A farmer of Erakudi in Uppliyapuram block has shown the way in increasing cultivation using greenhouse. She has been cultivating 1,000 square metre area under the greenhouse concept.
N. Vijayasanthi, the farmer, had set up the greenhouse at an estimate of Rs.11 lakh which included a subsidy of Rs. 4.50 lakh. “It was a great opportunity for us in utilising the greenhouse concept with the cooperation of the Horticulture Department,” she says.
She said that the poly greenhouse has been enabling her to get more yield through good cultivation practices. “Free from pest attack, insects and diseases, the crop is well protected,” she said. She has cultivated tomato and planted 2,000 seedlings, with a duration of 70 days, in the house. She is confident of reaping at least one tonne in every three days once the crop is ready for harvest. “An assured market for tomato in the local area has been an encouraging factor for me,” she said.
Ms. Vijayasanthi said that the poly greenhouse has been facilitating a steady growth with an assured harvest. “Tomato is prone to damage during heavy rain but the greenhouse protects it from such loss,” she explains. Further, the growth of weeds is controlled to a great extent while economy is assured in using fertiliser.
The family members are involved in adopting latest technique. Her husband, N. Narendran, said crop rotation technique was the secret of their success. Before raising tomato, they had cultivated ‘kudamilagai’ – (capsium) both red and yellow. “The shift to tomato is bound to enrich the texture of soil,” he said. They have planned to cultivate rose as the third crop.
