The Hindu : Front Page : 5 hi-tech poly greenhouses planned

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5 hi-tech poly greenhouses planned

R. Vimal Kumar

Tirupur: To enhance productivity of horticulture/agriculture crops and ensure appropriate returns to growers, the Department of Horticulture plans to set up as many as five hi-tech poly greenhouses for the first time in ‘Tirupur block’ at an outlay of Rs 32.5 lakh this fiscal.

The structures will help the farmers to adopt ‘protected cultivation’ techniques for crop production. Assistant Director of Horticulture P. Santhanakrishnan told The Hindu that under the project, the farmers would be extended subsidies to set up poly greenhouses, each spread over 1,000 square metre.

“The subsidy assistance will be 50 per cent of the project cost in the case of small and marginal farmers subject to a maximum of Rs. 325 per sq.m. and 33 per cent of the project cost for the other farmers limited to a maximum of Rs. 215 per sq.m.” Mr. Santhanakrishnan said.

The establishment of poly greenhouses will enable the farmers to even opt for some hilly vegetables and a few rarely cultivated species of capsicum and flowers.

The hi-tech poly greenhouse, according to Mr Santhanakrishnan, will increase the yield as the dome-shaped structure with high quality multi-layer polythene covering will protect the plants from harmful ultra-violet rays and adverse weather.

Pest control

Besides, pest control measures will be easier and effective inside the greenhouses, he said.

The foggers fixed inside the poly greenhouses will help the farmers to maintain optimum temperature and humidity required for healthy growing of crops.

“The allotment of greenhouses will be on first-cum-first serve basis,” he added.

More details can be obtained from Mr. Santhanakrishnan at 0421-2214710.

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