Department of Vegetables Science, CCS HAU,
Hisar in providing support, inputs and suggestions for formulating and preparing this
report. I profusely thank Dr. Naved Sabir Principal Scientist, NRCIPM, New Delhi, Dr.
S.S. Sindhu, Dr. B.S. Tomar and Mrs. Shweta Walia and Ms. Seema Rani from CPCT
for their help and valuable suggestions as well as for critically going through the
manuscript and preparation of this report. The inputs and supports extended by Dr.
A. S. Saini, Dr. Satyinder Yadav and other officers of Department of Horticulture,
Government of Haryana are thankfully acknowledged. We are thankful to the
Professor and Head, Horticulture, Vegetable Science and Dean, College of
Agriculture and Agriculture Engineering, CCSHAU, Hisar for their valuable inputs.
The group is thankful to all the experts involved in brainstorming sessions and
acknowledges their support and appreciation. The group profusely thanks Dr. R. S.
Paroda, Chairman, Haryana Kisan Ayog for providing an opportunity to prepare a
holistic report on protected cultivation in Haryana.

Brahma Singh
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 CONTENTS
Foreword iii
Preface v
Abbreviations viii
Executive Summary x
1. Introduction 1
2. Historical Background and Present Scenario 6
3. SWOT Analysis of Protected Cultivation for Haryana. 9
4. Reviewing the current status of Protected Cultivation in Haryana 14
i) Review the current status 14
ii) Existing Structures and Designs presently used and most 14
suitable low cost models for large scale adoption.
iii) Review on the status of research on Protected Cultivation 28
iv) Cropping Sequences in Protected Cultivation in Haryana 30
v) Protected Cultivation in Peri-Urban Areas 40
vi) Measures required for promoting effective linkages in Haryana 41
vii) Assessment on current training programs 43
viii) Public- Private Partnership for strengthening Protected Cultivation 45
ix) Review on the Ongoing Government Policies 46
x) Most Appropriate strategies for accelerating Protected 48
Cultivation in Haryana
Major Recommendations 51
Selected References 55
Meetings Held of working group on Protected Cultivation 60
Annexure
i Terms of References 61
ii Present State policies for promotion of protected cultivation 62
adopted by Deptt. of Horticulture Govt. of Haryana
iii Protected Structures Current Status (2011-12) and 64
Potential (2012-13)

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 ABBREVIATIONS

AHRD Agricultural Human Research Development

APEDA Agricultural Product Export Development Authority

AVRDC The World Vegetable Centre

CCM Cool Chain Management

CCSHAU Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agriculture University

COE Centre of Excellence

CPCT Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology

CSR Corporate Social Responsibility

DIHAR Defence Institute of High Altitude Research

DRDO Defence Research and Development Organization

FAO Food and Agricultural Organization

FRL Field Research Laboratory

GAP Good Agricultural Practices

GI Galvanized Iron

Govt Government

HKA Haryana Kisan Ayog

HRD Human Resource Development

IARI Indian Agricultural Research Institute

INM Integrated Nutrient Management

IPM Integrated Pest Management

IWM Integrated Weed Management

KMP Kundli- Manesar – Palwal Express Highway

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LDPE Low Density Polyethylene

NCPA National Committee on use of Plastic in Agriculture

NCPAH National Committee on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture

NCR National Capital Region

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

NHM National Horticulture Mission

NIFTEM National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and

Management

NRCIPM National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management

NVGH Naturally Ventilated Greenhouse

NVPH Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse

PAU Punjab Agricultural University

PPP Public Private Partnership

R&D Research and Development

RKVY Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna

SAU State Agriculture University

SEZ Special Economic Zone

SWOT Strength Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats

TEAM Transparent Electronic Auction Management

TERI Tata Energy Research Institute

UV Ultra Violet

WGPC Working Group on Protected Cultivation

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 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Haryana Kisan Ayog, Government of Haryana, vide letter No. HKA/11/WG-

05/6194-6202 dated 15-9-2011 constituted a Working Group on Protected
Cultivation (WGPC) in Haryana with ten terms of reference. Accordingly, the
Working Group had meetings, field visits with all stakeholders, the farmers,
Department of Horticulture, Government of Haryana, Seed Companies, Protected
Cultivation input providers, horticulture markets, CCS, Haryana Agricultural
University, Hisar, Haryana Kisan Ayog Chairman, Chief Consultants and other
concerns. The Group generated information and gave recommendations as per
terms of reference.
Protected cultivation is fast emerging as one of the progressive areas in agriculture
through various govt. schemes of Haryana, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, National
Horticulture Mission and National Horticulture Board, due to which the area under
protected cultivation has reached to nearly 150 ha within a few years. However, the
baseline data, historical development and SWOT analysis of these developmental
programmes on protected cultivation were studied by WGPC. The critical analysis
revealed several lacunae at policy, research, education, extension, human resource
and marketing levels. The WGPC has critically studied all these aspects and tried to
sum up each issue with critical gaps and solutions, followed by broad guidelines and
recommendations to streamline various components of protected cultivation
technology for overall improvement.
First and foremost, the greenhouse structures being promoted at the state level have
been studied and the kind of suitable structures for different areas, crops and
seasons have been recommended along with the pragmatic cropping sequences for
high quality vegetable and cut flower production, as well as the estimated cost of
these structures. Among various structures advocated, zero-energy naturally
ventilated greenhouses, insect-proof net-houses, high tunnels with top ventilation,
temporary walk-in tunnels, and other low cost structures along with their
dimensions, have been suggested considering the climate and economic
affordability for the state growers. Besides this, an exhaustive treatise on the
cropping sequences for both, vegetables and cut-flowers for important structures
have been suggested. All suggested structures should be practically demonstrated at

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each district. These demonstration facilities should include scope of on-farm value
addition of the produce and be linked with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) wherever
possible. Extensive use of plastic mulch coupled with low pressure drip
irrigation/fertigation in production of horticultural crops in open fields has been
recommended to boost production to the extent of 25% and discourage surface
irrigation leading to saving/conservation of water.
Once the greenhouses have been constructed, the prime requirement, thereafter, is
successful crop production. Since farmers are hardly provided any technical
guidance on production and protection technologies, they suffer acutely on account
of poor know-how. Therefore, WGPC has reviewed the research gaps and given
critical recommendations for the overall handling of these gaps in the area of
protected cultivation through institutional support by opening a School on
Protected Cultivation at CCS HAU, Hisar, not only for leading focused research to
address these issues but also to conduct training and awareness programmes for the
growers interested or engaged in protected cultivation. Apart from this, Industrial
Training Institutes (ITIs) in the state in consultation with the school may be
introduced with a diploma course on greenhouse construction, repair and
maintenance apart from the development of minor tools and equipments enabling
youths to take it up on entrepreneurial ventures. Training of local artisans on
protected structures at appropriate places has been advocated by the group.
Since peri-urban areas of Haryana have an added geographical advantage, being in
proximity of National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, thereby giving ample scope to
growers for increased income. WGPC has critically analyzed these locational
advantages for devising appropriate strategies that can give long-term economic
boost to agriculture as a whole to the state, particularly the youth who can take up
protected cultivation as entrepreneurial venture. Besides, Working Group has
strongly recommended the formation or encouragement to formation of clusters of
protected cultivation so that such hubs sustain themselves as units of holistic
technological and economic entities in geographical and economic terms. These
clusters may additionally be provided with diagnostic laboratories, certification and
accreditation, which otherwise is not possible for sporadically located greenhouses
across the state.
Other than technical know-how on production and protection technologies, the

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major difficulties faced by the farmers include poor marketing support or their
access to reliable marketing network. Since protected cultivation growers incur huge
initial investments, they often fail to fetch better prices for their produce in spite of
higher quality. Therefore, working group has suggested strong marketing support to
the clusters of protected cultivation with preferable involvement of the growers at
critical junctures of decision making across different stages of the gamut of
marketing their produce. One of the path-breaking suggestions is for the creation of
electronic auction mechanisms with transparent auctioneering of the produce with
the help of cluster farmers themselves not only in auction but also possibly through
linking it up with export. The group suggested that the marketing mechanism for
horticulture produce adopted may ensure 60 % share of consumer's price to the
farmer.
Working Group has suggested strong public-private linkages for holistic
development of protected cultivation in the state, the major of them being the use of
SEZs for the development of such clusters of protected cultivation. Besides, strong
recommendations have also been given on policy issues for the future of the
technology for accelerating the production of vegetable crops and flowers using
different protected structures.
Subsidies for promotion of protected cultivation need to be partially linked with the
produce instead of presently given only on inputs. There should be a centre for
development of export linkages and provision of assistance to cluster farmers for the
export of certified produce like fresh vegetables, fruits and cut flowers and foliage.
Due care should be given to environment and safety measure mechanisms such as
safe disposal of plastics and any other harmful chemical or wastage – as per
environmental and Global GAP stipulations.
Intensive research, awareness, incentives, training, better sustained return,
continuous support to the venture in cluster production mode would constitute
appropriate strategy for accelerating production of vegetable crops and flowers
using protected cultivation practices in Haryana.
The report has culminated in the major recommendations for strengthening the
protected cultivation technology in the State.

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Introduction
Haryana is known as the cereal bowl of the country. Its agriculture is in transition and
considerable diversification has already set in, giving ample opportunities for
horticulture, with in the state. Horticulture is gradually becoming important
agricultural activity in the state, as fruits, vegetables, flowers, medicinal plants, seed
spices, mushrooms and others are continuously increasing their contribution in
raising the farmer's income and their standard of living besides, being a source of
employment opportunity to them. Increased urbanization has put pressure on land
for vegetables, flowers and other horticultural crops. Fertile lands under vegetables
and fruit crops are being converted into real estates resulting in shortage of farm land
and necessitating vertical growth in vegetables and other horticultural crop
production. Haryana is bestowed with a diverse agro-climate, which is favorable for
growing a large number of horticultural crops. To harness the potential for
improving economic conditions of the farmers and provide nutritional security to
the state and to the nation, Haryana Government has a vision to make the state as
modern horticultural state with a mission to lead in domestic and export markets. To
achieve this, different programs have been undertaken in 11th plan and have also
been proposed and progressed for 12th plan Those include formation of two
working groups on horticulture under Haryana Kisan Ayog;

1. Working Group on Horticulture in Haryana

2. Working Group on Protected Cultivation in Haryana

This report pertains to second Working Group on protected cultivation of vegetables

and flowers in Haryana.

Haryana has made impressive progress in vegetable production over the years as is
evident with the data on the subject. The total area under vegetables in Haryana was
11.30 thousand ha with a total production of 1,35.36 thousand tons and with an
average productivity of 11.97 tons during1966-67, which has increased to 346.4
thousand ha with a total production of 4649.28 thousand tons with an average
productivity of 13.42 tons per ha by the end of 2010-11(Agriculture Policy for
Haryana document 2012 HKA, Hisar).There was no flower cultivation in the state

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during 1966-67 but covered 6.3 thousand ha during 2010-11. More emphasis on
protected cultivation has been advocated in Agriculture Policy for Haryana 2012
document.

Climate change and poor water availability will necessitate growing more food with
less and less water. Climate change is being experienced in the state which timely
cautions for taking appropriate safeguards in the production of vegetables and
flowers. Climate change being erratic and unpredictable with available technologies
in the state makes it necessary to switch on to a cultivation system which provides
protection to the crops against biotic and abiotic stresses envisaged with such
changes. The scope of area expansion under cultivation of vegetables and flowers is
very little, the only option is vertical expansion through increased productivity and
cropping intensity using protected farming with environment control measures,
quality seeds, fertilizers and plant protection measures, plastic mulching, protected
nursery production, use of green/ polyhouses for off-season production of
vegetables and flowers have consistently given good results both at research farms
and farmers fields.

The report covers, success stories on protected cultivation, historical background

and present scenario of protected cultivation in general, SWOT analysis of protected
cultivation of vegetables and flowers in Haryana, present position and appropriate
action plan keeping in view the terms of reference of Haryana Kisan Ayog.

Success Stories- Protected cultivation

China

China started Protected cultivation in 1990`s and today the area under protected
cultivation in China is more than 2.5 m ha. Out of this 90 % area is under vegetables
cultivation in 29 out of total 34 provincial-level administrative areas. In China, low
cost protected technology viz; plastic mulches, plastic low tunnels and walk-in-
tunnels are being used on large area (80 % of the total area under protected
cultivation) and it is perhaps the basic reason that today China is the largest
producer of vegetables in the world.

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India

1. Ladakh (J&K)- DRDO pioneered research on protected cultivation and made

leafy vegetables production possible at subzero ambient during winters which was
otherwise considered impossible. During frozen winter (-20º C) leafy vegetables are
being produced under low cost protected structures like trenches and green/
polyhouses. Early vegetable nursery production under protected structures has
made possible cultivation of several vegetables hitherto considered impossible.
Cucurbits production under plastic mulch in open fields became possible by raising
nursery in protected structures. Local structures befitting to the requirement of the
place made possible seed production and maintenance breeding of temperate
vegetables. Every vegetable farmer practices protected cultivation making Ladakh
surplus in vegetable production. Now a wide range of vegetables are grown in the
protected structures. Greenhouse grown Local Palak (Mongol) and Coriander are
popular. Besides garlic, onion, radish and lettuce are grown in sub-zero winters, in
spring the structures are used for growing vegetable seedlings and in autumn these
are used for growing different crops like cucumber , tomatoes , brinjal, okra and
capsicum. Some families do grow flowers and indoor plants. The technology is
spreading to cold deserts of Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul –Spiti) and entire J&K .

2. Uttarakhand – At Kainchi (Gerbera), Bhimtal-(liliums, carnation, gladiolus),

Bhaktola and Garmpani (Vegetables) protected cultivation mostly under walk –in-
tunnels has become commercial activity for the farmers. Impressed with the progress
of Vivekanand Parvartiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora's experiment at
Bhaktola, the state of Uttarakhand has launched Chief Minister”s Protected
Cultivation Scheme where in 1300 green/ polyhouses of 100 and 200 sq m size are
to be supported with 80 % subsidy in all the districts of the State.

3. Tamil Nadu has emerged as a hub for protected cultivation. Hosur, Ooty,
Kodaikanal and Coimbatore have emerged as growth clusters. Protected cultivation
ensures controlled atmospheric conditions which are very much conducive for plant
growth besides protecting the crop from the vagaries of nature. Drip with fertigation
gives a boost to the crop growth and extends the crop harvesting period. This has

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emerged as a viable technology for providing farmers with manifold increase in their
incomes from small and marginal holdings. Cut flowers like rose, carnation, and
vegetables like colored capsicum, tomatoes and cucumbers are being cultivated.
The success of protected cultivation is mainly due to the increased income realized
by the farmers. On an average farmers earn about Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 per
month from a 1000 sq. m. of polyhouse. About 1700 greenhouses have been
established till now in the state at a cost of Rs. 48.08 crores in 152.5 ha.

4. In Karnataka, seed multiplication of flowers and vegetables is practiced

and popularized by M/S Indo -American Hybrid Seeds, is a well known example.
This has been adopted in Karnataka by M/S Namdhari Seeds Pvt. Ltd, other seed
companies and a large number of farmers. M/s Namdhari Seeds is exporting fresh
vegetables grown under green/ polyhouses by farmers with a contract system of
vegetable production.

5. In Punjab, net-house vegetable production is becoming popular. Through

a systematic economic analysis of net –house, cultivation of vegetables like tomato,
brinjal, capsicum, potato, peas, chillies has been found profitable. The gross and net
returns were double in net house cultivation than traditional methods of growing of
these crops. The life span of net house is 10 years. The farmer gets 50 % of the total
cost of the net house as subsidy to install new net houses. (a project of PAU and
AVRDC in Punjab). An early crop of Chappan kaddu (Cucurbita pepo) is taken
under polyhouses in Punjab which give high return to the farmers. At Kharar in
Punjab the first project of its kind in the country — a hi-tech greenhouse covering an
area of one acre with capacity to produce up to 35 lakh seedlings of fruits and
vegetables at one time has been set up by a farmer with technical expertise from
Israel.

6. In Rajasthan, Mr. Sunil Kumar could succeed to produce 5 tons of high

quality cucumber from 1000 sq. m. greenhouse with the first crop and 7.5 tons from
the second crop and he marketed the entire produce to Delhi niche markets and
attained around rupees 4 lakh as gross income from these two crops.

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7. Haryana has become a major producer of button mushrooms by adopting
black polyethylene protected structures in waste land mainly in Sonipat and Panipat
districts. Several spawn production and training centres are being run by NGOs.

8. Himachal Pradesh, bestowed with varied agro- climatic conditions,

proved a boon to the vegetable growers as natural greenhouse. In 1990-91, the
vegetable productivity was hovering around 15.2t/ha. The horizontal expansion in
area and introduction of high yielding varieties coupled with refined production
technology, enhanced productivity to 18.12t/ha in 2000-01 and 20.00t/ha in 2011-
12. Protected cultivation started in 2009 by covering 55ha area, has expanded to
125ha in 2011-12. The overall productivity in polyhouse is 100t/ha, which is the
sole factor motivating the farmers for adoption of poly-culture. The flower
production has also appeared on State map by covering an area of 860 ha in open
and 70 ha under poly houses.

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Historical Background and Present Scenario
The idea of growing plants in a environment-controlled greenhouse goes back to
Roman times. The first modern greenhouse, covered with glass was built in Italy in
the 13th century to house exotic plants that explorers brought from the tropics. The
experiment quickly spread to Holland and England, along with plants. These early
attempts required a lot of work to close them at night or during the winter and they
had serious difficulties to maintain an appropriate heat level. The use of plastic
materials such as greenhouse covers is relatively recent. It started in 1948 in the
United States with Prof. E.M. Emmert of the University of Kentucky, who had the
idea to replace the glass with regenerated cellulose (paper cellophane) to cover a
wooden structure. Since then plastic greenhouses have been extended to the five
continents and have displaced glass as a material of walls and roof. In the 20th
century economic development, especially after the Second World War, led to the
construction of glass greenhouses and polyhouses.

The protected cultivation technology has been in use since several centuries.
Riverbed cucurbits cultivation involving protection of young seedlings from cold
winds in winter months by using straw fence is a traditional example in North India.
In Europe during winter months underground horse or cow dung hotbeds covered
with mica sheets were used for raising leafy vegetables. Commercial production of
th th
vegetables and cut flowers started in 19 century. In early 19 century glasshouses in
different designs came up in Europe and Asian countries, mainly in The Netherlands
and Japan, respectively. Subsequently, with the development of plastics, several
designs of protected structures or greenhouses came up. Polyethylene polymer was
first developed in 1930s and in 1950 it came in use in horticulture in the form of
plastic films and pipes for making structures and watering, respectively. Several
types of plastics like polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and polyesters were
developed later keeping in view the requirement of protected cultivation such as
transparent ultra violet (U V) stabilized polyethylene sheets as cladding material for
greenhouses. A revolution in plastic technology helped in progress and popularity of
protected cultivation.

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The Netherland has a long tradition of protected cultivation under glasshouses for
growing flowers and vegetables with the most advanced and automated
technologies. Around 10,000 ha area is under protected cultivation and most of
these are climate control glasshouses with soilless cultivation. Around 20 m ha is
under different forms of protected cultivation world over. Among the gulf countries
Israel is the largest exporters of cut flowers and vegetables grown under protected
conditions coupled with micro irrigation and fertigation. Hi –tech greenhouses are
being used for production of export quality cut flowers and vegetables. In Europe,
the highest area under greenhouses coverage is in Spain followed by Italy. The
countries which are located around Mediterranean region like Morocco, Algeria,
Egypt, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Portugal, Spain, Syria, Tunisia etc. cover area of about
2 lakh ha under greenhouses; 20,000 ha under glasshouses; 1.4 lakh ha under low
tunnels and over 4 lakh ha under plastic mulches. In Asia, China, started protected
cultivation in 1990's, under the largest area under protected cultivation; more than
90% of the greenhouses in China are used for vegetable production. The total area
covered in China increased to 2.5 m ha under plastic covered greenhouses (85% of
the world wide coverage), 9.6 million ha under plastic mulch and 0.9 m ha under
low tunnels and floating covers. More than half of vegetable produce comes out of
high tunnel polyhouses in China. China these days has large area under protected
cultivation making it largest producer of vegetables in the world. Japan is next
leading country producing fruits, vegetables and cut flowers under protected
structures covering 52,000 ha. Countries like South Korea, Kuwait, UAE, Korea,
Canada, Russia, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia have
sizeable area under protected cultivation.

In India, the area under all forms of protected cultivation is reported to be around
25,000 hectares. This area is on the increase due to the efforts made under National
Horticulture Mission, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. Defence
Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has Field Research Laboratory
(FRL) now renamed as Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) at Leh
(Jammu and Kashmir) at 11,500 ft above mean sea level which successfully
attempted protected cultivation in early 1960s for the production of vegetables in

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frozen winters for the army personnel stationed there. Indo-American Hybrid Seeds
(India), Bangalore is the pioneer in India to make use of greenhouse technology
since 1965 for commercial productions of flower seeds, cut flowers and ornamental
plants. Indian Petrochemical Corporation Ltd (IPCL) made significant contribution
in protected cultivation by commercially producing UV stabilized low density
polyethylene (LDPE) cladding and aluminum frames for polyhouses. National
committee on use of plastics in agriculture (NCPA) in 1981 under the Ministry of
Chemicals and Petrochemicals further boosted protected cultivation. This was
transferred to Ministry of Agriculture under Division of Horticulture in 1993 and was
entrusted with the task of promoting use of plastics in agriculture projects like
irrigation and protected cultivation. The NCPA operated through 22 Plasticulture
Development Centres (PDC) spread all over the country promoting protected
cultivation (use of hail nets, shade nets, packaging of produce). M/s Namdhari
Seeds, near to Bangalore is also producing fresh vegetables for export involving
farmers of the area. Similarly several protected units in Maharashtra and Karnataka
are producing high quality flowers and exporting the same. In northern India several
units are successfully growing gerbera and carnation flowers in tarai region of
Uttarakhand and HP. A farmer near Kotputali in Bamanwas has demonstrated
growing parthenocarpic cucumber under naturally ventilated greenhouses which
showed that protected cultivation can be a success story for arid regions of the
country. Mr. Sunil Kumar could succeed to produce 5 tons of high quality cucumber
from 1000 sq. m greenhouse with the first crop and 7.5 tons from the second crop
and he marketed the entire produce to Delhi niche markets and attained around
rupees 4 lakh gross income from these two crops.

In Haryana, protected cultivation in private sector was taken up in Gurgaon for the
production of cut flowers for export during 1980's but could not make much
headway. Progressive farmers under National Horticulture Mission have taken up
production of vegetables like cucumber, capsicum, tomato and gerbera. Under
Indo–Israel Projects, two demonstration centres at Gharaunda (Karnal) and
Mangiana (Sirsa) are creating interest and awareness among farmers in protected
cultivation of vegetables and other horticulture crops.

(8)
SWOT Analysis on Protected Cultivation in Haryana
Per capita land availability and size of holdings are continuously decreasing with
increasing population, urbanization and industrialization. Hence, cultivation of high
value crops in poly or net houses with controlled fertigation has the potential to
sustain a family on less than one acre.

Power requirements can be met from solar energy and rain water harvested from
green/ polyhouses could also be recycled for production. This will, therefore, be an
efficient resource input and social capital use scenario (Report on policy issues and
options based on interface with farmers, HKA, 2011-12).

Strengths

1. Haryana has close proximity to large market of vegetables and flowers in the
country both for domestic and export (International airport for shipping
perishables like flowers and vegetables) requirements.

2. Very good fertile soil and quality of water is available in the districts of
Sonipat, Karnal, Panipat, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Yamuna Nagar and
Panchkula.

3. The entire state is well linked with canals, therefore, quality water available
in some areas may not be a problem where ground water is problematic or
not good for agriculture.

4. Big niche markets are available in Delhi and Chandigarh and most of the
areas of the district of Gurgaon, Faridabad and Panchkula are posh.

5. Sizeable dairy industry and cattle population are available in Haryana

which help in organic protected cultivation.

6. Panchkula has the potential to emerge as a good centre of cut flowers,

vegetables and strawberries.

7. Pro-farmer policy of the Government to support such priority areas in

Horticulture may catalyze development of the sector. Slight sprucing up of
policy matters will give boost to protected cultivation in state.

(9)
8. Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Express highway (Express way) can be used
for fast transportation of the fresh produce to the International Airport for
export purposes.

9. Demonstration centres under Indo-Israel project are functional at

Gharaunda (Karnal) as Centre of Excellence for Vegetables and Centre for
Excellence for Fruits at Mangiana (Sirsa) to demonstrate new technology
interventions

10. Presently, a few farmers are growing some of the vegetables following cluster
approach in some parts of Haryana like mushroom cultivation in few
villages of Sonipat including sweet corn and baby corn; carrot in few villages
of Hisar and Bahadurgarh Tehsil, cauliflower in few villages adjoining
Najafgarh in a cluster approach. Similarly, protected cultivation can also go
in cluster approach in various parts of the state.

11. CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar and National Institute of Food
Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Kundli are
suitable for research and human resource development

12. Protected cultivation of vegetables and flowers under National Horticulture

Mission in all the districts of the state is being promoted.

13. Positive attitude and keenness of farmers towards vegetable and flower
production has been noticed

14. Being close to Delhi, so availability of all kinds of inputs .

15. Facilities for micro-propagation of vegetables and flowers exits at Bio-

technology park, Department of Horticulture, Government of Haryana,
Micro-propagation Technology Park, TERI, Gual Pahari, Gurgaon,
Haryana and CCS HAU Hisar, Haryana to meet the requirement of micro
propagated planting material for protected cultivation

16. Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology, Indian Agriculture Research

Institute, Pusa, New Delhi is in close proximity of Haryana from where
farmers can avail technical advice and training.

( 10 )
Weaknesses

1. Most of the youths in rural areas of the state are not attracted towards
agriculture.

2. There is lack of knowledge and expertise with the state departments and
SAU about protected cultivation including availability of inputs and focused
research

3. Mindset of the farmers to go with the traditional agricultural system and

crops.

4. Uncertainty on return from investment for being uncommon due to

handling by untrained farmers.

5. Low risk bearing capacity of majority of farmers in Haryana. Most of the

greenhouses are there with farmers having large holdings of land.

6. Marketing fee on fresh vegetables and flowers is prohibition.

7. Non availability of adequate post harvest management related facilities in

the state.

8. Knowledge and technological gaps in protected cultivation under certain

conditions are prominent.

9. Crop varieties/hybrids for protected cultivation are to be imported as there is

almost no research for development of indigenous varieties/ hybrids for
protected cultivation.

10. Dust storms make claddings opaque, thereby affecting their efficiency, life
and crop yield in South Western districts of the state..

11. There are visible technological gaps on IPM, INM, IWM and other modern
technologies under protected cultivation in Haryana.

12. Lack of proper training and availability of quality seeds, tubers and other
planting materials in floriculture through Government department.

13. Lack of training in protected cultivation in general.

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14. The number of innovative farmers is very very low owing to very few
number of viable demonstrative units existing in the state.

15. Mechanized farming in no-where is the sight.

16. The shift of labour from agriculture to less laborious works assigned under
MNREGA is the direct adverse effect hampering agriculture in India at the
state level.

Opportunities

1. Large population of educated youth is unemployed in rural areas. They can

be motivated and trained in the field of protected cultivation in an
experimental mode.

2. All kinds of protected cultivation technologies can be adopted in various

areas of the state for cultivation of large number of vegetables, flowers, and a
few fruits.

3. Adoption of protected cultivation in peri-urban areas of the state near NCR,

Delhi in cluster approach holds potential.

4. Big niche markets can be explored in Delhi, Panchkula, Chandigarh,

Ambala, Gurgaon, Karnal, Sonipat, and Faridabad districts.

5. On farm value addition of the fresh produce and minimal processing.

6. Institutions located in Rajiv Gandhi Educational City, Sonipat have

potential to enter for HRD in the field of protected cultivation.

7. Biotic and abiotic stresses in cultivation of vegetables and flowers can be

minimized completely to a great extent through protected cultivation.

8. Protected cultivation technology is known for increased input use efficiency

which is a key to successful farming. The farmers in Haryana appear to have
an aptitude towards that.

9. Introduction of aeroponics and hydroponics.

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Threats

1. General atmosphere of the state is not favourable to attract industries for

investment for the development of basic infrastructure related to Hi-tech
horticulture in the state.

2. High population of wild animals like blue-bulls and wild boar even monkeys
can be a threat for protected cultivation.

3. Power supply in rural areas is a serious weakness to introduce hi-tech

protected cultivation.

4. Lack of insurance for protected cultivation on vegetables and flowers.

5. The entire developmental pattern of protected cultivation is subsidy driven

and once the greenhouses are constructed, farmers are left to fend for
nothing.

6. Farmers do all the time depend on seed companies for seeds and planting
material which at times may misfire.

7. In hi-tech greenhouses, initial high cost and thereafter high running cost do
not encourage adoption chances by majority of small and medium farmers.

8. As the greenhouse structures grow older, the incidence of sucking pests like
mites, whiteflies, thrips, aphids and of soil-borne pathogens especially
nematodes start building up. The dynamics of pest management/IPM
technologies for protected cultivation are highly knowledge-intensive and
hence without trained manpower and scientific monitoring, it remains a
serious threat to protected cultivation not only presently, but also for future.

9. Absence of standard postharvest management practices of produce from

protected cultivation.

10. The disposal of high quality produce, through the hands of self centered
middle men, earns the lowest premium to the growers. This threat prevails
upon from the beginning and hinders the adoption of new technology,
besides the loss in remuneration.

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Reviewing the current status of protected cultivation
The terms of reference given to the working group (Annexure I) are discussed below.

1. Reviewing the current status of protected cultivation in Haryana.

Protected cultivation was started in early 1990s in Haryana with the establishment
of units like Kuber Floritech, Cosco Blossom, German Gardens in Gurgaon; Torbo
Floritech, Chandigarh and Mission Flora in Karnal, largely as entrepreneurial
ventures by business houses with the financial support from National Horticulture
Board as soft loans. Most of these units could not succeed due to different reasons,
primarily the unsuitable design of protected structures, operational expenses on
climate control, wrong selection of crops, lack of trained manpower and critical
inputs. Protected cultivation in Haryana is still in a state of infancy as, at present,
around 150 ha is covered under different protected structures in various regions for
mainly producing vegetables and a few floricultural crops. The area under protected
cultivation in Haryana is likely to increase fast in near future in the wake of several
initiatives under schemes from Central and State Governments.

2. To examine the existing structure and design for protected

cultivation and suggest suitable low cost models for large scale adoption.

Presently, the State Government under National Horticulture Mission is supporting

mainly the following protected structures in various regions of Haryana state:
Table: Various structures being promoted Under NHM in Haryana and
their rates of Fabrications:

Sr. Component Unit cost inclusive of taxes &

No. charges (Rs /m2)
1. Single span NVPH (5 m height) 700/-
2. Multi span NVPH (6.5 m height) 935/-
3. Polyhouse with Fan pad system 1465/-
4. Insect proof net house/shade net house/ anti bird/anti hail net house with
GI pipe perlin/Steel cable perlin 600/-
5. Walk-in –tunnels- I (2.5-3.0 m height) 450/-
6. Walk-in –tunnels- II (>3.0-3.5 m height) 550/-
7. Walk-in –tunnels- III (>3.5 m height) 600/-

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a. Single Span Green/ Polyhouse

These are the naturally ventilated green/ polyhouses with single span and with a
total central height of 5 m, side ventilation of 3m, without any provision of roof
ventilation. These green/ polyhouses can only be used mainly during winter months
(Nov. –March) or during low temperature period for vegetables and selected flower
production. These green/ polyhouses are not suitable for rest of the period mainly
during April – September for cultivation of vegetables and cut flowers in various
regions of state of Haryana and more specifically in districts of Gurgaon, Faridabad,
Palwal, Rewari, Narnaul, Mahendergarh, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Hisar, Sirsa, etc. due to
inner higher temperature inside the structures (3-5º C) as compared to outer
ambient temperature.

b. Multi Span NVPH:

These multispan naturally ventilated greenhouses are being fabricated with a central
height of 6.5 m, gutter height of 4.25 m., side ventilation of 3.5 m. and roof
ventilation of 1.0 – 1.5 m. These are suitable for cultivation of vegetables like
tomato, cherry tomato, and capsicum for a period of 8-9 months and three crops of
parthenocarpic cucumber can be grown in such structures in 8-10 months in various
regions and districts of Haryana.

c. Green/ polyhouses with pad and fan system

Green/ Polyhouses with pad and fan system are also being promoted by the State
with gutter height of 4.5 m with common side ventilation and top ventilation. In the
promotional scheme, these structures are being clubbed with exhaust fans and
cellulose cooling pads of 1.8 m in height with 150 mm thickness for cooling the
greenhouse environment. But the cost of fabrication of these structures is very high
and lot of running cost in terms of power requirement is also involved. Moreover,
power supply in the rural areas in Haryana is a major constraint. Therefore, these
structures have a limited use for cultivation of vegetables and cut flowers. Although
several vegetables and cut flowers can be grown under such structures if there is a
regular power supply and if the basic cost of fabrication is less. But by now only few
such structures have been fabricated and existing in the State for protected cultivation.

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d. Walk-in-Tunnel - I

The walk-in-tunnels have been divided into three groups according to their height,
i.e. central height and side ventilation although, they are also similar to the single
span green/ polyhouse in design and fabrication.

These structures are having a central height of 2.5 to 3.0 m and they are dome shape
with a side ventilation of 1.5 m with rolling flap or curtains on both the sides. These
structures have the limited use for protected cultivation of vegetables and cut
flowers. These structures can mainly be used during the winter period (November-
March) for cultivation of various vegetables and few flowers in rest of the period of
the year. It is difficult to use such structures as the inside temperature will increase
normally 3.0 - 4.0ºC as compared to outside temperature.

e. Walk-in-tunnel-II

These are the structures similar to the single span polyhouse having the central
height of 3.0-3.5 m dome shaped having 1.8 m side ventilation. These structures
can mainly be used during the winter period (November - March) for cultivation of
various vegetables and few flowers. In rest of the months it is difficult to use such
structures as the inside temperature will increase normally 3.0 -4.0 ºC as compared
to ambient temperature.

f. Walk-in-tunnel-III

These are the structures which are fabricated in dome shaped structure with a central
height of 3.5 m along with the side ventilation of 2 m. These structures have the
limited use for protected cultivation of vegetables and cut flowers. These structures
can mainly be used during winter (November- March.) for cultivation of various
vegetables and few flowers. In rest of the period of the year it is difficult to use such
structures as the inside temperature will increase normally 2.0 -3.0ºC as compared
to outside temperature.

g. Net houses:

Presently, only some farmers are using simple structures of shade nets and rarely the
insect-proof net houses in Haryana. But some shade net houses and insect proof

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structures have been fabricated at public sector institutions and Government
Department, in different locations of the state which have been fabricated in
different shapes and designs and have limited use due to various reasons . In some
cases side walls have been fabricated with insect-proof net but the roof has been
covered with shade nets, which are not fulfilling the requirements of virus-free safe
vegetable cultivation. But now under the promotional schemes of NHM, the State
government is promoting both the insect proof net houses and shade net houses in
tubular shape and these structures are having central height of 4 m and most of the
structures are flat in design. In such structures the side wall is 2.5 m and they are
dome shaped but such structures have been rarely fabricated in the State but some
examples are available. Otherwise, these structures, the insect-proof net houses or
the shade-net houses are quite suitable for cultivation of large number of vegetables
and also cut flowers in various regions and districts of Haryana state.

In general multi span naturally ventilated greenhouse and shade net house are
mainly being used as protected structures for protected cultivation of vegetables and
in some cases ornamental crops with and without financial supports from
Government. Structures listed above cannot be easily fabricated or erected by the
farmers themselves at village level by using the rural artisans. The cost of these
structures seems to be high.

Low cost models of protected structures for large scale adoption.

The following low cost models are suggested for large scale adoption in the state for
safe and economical production of vegetables, cut-flowers and selected fruit
production in various regions and districts of Haryana depending on the season,
crop and climatic conditions of that area:

a. Use of Plastic Mulches for Vegetable, Flower and Fruit Production:

Plastic mulches are mainly used for weed control, to increase soil temperature and to
keep soil moist resulting in reduction in the use of irrigation water. The most
preferred mulch are transparent (clear) and black, although wide variety of shades
and colours are being used for specific purpose. Currently worldwide double colour
plastic mulches viz., silver + black, blue + black, yellow + black, white + black and

( 17 )
red + black are being tested in horticultural crops and more specifically for
vegetables. The following benefits of plastic mulches for commercial vegetables,
flower and fruit production have been observed:

1. Moisture retention by reducing evaporation from the bed surface.

2. Inhibits weeds growth- black, silver + black, yellow + black, blue + black,
white + black mulches greatly inhibit lights penetration in the soil. Due to
this weed seeds do not germinate under these mulches. Clear or transparent
mulch allows light penetration and cause frequent weeds seed germination
and growth.

3. Reduces fertigation leaching by rain fall or run off during rainy season.

4. Decreases soil compaction which provides better environment for seedling

emergence and its root growth.

5. Protects fruit quality in vegetables by reducing rain-splashed soil deposits on

fruit. In addition mulches also reduce fruit rot caused by soil borne
organisms, as they work as barrier between the fruits and the organisms.

6. Helpful in fumigation. Mulches increase the effectiveness of soil fumigant

chemicals.

7. Help to control pests: Highly reflective mulches assist management of insect

pest and diseases,. Basically yellow + black is used if the whitefly is the
vector for viruses; silver + black is used in case aphid is the vector and blue
+ black is used if thrips are the vector for virus.

8. Black mulch (150 to 200 micron thickness) can be used in orchards either in
rows or around the plants to control the weeds and conserve moisture. It can
be used in all kind of fruit crops along with drip-fertigation system.

9. In contrast to conserving moisture poly mulching avoid water logging in

roots zone thus avoiding root rot.

10. The use of following plastic mulches (10-25 micron thickness) is suggested
for different horticultural crops in different seasons and areas keeping in
view the objective.

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A. Vegetable Crops

 Rainy Season- Only black, yellow+ black for tomato, chilli, brinjal, okra
and cucurbits

 Early Summer Season- Clear (Transparent) mulch for advancing the

cucurbits 15-20 days ahead to the main season.

 Winter Season- Clear (Transparent) mulch for tomato, chilli and brinjal
crops.

 Summer season- Only black or silver + black for all cucurbits, brinjal, chilli
and tomato cultivation.

B. Flower Crops

 Post Rainy Season – Black or silver + black for marigold, gladiolus and
chrysanthemum.

 Winter Season- Clear mulch: gladiolus , lilium, marigold

 Summer Season- Black or silver + black for marigold

C. Fruit Crops

Use of black or silver + black for strawberry cultivation (October- March)

under open field and under plastic low tunnels is suggested. In orchards
black plastic mulch (50 to 200 micron) can be used. Black polythene
mulching for papaya cultivation in rainy months can be used.

b. Plastic Low Tunnels:

Plastic low tunnels are the temporary structures erected over the individual rows of
the beds by stretching transparent plastic only to protect the crops against extreme
low temperature during winter season for their advancement of 25-30 day over
normal season of sowing under open fields. These temporary structures can be used
for off-season production of vegetables mainly cucurbits through advancing their
production over normal season by about one month. Such advancement of crops
like cucurbits can give better prices to the producers in niche markets of Delhi,
Chandigarh and Gurgaon. The optimum size of plastic low tunnels is 45cm x 60 cm

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width/height depending upon the crop and planting time. Individual row of the
crops are covered by such structures using transparent plastic film of 20-25 micron
thickness stretched over bent GI wires of 8 mm diameter. These wires can be reused
for 8-10 years, whereas, the plastic used for making low tunnels can be used only for
two years.

Plastic Low Tunnels

c. Walk-in-Tunnels:

Walk-in-tunnels are purely the temporary structures which are made by using GI
pipes and transparent plastic of 180-200 micron thickness. Walk–in-tunnels are
used for complete off-season cultivation of vegetables like bottle gourd, summer
squash, cucumber, French bean, tomato and others during winter season
(Dec.–Jan.). The basic objective and utility of walk-in-tunnels is to fetch high price of
the off-season produce to earn more profit per unit area. These kind of temporary
protected structures are highly suitable and profitable for the vegetable growers in
various parts of Haryana State.

Optimized size of the walk in tunnel is 100-120 Sq m, having 4.0 m width and 25 to
30 m length with a 2.0 m central height. The basic advantages of the size of 25-30 m
long tunnel is better cross ventilation, size of plastic available and better pollination
by honey bees. The cost of fabrication of such 100-120 sq. m. size walk- in- tunnel is
Rs 16000-18000/- .

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Basic advantages of the use of walk-in-tunnels are:

 Off-season cultivation of vegetables for earning more income.

 Walk-in-tunnels are only erected over the crop during the peak winter
months of December, January and mid February and thereafter the
structure is removed from the crop.

 Since, the plastic is used only for 60 to 75 days (Dec. – mid Feb.); its re-
usage life can be for several years.

 These are temporary and low cost structures, which can be fabricated by the
farmers themselves at village level by taking help of rural artisans.

Walk-in-Tunnel Bottle gourd in December

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d. High Tunnels With Top Ventilation:

High tunnels are the permanent structures which can be prefabricated and
assembled on site by means of bolts, nuts and washers only. Such structures are
made with galvanized steel pipes and profiles for long life of the structure. This
enables easy implementation and full adaptation to all related sub systems used in
modern greenhouse production. Such structures are provided with 1.0 m of top
ventilation along with a central height of 4.7 – 5.0 m and side ventilation of 2.2- 2.5
m. These structures are in fact more suitable for the climatic condition of Haryana
state as the state Government is already popularizing these type of permanent walk-
in - tunnel structures viz. walk -in- tunnel-I (central height 2.5 – 3.0 m without top
vent), walk -in- tunnel-II (central height 3.0 – 3.5 m with top vent), and walk -in-
tunnel-III (central height 3.5 m but without top vent ). These structures in present
design can be used for crop production only during the winter period (November –
March), whereas, the modified walk- in- tunnel structures provided with top
ventilation can be used for longer period (August – April) for cultivation of vegetable
and flower crops under different regions of Haryana state and the cost of such
structures is also at par to walk-in-tunnel III. Similarly, the single span, naturally-
ventilated green/ polyhouse should also be modified with top ventilation for their
efficient and long duration use in Haryana state.

High tunnels with 1.0 m top ventilation

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e. Insect proof net house:

Insect proof net house can be fabricated as temporary and permanent structures in
different designs. Temporary structures can be fabricated in walk-in-tunnel design
and shape with double door facility at one end of the structure. The minimum size of
insect proof net house in green-house design is 100 sq.m. The basic cost of
fabrication for temporary net house is around Rs. 160-180/ m2, whereas, it is around
Rs 350-400/ m2 for permanent net house fabricated in design of a greenhouse. The
permanent structures can be fabricated in two designs, one as flat roof design and
shape with a height of 2.5- 3.0 m. The other permanent insect proof net house can
be fabricated in dome shape in greenhouse design.

Usually the farmers are growing vegetable crops like tomato, chilli, sweet pepper,
okra and others under open fields. But during rainy and post rainy season it is very
difficult to grow these crops successfully in open field due to leaf curl, yellow vein
mosaic and other viruses. These viruses spread through insect vectors like whiteflies
or aphids. The population of whitefly after the start of monsoons is very high and it
remains in the open environment up to end of October depending upon the
temperature. The farmers are often using high dosage of insecticides, to control
these vectors. Despite repeated use of insecticides virus infestation on tomatoes,
chilli and okra still persists. The second most common and most severe problem in
tomato, brinjal and okra is the fruit borer against which also the growers are using
huge amount of insecticides and they are unable to control this insect. The other
way to control the virus and fruit borer is to put a mechanical barrier between the
crops and open environment. This is possible with the use of insect proof net of 40 or
50 mesh in the form of net houses or insect proof net covered walk-in-tunnels. By
this way the growers can directly reduce the use of insecticides and they can grow
virus free crops of tomato, chilli, sweet pepper, brinjal, okra and others during rainy
or post-rainy season. For growing virus free healthy seedlings of these crops either in
the greenhouse or by covering the nursery beds with insect proof net is a pre-
requisite. The farmers can erect these insect proof net houses by using half inch size
GI pipes after bending them in half-circle shape. Other insect proof net houses can
also be made by covering all sides and top with insect proof net of 40 mesh, but the

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net should be UV stabilized. It has been experimentally established that under these
double door net houses crops like sweet pepper, tomato, chilli, brinjal, okra and
others can be grown successfully without infestation of viruses or insects like fruit
and shoot borer etc. Moreover, growers can save the huge amount spent on
pesticides to control the insect/pests

Temporary Insect proof net house in Rectangular shaped permanent insect proof
Walk- in -Tunnel Design net house with provision of net on the top

Insect proof net house with provision of Permanent Insect proof net house in
net on inner side greenhouse design

( 24 )
f. Shade Net House:

Shade net houses are the low cost temporary to semi-permanent structures made by
providing 40-60% shade as per crop schedules and requirements. Usually, during
April to July, 50-60% shade net is used over the structure at a height of 7-8 feet.
Mostly the black colour shade net is preferred as this colour absorbs maximum heat.
During the month of August to October, 30-40% shade net is used. The optimized
size of shade net house is 100-120 m 2 and the height of the permanent shade net
house is 2.5 – 3.0 m. During peak summer months, it is not possible to grow certain
vegetables like green coriander, beet leaf (palak) etc. due to very high atmospheric
temperature and radiation. The basic objective of shade net is to reduce the
temperature and radiation for successful cultivation of crops like green coriander,
beet leaf, radish, early cauliflower, early cabbage, early carrot and for advancing the
crop like lettuce and broccoli ahead to their normal season of growing for fetching
high price in the market. Basic cost of fabrication of such shade net houses is
approximately Rs. 100-120/ sq. m. depending upon the design of the shade net
houses.

These temporary plastic structures (shade net house) are suitable for off-season
vegetable cultivation particularly for south west Haryana.

Temporary Shade Net Structure

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 Capsicum crop under permanent silver colour shade net house

g. Zero-Energy Naturally Ventilated Green/ Polyhouse:

Naturally ventilated green/ polyhouse is the protected structure where no heating or

cooling devices are provided for climate control. These are simple and medium cost
greenhouses which can be fabricated with a cost of approximately Rs.700-850/- sq.
m. and these greenhouses can be used successfully and efficiently for growing year
round parthenocarpic slicing cucumber, off-season muskmelon, tomato and sweet
pepper crops for 8-9 months duration. These structures are having a manually
operated cross ventilation system for use as and when required. These naturally
ventilated green/ polyhouse structures are having a gutter height of 4.5-5.0 m, side
ventilation of 3.0- 4.5 m, top ventilation of 1.2 to 1.8 m and are highly suitable for
long crop production in various parts of Haryana state. During peak summer
months (Mid April to July), roof (top) of these structures can be covered with 30-
40% shade nets for cultivation of vegetables during peak summer months by
reducing the inside temperature as much as possible. Looking to the year round,
increasing demand of high quality parthenocarpic slicing cucumber, tomatoes,
capsicum and flowers like chrysanthemum, roses, gerbera and carnation can be

( 26 )
supplied in up markets of the metro and other big cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
This is most suitable low cost structure. Parthenocarpic cucumber is one of the most
suitable and profitable crops for cultivation under naturally ventilated green/
polyhouses in peri-urban areas of the state round the year. Three successful crops of
cucumber can be taken in a naturally ventilated greenhouse in a period of one year.
Muskmelon is the second suitable crop, which can be successfully cultivated for its
complete off-season (Oct-Jan) availability. Needless to emphasize that these crops
fetch very high prices of the off-season produce in the up markets of the metro and
other big cities of the northern parts of the country.

Similarly, high value vegetables like regular tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and
coloured peppers are the three well tested crops which can be grown for long
duration (8-10 months period) under naturally ventilated greenhouse conditions. In
metro cities like Delhi there is year round demand of these high quality vegetables in
the up markets viz. five star hotels, shops of embassies or high commissions of
various countries situated in Delhi. Greenhouse vegetable production is a highly
intensive enterprise requiring substantial labour for whole day commitment, which
restricts the adoption of this technology. The working group recommends that
vegetable and cut flower growers of Haryana should use the naturally ventilated
polyhouse technology for cultivation of high quality produce for higher profits.

All the structures are basically dependent upon low pressure drip fertigation system.

Naturally Ventilated Multi-span Naturally Ventilated

Green/ Polyhouse Green/Polyhouse

( 27 )
3. Reviewing the status of research in the field of protected cultivation
and suggest measures to address current gaps and specific needs of the
state.

Protected cultivation is one of the upcoming areas among other disciplines of

horticulture. Hitherto, the science of protected cultivation has been viewed rather
narrowly. In real sense, protected cultivation is actually a complete science in its own
as the entire gamut of agricultural activities are taken up in fairly transformed
manner. Most of abiotic and biotic conditions in greenhouses/structures are at
variance with multiple factors on all crop growth parameters.

Ample research has been carried out in the area of protected cultivation mainly from
the perspective of protection against snow, frost and pests under temperate
conditions. Many of these conditions are not relevant to countries like India and
hence there are visible gaps not only in technology but its proper implementation on
the overall impact and economics. Haryana state does not have temperate areas.

Apart from the research activities taken up at Centre for Protected Cultivation
Technology (CPCT), I.A.R.I., NEW DELHI, which has taken up a lead in the
research and development in the area of protected cultivation, only sporadic
research efforts are being taken up in Indian agriculture research system. In
Haryana, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar has taken up research on
protected cultivation at a low and initial level. The University does not have holistic
and comprehensive approach to cover the requirement of the state for protected
cultivation. Opening of a School of Protected Cultivation at CCS HAU is therefore,
being suggested to meet research, trained human resource and associated needs of
the state. It is suggested that proposed school may take up R&D activities in the area
of protected cultivation in the state of Haryana in view of the following gaps visible
currently as well as for future requirement of the State.

i. First and foremost, exhaustive data generation on abiotic parameters under

different structures is seriously wanted. This would result in the emergence of
recommendations for suitable designs of protected structures under different
geographical locations and micro-climate for various crops. R&D initiatives on the

( 28 )
low-cost technologies for soilless and organic production of vegetables and flowers
under protected cultivation needs to taken up for the state.

ii. In general, varieties/hybrids of vegetables and flowers suitable for protected

cultivation have not yet been developed in India. There is an ample scope for the
development of these varieties/hybrids and R&D activities in public- private
partnership model.

iii. Production technology standardization of vegetable crops like capsicum,

cucumber, tomato, leafy vegetables, may be carried out. Especially, the crop-
specific fertigation scheduling for Haryana condition is very crucial considering the
soil, water and climatic conditions. Similarly production management for different
crops under various structures also needs to be standardized. R&D initiatives on the
development of innovative tools, implements and equipment for protected
cultivation may be given a boost in the overall research activities of associated
institutions leading to more efficient mechanization of such protected system at
large.

iv. Influence of the abiotic variations on different plant growth parameters of

various crops under Haryana conditions has a lot of scope of research work in
immediate future.

v. Similarly, there are lot of avenues for seed production under protected
structures as the entire dynamics of isolation distances so stipulated for open field
conditions, do change under protected cultivation. Disease free crops can be raised
under protected structures for healthy seed production of certain vegetables and
flowers.

vi. There is a need for mapping of key pest problems in different crops in
Haryana under protected cultivation. The creation of diagnostic repository for key
pests and their natural enemies is an important requirement of this area.

vii. R&D activities on pest management strategies for different crops to develop
IPM and organic pest management options in modular and calendar-cum-need
based modes are required.

( 29 )
viii. Research on pollination and pollinators under protected conditions for
production of vegetables is required to be taken up for various kinds of stakeholders.

ix. Market research starting from produce management, value addition,

minimal and industrial processing standardization and economics of
entrepreneurial options may be worked out for bringing about holistic
developmental opportunities for the state.

x. Extension research on the level of knowledge among protected cultivation

growers, level of adoption, constraints, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats need to be worked out for streamlining the lacunae.

4. To suggest specific crops and their sequences for all the year
round production of vegetables/flowers and for raising nurseries using
appropriate structures.

 Vegetables:

Naturally Ventilated Green/ Polyhouse for Year Round Nursery

Production

A) Vegetable Nursery: Nursery can be raised in 6 to 8 batches annually.

1. June-July:

Virus free, healthy main and off-season nursery can be raised for different crops like
tomato, brinjal (for open field), capsicum, cucumber, sweet corn (hybrids) and chilli etc.

2. July-August:

The healthy nursery of brinjal, cucumber, tomato, capsicum, lettuce and cole crops
can be raised in this time period.

3. August- September:

Capsicum, lettuce, parsley, beet root, celery, tomato (winter crop for open field),
cucumber (under green/ polyhouse cultivation) and all cole crops.

4. September-October:

Virus free healthy nursery of cole crops, lettuce, parsley, beet root, celery, and all
cucurbits (for off season cultivation under walk-in-tunnel)
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5. October-November:

The healthy nursery of summer squash, lettuce, parsley and cole crops

6. November-December:

Nursery of tomato (for open field) chilli, brinjal, late cauliflower, cabbage

7. December- January:

Tomato (for off-season cultivation under plastic low tunnels), chilli, brinjal and all
cucurbits

8. January-February:

Nursery of all cucurbits (advancing the crop in open field conditions), sweet corn
and cucumber for protected cultivation

In foggy months of December January, sunken nursery for growing seedlings of

summer vegetables like tomato, capsicum , brinjal, cucurbits (Poly bags or plugged
trays), summer annuals of flowering ornamentals can be successfully grown. This
technique is also most suitable for growing virus free nursery in the desert area.
Winter crops can be grown in summer in the deserts.

 Flowers:

1. June-July:

Rooted cutting of early chrysanthemum can be propagated and nursery of other

seasonal flowers like balsam, celosia, tithonia, vinca and marigold etc. can also be
raised. Cuttings of certain fillers like golden rod, thuja ferns etc can also be
undertaken.

2. July-August:

Propagation of woody perennials, foliage, fillers shrubs climbers and evergreen

shrubs like hibiscus, nerium and bougainvillea can be taken up during this period. At
the same time nursery of mid and late linum, jafri, calendula, antirrhinum, clarkia,
sweet pea, sweet william clarkia, tithonia, vinca, amaranthus etc. can also be
prepared during this period.

( 31 )
3. August- September:

Nursery of Jafri, calendula, clarkia, tithonia, vinca, stock, popy, sweet sultan, sweet
pea, sweet william can be raised and rooted cutting of chrysanthemum along with
the propagation of roses and jasmine can also be done during this period.

2. September-October:

Marigold, jafri, linum, chrysanthemum, limonium, petunia, dahlia rooted cuttings,

phlox, cornflower, candytuft nursery of mid and late seasonal flowers like petunia,
limonium and statis can also be raised.

3. October-November:

The clumps of gerbera can be separated for further propagation purpose. Nursery of
petunia, nastratitum, dahlia, cosmos, linaria, cinraria, salvia can be raised and
forcing of various bulbous flowers including raising of poinsettia under short day can
be done. Pots of dahlia can be prepared.

4. November-December:

Cuttings of desi roses can be raised while doing pruning.

5. December – January:

In this season fresh planting of roses and off-season early nursery of marigold flower
can be taken up.

6. January – February:

Off-season and early nursery of marigold can be raised under protected structure
and spring season bulbs can be raised.

7. February- March:

Raising of cutting of indoor foliage plants and division of suckers and bulbs like
Amaryllis, football lily, caladium etc, budding in roses, raising of marigold nursery
can be taken up.

( 32 )
SUITABLE CROP SEQUENCE

A) Naturally Ventilated Green/ polyhouse:

a. Regular Tomato or Cherry Tomato Sequence I:

Only indeterminate type of varieties/ hybrids which fulfill all the quality requirements
can be grown under such structures for a period of 8 to 9 month in different locations
of the state of Haryana depending upon the climatic conditions of that area. The
crop can be raised as stated below:

i) Virus free healthy nursery of such varieties/ hybrids is raised under

protection in soil or soilless media.

ii) 25 – 30 days old seedlings are planted in the green/ polyhouse possibly from
mid July to first week of August.

iii) Around 2400 to 2600 plants can be adjusted in 1000 sq.m. green/
polyhouse area depending upon the design and size of beds.

iv) Crop transplanted in mid July can continue upto end of April or mid May
next year depending upon the crop management and climatic conditions.

b. Standard Tomato and Cherry Tomato Sequence II:

i) Crop can be transplanted in the month of mid February to Mid March after
raising virus free healthy nursery.

ii) The crop can continue upto the end of December or January depending
upon the crop management and climatic conditions of the area.

iii) Under this sequence the green/ polyhouse structure is required to be

covered on the top of the roof with a 40-50% black color shade net during
the months of May-August depending upon the prevailing climatic
conditions.

c. Capsicum:

Suitable varieties/ hybrids of capsicum with green, orange, chocolate, red or yellow
or other colour can be grown for a period of 8-9 months depending upon the crop
management and climatic conditions of the area as stated below:

( 33 )
i) Virus free healthy nursery of these varieties is raised under protection in soil
or soilless media in the month of July.

ii) 35 – 38 days old seedlings can be transplanted from first week of August to
first week of September.

iii) Around 3600 to 3800 plants are adjusted in 1000 sq.m. area depending
upon the design and size of the beds. The crop transplanted in the first week
of August can continue upto end of April in the next year in the green/
polyhouse.

d. Parthenocarpic Cucumber:

Firstly suitable parthenocarpic varieties/ hybrids are selected for cultivation under
green/ polyhouse conditions. Thereafter, seedlings of the selected variety are/
hybrid raised in soil or soilless media only under protection. Three crops of
parthenocarpic cucumber can be grown under such greenhouse conditions as
stated below:
st
1 Crop:

i) Seedlings of the selected varieties/hybrids are raised in the month of July.

ii) 20-22 days old seedlings are transplanted in the first week of August.

iii) Around 3600-3800 plants are adjusted in 1000 sq. m. Green/ polyhouse
area depending upon the design and size of the beds. The crop transplanted
in the first week of August will continue mostly up to mid October to third
week of October.
nd
2 Crop:

i) The seedlings for the 2nd crop are raised from end of September to 1st week of
October in soil or soilless media under protection.

ii) 20-25 days old seedlings are transplanted one week after removal of the first
crop from mid October to third week of October.

iii) The mid October transplanted cucumber crop can continue up to end of
January.

( 34 )
3rd Crop:

i) Seedlings of the third crop of cucumber are raised in the month of January.

ii) 25-30 days old seedlings can be transplanted during first to second week of
February after removal of the 2nd crop.

iii) This crop will continue up to end of April or first week of May depending
upon the crop management.

B) Insect Proof Net House:

a. Tomato: Indeterminate type green/ polyhouse varieties/ hybrids of

standard and cherry tomato which are normally grown under green/ polyhouse are
suitable for cultivation under insect proof net houses for a period of eight months
(September to mid April) under different agro climatic conditions of Haryana. But
after using a cover of shade net on the roof of the insect proof net house, the
duration of tomato crop can be extended up to end of May as stated below:

i) September to Mid April without cover.

ii) Mid September to end of May: Covering 40% shade net over the roof of the
net house structure.

b. Capsicum:

The capsicum crop can be grown vertically like a green/ polyhouse for a period of 7-
8 months in different agro climatic conditions of Haryana which can be further
extended by using a shade net over the roof of the insect proof net house in a
similar way like tomato for a period of one month. The varieties/ hybrids which are
suitable for green/ polyhouse can be grown under insect proof net house as given
below:

i) October to April : Without using shade net on the top of the roof of the insect
proof net house (40% shade net intensity)

ii) October to May: By using 40-50% shade net over the roof of the insect proof
net house.

( 35 )
c. Cucumber:

The parthenocarpic varieties/ hybrids of cucumber can be grown vertically in insect

proof net house like a green/ polyhouse. Two crops can be taken.

i) September to mid December

ii) Mid February to April

C) Walk –In- Tunnel shape insect proof net house: The following crops
can be raised in seasons given below:

a. Okra :

 July to October

 September to December

 January to April

b. Brinjal:

 July to Mid December

 January to April

c. Tomato:

 July to November

d. Chilli :

 January to May

 June to November

e. Summer Squash:

 January to April

 October to December

f. French Bean:

 October to December

 Mid January to mid April

( 36 )
D) Walk-In-Tunnels: Crop varieties grown in open field may yield better
under such structures.

These structures can be used for cultivation of different vegetables only during peak
winter months (December to Mid March) only to protect the crop against low
temperature in different parts of Haryana state. These are the temporary and low
cost structures which are highly suitable for complete off-season cultivation of crops
like bottle gourd, summer squash, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, ridge gourd, melons
and others. Some of the crops and their growing period are given below:

1) Summer squash :

 December to February

2) Bottle gourd, Sponge gourd, Ridge gourd :

 November to March

3) Muskmelon and Watermelon:

 January to April

 October to January

4) Tomato production during peak winter season

 October to January

5) Brinjal :

 October to February

6) French bean and Cow pea

 November to February

E) Shade net house:

Shade nets are mainly used for cultivation of different vegetables during peak
summer months (April to June) to protect the crops against high temperature and
radiation. For Haryana conditions following crops are suggested:

1) Leafy Vegetables ( Leafy Coriander, Palak and Mint)

 April to July (shade net with 40-60% shading intensity).

( 37 )
2) Early Cauliflower

 June to September (shade net with 40% shading intensity).

3) Early Broccoli and Lettuce

 August to November (shade net with 40-50% shading intensity).

Lettuce can be further extended up to January to April

4) Parsley and Celery

 September to April (shade net with 40-50% shading intensity)

5) Tomato

 March to June (shade net with 40-50% shading intensity).

6) Chilli

 February to June (shade net with 30-40% shading intensity).

7) Capsicum:

 February to June (shade net with 30-40% shading intensity).

F) Plastic Low Tunnels:

Plastic low tunnels are mainly used for advancing the crop mainly cucurbits 20-40
days ahead to their normal season of cultivation. Following crops are suitable for
plastic low tunnels.

1) Summer squash:

 December to March

2) Melons:

 Mid January to April

3) Bottle gourd, Pumpkin and Cucumber:

 Mid January to May

( 38 )
FLOWERS:

Working group deliberated at length production of flowers under protected

cultivation in Haryana. Naturally ventilated green/ polyhouse and shade nets are
considered suitable, economical and affordable by Haryana farmers. Information
on these is given below:

A) Naturally Ventilated Green/ Polyhouse

a. Chrysanthemum: It can be grown for both main season and off-season

production in various regions of Haryana state by using blackout (2-3 hrs) during
long day conditions and artificial light for 2-3 hrs during short day conditions by
making suitable arrangement.

 August to November (after transplanting of rooted cuttings for off -season

crop)

 December to April ( for off-season crop)

For Main Season:

 October to early December (main season crop)

b. Gerbera: This crop can be grown in naturally ventilated green/ polyhouse

under climatic conditions of Panchkula, Morni Hills, Ambala, Kurukshetra,
Karnal and Panipat in Haryana state. Plantation can be done in October
month and crop will continue for a period of 2-3 years.

c. Cut Flower Rose:

This Crop can be grown in naturally ventilated green/ polyhouse in few areas of
Haryana state like Kalka, Morni Hills and Panchkula. Plantation can be done in
October month and flower production can continue for a period of 5-6 years.

d) Lilium: A high value flower –Asiatic and Oriental lily can be grown under
naturally ventilated green/ polyhouse during winter season from October to
February throughout Haryana state. The major advantage of the naturally
ventilated polyhouse is that flowering can be obtained early to fetch better price
from the markets in Chandigarh and Delhi.

( 39 )
B) Shade Net House:

a. Fillers and foliage ornamental plants: Various kinds of foliage plants

like asparagus, Boston fern, ornamental lettuce, leather leaf fern etc. can be grown
in different season of Haryana state with shading of 40-60% for their year round
cultivation.

b. Indoor Plant Propagation/Ornamental plant Nursery: Peri-urban

areas of Haryana, which are located in National Capital Region, can produce large
scale indoor plants and nursery of seasonal flowers for supply to cities like Delhi,
Gurgaon and Faridabad. Research on flower/foliage production under protected
cultivation needs to be intensified for large scale production.

5. Use of protected cultivation in Peri-urban Agriculture for increasing

the income of the farmers living around big cities like NCR.

Peri-urban agriculture has an important component of horticultural production.

Horticultural crops have short shelf life and are to be produced close to the
consumption center. Their production in peri-urban areas has great potential of
providing better returns to the farmers. High priority has been accorded under
National Horticulture Mission to promote protected cultivation, particularly for
taking up cultivation of vegetables under green/ polyhouses and shade net houses in
the peri-urban areas. Haryana being close to National Capital Region (NCR) has
advantage of close-by huge potential market of these crops. According to Food and
Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO), urban poor consumers spend
between 60 and 80% of their income on food, making them vulnerable to higher
food prices. Vegetables are becoming unaffordable to urban poor during these days.
Peri-urban farmers of Haryana near NCR of Delhi may take advantage of it. Since
peri-urban areas have a constraint of availability of land for agriculture; protected
cultivation (requires less land) of vegetables and flowers is advocated to them. This
would provide better productivity and round the year production of leafy vegetables
like palak, coriander and others. Under net houses and naturally ventilated green/
polyhouses, poly tunnels and other structures, vegetables like cucumber, tomato,
capsicum, brinjal, chillies etc. can be grown for long period which would provide
them advantage of high price of early and late crops. Mushroom production needs
( 40 )
to be encouraged in peri- urban areas of Haryana near NCR. Use of plastic mulch
and low cost drip irrigation in production of most of the vegetables in peri-urban
areas of Haryana near NCR has great scope and paying proposition. Establishment
of Hi-tech Greenhouses in Peri-urban Haryana near NCR for the supply of
vegetables and flower seedlings, fruit saplings can generate quality employment to
agriculture graduates. This would boost horticultural production by providing
quality planting material to the growers. Hence, protected cultivation of vegetables,
flowers and fruits like strawberry needs to be promoted in peri-urban areas of
Haryana. In fact protected cultivation should be taken up in cluster approach in peri-
urban areas of NCR for safe and high quality vegetables and flower production and
such cluster or farms can be certified under GAP. Similarly, on farm value addition
should also be taken up on such farmers or clusters. All kind of protected
technologies viz., Naturally ventilated green/ polyhouses, Insect proof net houses,
Shade net houses, Walk-in-tunnels, Low tunnels, Plastic mulching should be taken
up on large scale for high quality vegetable and flower production.

6. Identify measures required for promoting effective linkages with the

markets for increasing farmers' income.

Marketing is one of the Achilles' heels or a deadly weakness of farmers in their

overall constraints in realizing the profitable and reliable buyers/markets. The
situation for green/ polyhouse growers is worse than open field growers as the
former have much higher initial investments and hence, inspite of better quality they
are not able to get higher prices due to small holdings, sporadic location, non-
adherence to quality and GAP standards and more than above all, the non-
availability of scientific guidance on production technologies including plant
protection. Small green/ polyhouses, located at distances from each other sulk for
survival – as they lack knowledge of production technology and often do not have
any access to organized marketing mechanisms.

Therefore, providing subsidy to the growers for the construction of the green/
polyhouses may prove ornamental only, until there is holistic growth of all the allied
sectors of which marketing mechanism and linkages are one of the most crucial
components.

( 41 )
It is imperative to work out effective solutions for holistic growth of market sector
especially for the horticultural crops and more so for protected cultivation growers.
Following measures may help in sprucing up these linkages:

i. Marketing centres across different districts of Haryana should be established

for associations/cluster partners of the protected cultivation so that farmers
have a direct role in market price mechanisms. Every district market/mandi
should have ample space allotment to various farmer clusters with due care
for the representation of all the stake holding farmer groups.

ii. Cool chain and cold storage facilities should be available on subsidized rates
to the farmers so that they are not dependent on prevalent market rates.

iii. At higher level of technology, the state may develop a transparent electronic
auction mechanism that should have cluster leaders as well as
representation of marginal growers for effective access to different strata of
growers.

iv. The farmer clusters should be facilitated with certification agencies for
diagnostic and GAP standards so that the quality produce of the growers
could fetch higher prices through organized and up-markets and preferably
for export.

v. Development of protected cultivation clusters, their intra and inter cluster

co-operative group approach has been suggested to have better linkages
with markets in NCR region and APEDA, Ministry of Commerce for export
of produce.

vi. Competitive retailing through electronic auctions involving multinational

branches at one hand and cluster farmers on other for both pre-production
tie-ups and post production auctions may be developed to splice out middle
men to achieve transparency for better price realization to growers.

vii. Some marketing mechanism of horticultural produce has to be developed

by agriculture economists to ensure at least 60% of customer price to reach
back to the growers.

( 42 )
7. To assess the current training programmes and facilities in relation to
protected cultivation and suggest measures for human resource
development, specially the small holding farmers.

The current training program on protected cultivation and mushroom production is

going on at the Horticulture Training Institute, Karnal by Department of
Horticulture, Haryana Agro-Industries Corporation Ltd, Integrated Mushroom
Research and Development Centre, Sonipat, CCS HAU, Hisar and several NGOs.
These centres are helping farmers in this important self employment protected
cultivation activity. These efforts are considered inadequate. The working group
suggested adding School of Protected Cultivation to CCS HAU which would cater
the training needs, besides research needs, of all stakeholders of protected
cultivation in Haryana.

Haryana presently has one Horticultural Training Institute at Karnal, which was
established with World Bank aid under Agricultural Human Resource Development
(AHRD) Scheme in the year 1998 for imparting training on various aspects of
horticulture ranging from one week to six months duration.

Recently, two Centers of Excellence (COE) on protected cultivation have been

established at Gharaunda (Karnal) and Mangania (Sirsa). The COE for vegetables
was established under Indo-Israel collaboration in Gharaunda near Karnal which is
fulfilling its objectives of demonstrations of protected cultivation and nursery raising
technologies of vegetables and flowers. Other than this CCS HAU, Hisar has some
limited facilities for the field demonstration for protected cultivation for the students.
Therefore, the current level of infrastructure, facilities and staff are inadequate to
meet the emerging requirements of protected cultivation.

Hence the working group strongly recommends establishing a School of

Protected Cultivation at CCS HAU Hisar as stated earlier and being emphasized here.

Protected cultivation of vegetables and flowers involves technical inputs and

technologies from the following

Expert Vegetable/ Horticulturists- Thorough knowledge of crops, crop

husbandry and post harvest management

( 43 )
Plant Breeder- Development of suitable varieties/ hybrids for protected
cultivation.

Agriculture Engineer-Structure designs, micro-irrigation, claddings, packaging,

environment control gadgets, crop handling tools and other engineering inputs

Plant Protection Specialists- Biotic stress in protected cultivation is different

and their management technology is different from open field cultivation. After
three years of protected cultivation insect and pathogen load builds up in the
covered spaces necessitating prophylactic and control measures.

Plant Physiologists- Under protected environment plant physiology is different

than that of open field. To make use of modified environment and manipulate it to
better photosynthetic activity, growth, flowering, fruiting etc. inputs from plant
physiologist and environment science experts are necessary.

Agricultural Economists –cum- Social Scientist: Protected cultivation

practices in vegetables and flower production are to be compared with open field
cultivation practices which are distinct and different. To ascertain superiority of one
practice with another in each vegetable and flower crops economic tools,
methodologies, intelligence etc. are to be made use of. Cultivation practice with
economic superiority (more input use efficiency and return) is only welcome.

The expertise of above in an appropriate mix is to be used to maximize output with

minimum inputs in protected cultivation of crops.

The human resources with expertise of perfect blend of above science and
technologies is to be produced continuously to meet the requirements of the state. At
present there is no such provision. Few courses with repetitive contents in above
mentioned disciplines are now being taught at CCS HAU, Hisar at graduate and
postgraduate programs. This requires thorough review and consideration of
consolidation of expertise naming it as School of Protected Cultivation. This school,
if approved, may be equipped to meet all the requirements of protected cultivation
of the state including Human Resource Development, research, training (farmers
and staff of Horticulture department of Haryana) and future requirements of the
state. Faculty of this school may be trained elsewhere in the country and abroad.

( 44 )
The faculty of the school and that of Department of Horticulture, Government of
Haryana be interchanged. The demonstrations/ Centers of Excellence under Indo-
Israel collaboration and any other connected collaboration should be wholly
associated with the proposed school. Existing sporadic infrastructure connected
with protected cultivation should be associated to this school. This aspect has been
discussed with CCS Haryana Agricultural University authorities and they were
receptive to this suggestion.

8. To find out the role of public-private partnership in strengthening

protected cultivation in the state and suggest appropriate policy
measures to provide enabling environment of above role in private sector.

Private sector can play an important role in the promotion and adoption of
protected cultivation in Haryana. Certain global private vendors already operating
with considerable success in the country can be roped in for protected cultivation on
turn key projects in certain clusters with public funding. Some farmers on their own
or partial involvement of Government Department are experimenting with the turn
key projects.

Supply of high yielding hybrid/variety seedlings and saplings of horticultural crops

under hi-tech greenhouses (created on public expense) can be considered in PPP
mode. The private partner can be given the target of supply of particular hybrid
seedlings in plug trays instead of seeds dovetailed with farmer's requirement at
partially public expense to have better quality nutritive produce for the benefit of
consumers and promote export of the produce.

These clusters of horticultural production can work as pockets of excellence not only
producing quality vegetables and flowers, but also generating the demand of inputs,
thereby creating a multi-layered business hub conducive to all the stakeholders –
producers, suppliers, marketers and exporters. By intelligent and transparent
handling of marketing possibly on the lines of electronic auctioning of such high
quality produce, ultimately ensuring much better profit margins for the growers.

It will be pragmatic to develop clusters of protected cultivation by consolidating

entrepreneurial ventures of farmers which will be real empowerment of the marginal

( 45 )
farmers for not only sustainable development but also their economic
empowerment and skill development in many ways. This aspect can be discussed at
appropriate level enabling harvesting benefits of potential resource.

Through constructive linkage development of public-private partnership such as

CSR activities, marketing, processing and export industries can be linked up for
progressive empowerment of people and the areas of the state.

Efforts may be taken up by SEZs to develop such clusters of protected cultivation

with holistic production system approach. Public and private partnership in
protected cultivation of vegetables and flowers must ensure fulfillment of interest of
growers, consumers, private partner and the State.

9. Review ongoing Government policies and programs for the promotion

of protected cultivation in Haryana and suggest best options for
promoting the same.

Government of Haryana is currently promoting protected cultivation in a big way

through subsidized financing of such projects under Central Government projects/
programs and its own projects.

There are possibilities of improvement in several ways across financial, technical

and marketing components:

i. The subsidy-linked promotion of different components of protected

cultivation often finds itself brushing with several suspected levels of corruption;
hence there is greater need of transparency. The construction quality of the
greenhouses has to be verified by multiple agencies. Besides, there has to be
independent panel of experts for linking the payment to construction firm not only
with the quality of the construction but also with successful on-farm production
system, so that the firms ensure to hire suitable experts for extension of production
technology on sustained and regular basis. The crux of the problem is that while
greenhouse technology is being promoted, the greenhouse production could not yet
be promoted. The purpose of the state government should not be the promotion of
greenhouse construction rather it should be promotion of production through
protected cultivation. Besides this, the government should recommend low cost and

( 46 )
environment friendly technologies, for example, low cost structures like insect proof
structures, walk-in-tunnels and low cost fertigation technologies.

ii. Technical experts should be nominated by an independent body involving

farming clusters for approving the technical feasibility of the protected structures.
Three monthly seminars of two-days duration of all the clusters be held
independently, where in such identified panel of experts handle all the pre- and
during crop operations and crop production and protection issues. The subsidy to
the growers should be available even if the construction of structures is done by the
farmers themselves.

iii. Each cluster can be linked with GAP certification laboratories for sample
testing and certification on franchise basis. GAP certification agencies can be linked
with each of the state funded laboratories for facilitating entire cluster for credible
produce management. This may ultimately lead to promotion of export of high
quality produce.

iv. Besides, promoting the protected cultivation technology, the marketing

aspect has to be equally promoted. Considering such high level of funding by the
state government on protected cultivation, why not approx. 20% of the state
funding be diverted for developing marketing and export hubs in the state including
Transparent Electronic Auction Management (TEAM) system and Cool Chain
Management (CCM) System. In the TEAM system, only cluster approach should be
promoted. Each cluster of production system should be connected with the Central
Body headed by state officials and farmers themselves. Each decision has to be
'LIVE' recorded on video. Graded produce from various clusters should be
subjected to electronic auction, splicing out the middle men from marketing chain.
Any mechanism helpful in elimination of middle men in marketing of horticultural
produce would be welcomed.

v. Ongoing policies and programs of the Government (both centre and state)
are centered on producing support (subsidy) on inputs like structures, drip-
fertigation and plastic mulch. This support does not have a binding on undertaking
production of vegetables and flowers by growers and resultant return as tonnage of

( 47 )
produce. The purpose of promotion of protected cultivation needs to be measured
not by area coverage but the produce obtained.

vi. This support totally or partially should be linked to the actual production of
vegetables and flowers. Policy of the Government besides being proactive be result-
oriented. If feasible promotional support should be linked to production only.

10. To propose most appropriate strategy for accelerating production of

vegetable crops and flowers using protected cultivation practices in
Haryana.

An appropriate strategy for accelerating production of vegetable crops and flowers

using protected cultivation practices in Haryana should cover the following.

 Large scale motivation and training of educated unemployed youths in the

field of protected cultivation in Haryana.

 Government support must be extended for self fabrication mode of

temporary low cost structures like insect proof net houses, shade net houses,
walk-in-tunnels and plastic low tunnels for the production of vegetables and
flowers.

 Government support may also be extended to farmers for self-fabricated

low cost protected structures.

 Large scale production and distribution of healthy vegetable and flower

seedlings to the large section of growers on nominal price.

 Government should support and promote protected cultivation in cluster

approach especially in peri-urban areas near the NCR and in proximity of
Kundli Manesar palwal Express Way, Northern as well as Southern
Peripheral Express Ways.

 Develop suitable varieties and hybrids suitable for protected cultivation.

 Where ever possible promote organic production under protected

structures.

 Government should promote to develop input hubs for protected

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 cultivation in multi-locations in PPP mode.

 Marketing is the key for success of protected cultivation. Electronic

auctioning of produce through cluster representatives may be initiated.

 In all the posh colonies of major city markets, some shops should be
mandatorily allotted to farming clusters of protected cultivation.

 Protected cultivation has hitherto been promoted from the view point of
more and more construction of greenhouses by providing subsidy.

 However, there is need to link such subsidies with production system, i.e.,
when the protected cultivation produce is sold/auctioned by the grower
some of the subsidy may be realized to him at this level as an incentive. A
special cluster club of protected cultivation growers may be established
along with a protected cultivation Panchayat at the state level.

 All the protected cultivation clusters must be mandatorily clubbed with rain
water harvesting infrastructure and facilities.

 Practical demonstration units at each district level may be established for 5

years, ensuring the demonstrations of all low cost protected structures along
with the production and pest management strategies.

 Suggest most suitable crop sequences for different protected structures and
seasons based on research data.

 Large scale promotion of low pressure drip irrigation system for low cost
small scale protected cultivation in Haryana state should be encouraged.

 Selection and promotion of suitable designs of protected structures for

different regions of Haryana such as large scale adoption of naturally
ventilated green/ polyhouse for high quality vegetable cultivation in North
viz. Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Ambala and Panchkula districts
and large scale adoption of insect proof and shade net houses in South west
regions of Haryana for safe vegetable cultivation.

 Large scale use of different colour plastic mulches for different seasons
clubbed with raised beds and drip- fertigation system for vegetable and

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 flower production should be promoted under open field conditions and also
to discourage expensive surface irrigation in horticultural crops.

 Promotion of large scale mechanization in vegetable and flower cultivation

by using raised bed maker, rotavator, chiseler, plastic laying machine, plastic
low tunnel making machine, pipe bending machines for making walk- in –
tunnels, drip lateral laying and binding machines

 To establish convergence and synergy among various ongoing and planned

government programmes in the field of protected cultivation development.

 To ensure adequate, appropriate, time bound and concurrent attention to

all links in production under protected conditions, post production on farm
value addition, processing and consumption chain.

 All ITIs in Haryana State should start a diploma course on fabrication of

protected structures, repair and their maintenance.

 Use of self driven trolleys for training and pruning in greenhouse vegetables
along with the equipments related to aided pollination in vegetables under
protected cultivation.

 Use of solar energy for running drip system and up to some extent for
running heating and cooling devices of the protected structures.

 Explore introduction of bumble bees as pollinators for improving fruit set in

capsicum and tomato.

Awareness, incentives, training, better sustained return, continuous support to the

venture in cluster production mode would constitute appropriate strategy for
accelerating production of vegetable crops and flowers using protected cultivation
practice in Haryana. Being a diverse, infant, full of uncertainty and constraint ridden
subject, protected cultivation does not permit to evolve an appropriate strategy with
few variables and conditions for the entire state of Haryana for different vegetables
and flowers production.

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Major Recommendations
i. Protected cultivation technology needs to be given a prioritized boost by the
State Govt. of Haryana through promotion of greenhouses construction
including the low cost structures as per technical and dimensional standards
keeping in view the climate, crop and season.

ii. Self-constructed greenhouses and low cost temporary structures may also
be considered for subsidy linked schemes.

iii. The quality of structures and technical adherence to dimensions and

material used, have to be ensured through multiple-agency verification.

iv. Promotion of protected cultivation in the State should be holistic with a

complete package and not merely the construction of greenhouses and
protected structures only. It has to rather ensure quality of construction,
regime of Global GAP and surety of successful production mechanisms
through engagement of experts, particularly production technology,
cropping systems and plant protection measures – exclusively for protected
cultivation.

v. Quality seeds/nursery/other planting material suitable for protected

structures should be ensured at the time of granting the scheme of funding to
the grower.

vi. Additional/supplementary subsidy/grant may be provided to the growers, if

they happen to be in the cluster of within 2 km of other such large number of
protected structures, for realizing the ultimate goal of cluster formation
through farmers' efforts rather than supporting individual greenhouses in
independent and sporadic location without any technical guidance, input
availability and market linkage.

vii. Protected Nursery Hubs should be promoted for supplying healthy and
disease-free planting material of horticultural crops particularly vegetables
at affordable price (may be subsidized) to the growers of both the protected
structures and open field cultivation.

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viii. Research gaps on protected cultivation including plant protection, Global
GAP, export requirements and development of human resources should be
addressed through opening a School of Protected Cultivation at CCS HAU,
Hisar on priority. The existing facilities in public sector like at CEV,
Gharaunda and CEF, Mangiana may develop strong collaboration with the
proposed school of protected cultivation for uniform handling of
demonstrations, education and human resource development. The School
should handle future requirements of the State regarding protected
cultivation. In continuation of such efforts, ITIs in the State may be
introduced with a course on greenhouse construction, repair and
maintenance apart from the development of minor tools and equipment, so
that the youth could soon take it up on entrepreneurial basis.

ix. Institutions of agriculture in Haryana and close-by states may be given

special funding for development of varieties and hybrids exclusively suitable
for greenhouses and other protected structures as no such varieties / hybrids
of Indian origin could yet be developed for this region.

x. Besides this, institutional and stakeholder linkages should be provided on

regular basis for the spread of technical know-how and the development of
competitive marketing mechanisms for input industry.

xi. Demonstration centres having each kind of appropriate and affordable

protected structures may be created at district level in the State.

xii. Development of large Protected Model for Vegetable and Flower Farms may
be started in the peri-urban areas particularly near Delhi with all diagnostic
and Global GAP certification laboratories with accreditation authority.

xiii. Marketing of high quality, GAP certified produce may be encouraged

through Electronic Auction Mechanism both for domestic consumption and
export purposes for suitable price realization to the growers who often invest
huge amounts of initial capital for the construction of protected structures
and other allied facilities. Such market mechanisms should minimize, if not
completely eliminate the middlemen. In fact, cluster farmers themselves

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 should be involved in critical decision-making of overall transparent
marketing system.

xiv. Besides this, each city market may have provision of allotment of large
shops to cluster farmer bodies which should be electronically linked with
other such marketing centres or export hubs for suitably and timely
diversion of the same in both the scenarios of glut or shortage.

xv. Similarly, there should be a centre for development of export linkages and
provision of assistance to cluster farmers for the export of certified produce
like fresh vegetables, fruits and cut flowers and foliage.

xvi. Due care should be given to environment and safety measure mechanisms
such as safe disposal of plastics and any other harmful chemical or wastage
– as per environmental and Global GAP stipulations.

xvii. Subsidies for promotion of protected cultivation need to be partially linked

with the produce instead of infrastructure development or inputs (such as
seed etc.) alone.

xviii. Explore introducing bumble bees as pollinator for improving fruit set and
yield in tomato under protected cultivation.

xix. Soil and water testing of fields should be mandatory for the green/
polyhouse growers.

xx. A team of experts from the discipline of vegetable science, entomology,

plant pathology, nematology, agricultural engineering and soil science
needs to be appointed at every district of the State for the providing
expertise at the spot.

xxi. Electric fencing of the poly-green house should be encouraged to keep the
structures protected against wild animals like Blue-bulls.

xxii. Foggers should be fixed on the top of the structures for removing dust from
the roof of the structure

xxiii. Awareness programs for the consumers should be conducted about the
quality and pesticide free vegetable produced under protected cultivation.

( 53 )
Selected References
Anonymous 2011. Recommendation of plasticulture technology for Haryana
Farmers. Package of Practices for Fruits, Flowers and Vegetable crops
(Production and processing), published by CCSHAU, Hisar, Sep.2011 pp
1-256.

Arora, S .K., Bhatia, A.K. Mangal, J. L. Yadav, S.P.S. and Kumar, P. 2004. A Practical
Mannual on'Greenhouse Technology for Vegetable Production'
Department of Vegetable Science, CCS HAU Hisar, pp1-84.

Arora, S. K., Bhatia, A. K., Singh, V.P. and Yadav, S.P.S. 2006. Performance of
inderterminate tomato hybrids under greenhouse conditions of North
Indian plains. Haryana J. Hortic. Sci. 35 (3&4): 292-94.

Arora.S.K., Bhatia,A.K. Yadav, S.P.S. and Mehra Rakesh.2006. Protected

cultivation of vegetables in North Indian Conditions. In: Advances in Plant
Physiology, Dr P.C. Trivedi Eds. Published by I K International Pub House
Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi .pp 139-149.

Arora, S.K. 2012. Advances in Hi-Tech production of vegetable crops” A lead paper
presented in National seminar on new frontiers and future challenges in
horticultural crops (NFFCHS-2012)” from 6-8 March 2012 held at PAU,
Ludhiana (Pb).

Arora, S.K. 2012. Status of planting material/ nursery/ seed availability of vegetables
and flowers for protected cultivation and strategies to meet its future
demand in Haryana. Paper presented in Stakeholders meeting on
Protected Cultivation For Haryana, held at Haryana Kisan Ayog, Kisan
Bhawan, Khandsa Mandi, Gurgaon held on 8th February, 2012.

Arora, S.K., Bhatia, A.K., Singh, V.P., Yadav, S.P.S. and Kumar, P. 2006. Fruit quality
of greenhouse grown tomato under North Indian plains. Haryana J. Hortic.
Sci. 35 (3&4): 295-96.

Attawar, Manmohan. 2005. Greenhouse technology for nursery management. A

Lead paper presented In: International conference on plasticulture and

( 55 )
 precision farming, held at the Ashok Hotel, Chankyapuri, New Delhi, 17-21
Nov. 2005, pp 30-31.

Chandra, Pitam., Shrivastava, Ranjan., Gupta, M. J., Singh, Arun Kumar., Singh,
Awani Kumar and Singh, Sanjay Kumar 2002. Greenhouse mein sabji
utpadan. Bulletin published by Plasticulture Development Centre, Division
of Agricultural Engineering, I.A.R.I., New Delhi 110012.

Chandra, Pitam., Gupta, M. J., Shrivastava, Ranjan., Dogra, A.K., Singh, Arun
Kumar., Singh, Awani Kumar and Singh, Sanjay Kumar 2002.
Establishment and use of a naturally ventilated greenhouse. Manual
published by Plasticulture Development Centre, Division of Agricultural
Engineering, I.A.R.I., New Delhi 110012.

Chandra, Pitam and Gupta. M.J. 2002. Greenhouses and Glasshouses for
ornamental crops under different climatic conditions. In :Advances in
Floriculture. Vol. 4.S.K. Bhattacharjee(ed.). pp. 82-94.

Chaurasia, S. N. S. 2012. Vegetables and flowers nursery modern management

under protected structures. Paper presented In “Stakeholders meeting on
Protected Cultivation For Haryana”, held at Haryana Kisan Ayog, Kisan
Bhawan, Khandsa Mandi, Gurgaon on 8th February, 2012.

Gupta, M.J. and Pitam Chandra. 2000. Development of an Energy Conserving

greenhouse for Cold Climatic Conditions of northern India. Poster paper
presented at the “National Seminar on High-tech Horticulture” held at
Bangalore from June 26-28, 2000.

Haryana Agriculture Policy. 2012. In: Report on policy issues and options based on
interface with farmers. (unpublished )

Joshi, A. K., Chahan Neena, V K.and Mittal, P. 2011. Evolving nursery production
technology for summer vegetables under foggy conditions. In National
Symposium on Technological interventions for sustainable agriculture.3-5
May 2011 at GBPUAT, Hill Campus, 100pp

( 56 )
Sabir, N., Singh, B., Hasan, M., Sumitha, R., Deka, S., Tanwar, R.K., Ahuja, D.B.,
Tomar, B.S. Bambawale, O.M. and Khah., E.M. 2011. “Good Agricultural
Practices for IPM in Greenhouses” A Bulletin. Editors IARI, New Delhi (in
English). TB-ICN 23/2011

Saini. A. S. 2012. Present and future State policies for promotion of protected
cultivation of vegetables and flowers, processing and marketing of produce,
gaps and recommendations. Paper presented in “Stakeholders meeting on
Protected Cultivation For Haryana”, held at Haryana Kisan Ayog, Kisan
Bhawan, Khandsa Mandi, Gurgaon on 8th February, 2012.

Singh, Balraj. 2012. Seed Production of summer squash in North Indian plains.
ICAR News 18(2):14 -22.

Singh, Balraj., Kumar, Mahesh and Sirohi, N.P. S. 2005. Growing parthenocarpic
cucumber in greenhouse is ideal for peri-urban vegetable growers Indian
Horticulture, 49(4): 22-23

Singh, A.K., Gupta M. J., Shrivastava, R. and Behera, T. K. 2005. Effect of NPK on
growth and yield of tomato hybrids under multi-span polyhouse. Indian J.
Horticulture, 62(1): 91-93.

Singh, Awani Kumar., Ranjan, S. and Gupta, M. J. 2005. Study of year round
organic palak production under plastics shad-net-house in northern plain of
India. In: International Conference on Plasticulture and Precision Farming
(ICPPF-2005), held at The Ashoka, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi from
November 17-21, 2005.

Singh, B. and Sirohi, N.P.S. 2006. Protected cultivation of vegetables in india:

problems and future prospects. In: International symposium on
greenhouses, environmental controls and in-house mechanization for crop
production in the tropics and sub-tropics. ISHS Acta Horticulturae. 710

Singh, B., Sabir, N., Hasan M and Singh AK .2011. Greenhouse Cucumber:
Production and Protection. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New
Delhi.TB-ICN.84/2011

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Singh, Balraj and Kumar, Mahesh. 2004. Greenhouse mein simla mirch. Phal
Phool. 27(1): 4-6

Singh, Balraj and Mahesh Kumar. 2005. Plastic low tunnel mein karela ki
bemausami kheti. Prasar Doot, 9 (1): 32-35

Singh, Balraj., Hasan, M. and Tomar, B. S. 2009. Capsicum for farmers' prosperity.
Indian Horticulture. 54 (5): 12-13

Singh, Balraj., Singh, A. K. and Tomar, B. S.. 2010. In Peri- Urban: Protected
cultivation technology to bring prosperity. Indian Horticulture. 55(4):
31-32

Singh, Balraj., Singh, Arvind and Kumar, Mukul. 2012. Perinagriye Chetron Main:
Aisi hogi sabjiyo Ki Sanrakshit Kheti. Phal Phool 33 (3): 3-6

Singh, Balraj., Khokhar, K.S. and Kumar, Mahesh. 2004. Use of plastic mulching
for quality vegetables. Intensive Agriculture, XXXXII (1-2): 3-5

Singh, Balraj., Kumar, Mahesh and Yadav, Hari Lal. 2005. Plug-tray nursery raising
technology for vegetables. Indian Horticulture, 49(4): 10-12

Singh, Balraj., Kumar, Mahesh and Rathi, Soniya. 2004. Diversification in

horticulture through protected cultivation of vegetable crops. In:
Diversification in Horticulture (Delhi Garden Magazine) eds. Delhi Agri-
Horticultural Society, IARI, New Delhi 42: 43-47.

Singh, Balraj., Kumar, Mahesh and Singh, Veerpal 2005. Cultivating tomato in
greenhouse is lucrative. Indian Horticulture, 49(4): 13-14

Singh, Balraj., Kumar, Mahesh and Singh, Veerpal. 2005. Cultivating sweet pepper
in greenhouse is profitable. Indian Horticulture, 49 (4): 15-17

Singh, Balraj., Sirohi, N.P.S. and Mehto, S.P. 2005. Off-season cultivation of
vegetables is remunerative under plastic low tunnels. Indian Horticulture,
49(4): 20-21

Singh, Balraj., Sabir, Naved., Hasan, M. and Singh, A.K. 2012. Greenhouse
Cucumber: Production and Protection” A Bulletin. Editors IARI, New Delhi

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 (in English). TB-ICN. 84/2011.

Singh, Balraj. 2007. Summer squash cultivation under tunnels: A success story.
Indian Horticulture, 52(4):28

Singh, Balraj. 2011. Insect proof net house for cultivation for high value vegetables.
ICAR News. 17 (3): 6.

Singh, Brahma. 2012. Protected cultivation of vegetables and flowers-potentials

and success stories in India and Abroad . In: “Stakeholders meeting on
Protected Cultivation For Haryana”, held at Haryana Kisan Ayog, Kisan
Bhawan, Khandsa Mandi, Gurgaon on 8th February, 2012.

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Meetings held of working group on protected cultivation
for Haryana
Sr.N. Date Place Purpose
1 4-Oct-2011 TAAS- New Delhi First meeting of working
group on protected cultivations

2. 29, 30-Oct Field visits at Karnal, Field visits of working group

2011 Panipat and Kurukshetra on protected cultivation

3. 10-Nov-2011 Field visits at Gurgaon Field visits of working group

and Faridabad on protected cultivation

4. 8-Feb-2012 HKA Camp Office Meeting of stakeholders on

Gurgaon Protected Cultivation for
Haryana

5. 17-March-2012 CEV Gharaunda, Working group meeting with

Karnal Dr. A.S. Saini Addl. Director
General Horticulture,
Department of Horticulture,
Haryana

6. 05-May - 2012 Haryana Kisan Ayog, Discussion meeting of working

Hisar group on protected cultivation
in Haryana with the Vice-
Chancellor and senior staff
CCS HAU, Hisar

7. 07-Nov - 2012 PAU, Ludhiana Working Group Meeting

8. 06-Dec - 2012 NAAS, Delhi Presentation of final report

and brain storming with the
stakeholders

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Annexure-I
Terms of Reference (ToR)

1. To review the current status of protected cultivation in the State of

Haryana.

2. To examine the existing structures and designs presently used for

protected cultivation and suggest suitable low cost models for large scale
adoption.

3. Review the status of research in the field of protected cultivation and

measures to address current gaps and specific needs of the State.

4. To suggest specific crops and their sequences for all the year round
production of vegetable and flowers and for raising nurseries using
appropriate protected structures.

5. Use of protected cultivation in peri-urban agriculture for increasing the

income of farmers living around big cities like NCR.

6. Identify measures required for promoting effective linkages with the

markets for increasing farmers' income.

7. To assess the current training programmes and facilities in relation to

protected cultivation and suggest measures for human resource
development, especially the small holder farmers.

8. To find out the role of public-private partnership in strengthening

protected cultivation in the State and suggest appropriate policy
measures to provide enabling environment for active role of private sector.

9. To review on-going Government policies and programmes for the

promotion of protected cultivation in Haryana and suggest best options
for promoting the same.

10. To propose most appropriate strategy for accelerating production of

vegetable crops and flowers using protected cultivation practices in
Haryana.

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Annexure II
Present State policies for promotion of protected cultivation of
vegetables and flowers being adopted by Dept of Horticulture, Govt.
of Haryana.

State Policy

1. Demonstration Centres

 Centre of Excellence for Vegetables at Gharaunda, Karnal: a Rs. 6.00

crore demo Centre.

 Centre of Excellence for Fruits at Mangiana, Sirsa: a Rs. 9.70 crore demo
Centre.

2. New Project on Waste Treatment and Integration: Rs. 55.00 crore:

approved

3. New Project on Saline Water Treatment and Integration: Rs. 10.00 crore:
approved

4. Front Line Demonstration Centres: 14 FLDC in 14 districts in PPFP

mode.

5. Exposure visits of officers, farmers and business personnel/ industries

6. Arranged visits – budgetary support

7. Financial support to farmers in installing protected structures:

8. Uniform rate of structures

9. Increase in assistance level to 65% from 50 % Central Govt. + 15% from

State Govt.
th
10. Same assistance to continue during 12 Plan

11. Assistance available in 17 districts under NHM

12. Assistance extended to all 21 districts

13. Extra support on planting material under polyhouses

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 For flowers: Rs. 250/sq m

 For vegetables: Rs. 52/sq m

14. Land-holding with farmers

15. Weekly calendar of each farmer to visit undergoing protected cultivation

16. Arrangement of farmers training at HTI for 3-6 days: free of cost

17. Pre and post installation inspection of polyhouses by Technical team from
Directorate: mandatory before completion certificate to Firm

18. Formulation of uniform specifications

Well- defined Specification are formed after visit of various States and in
consultation with experts both from industry and Israel for:

a. Hi- Tech Green house from 1000 to 4000 sq. m. for both Tubular
and Channel structures

b. Naturally Ventilated Green Houses from 500 sq. m. to 4000 sq. m.

for tubular and channel structures

c. Walk-in-tunnels/single span structures for 400 sq. m. to 1000 sq. m.

for tubular structures

d. Insect net houses from 500 sq. m. to 4000 sq. m. for tubular
structures

19. Sixteen firms are empanelled under protected structures. These firms are
bonded with bank guarantee

20. Rates are at par across the firms in the entire State

21. Bankable Projects

22. Projects sent to NABARD for evaluation and finalization.

23. Training program for Department officers and protected cultivation

farmers.

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Annexure III
Protected Structures’ Current Status (2011-12) and Potential (2012-13)

Sr. No. District No. of Structure(s) Approx. Area (sq. m.)

1. Panchkula 8 12000

2. Ambala 2 1200

3. Karnal 4 15000

4. Panipat 8 19500

5. Sonipat 6 13000

6. Rohtak 4 3500

7. Jhajjar 1 500

8. Faridabad 1 4000

9. Gurgaon 6 6000

10. Fatehabad 1 3000

11. Hisar 4 3000

12. Sirsa 1 1000

13. Kaithal 8 15000

14. Jind 3 4500

15. Kurukshetra 3 5500

16. Bhiwani 2 1000

17. CEV - 22000

18. CEF - 7000

TOTAL (2011-12) 62 112000 Sq. m.

POTENTIAL - 5,00,000 Sq. m. (2012-13)

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www.haryanakisanayog.org