K. N. Tiwari*, Ajai Singh**, P. K. Mal**,
Plasticulture Development Centre, Agricultural & Food Engineering Department,
Indian Institute of Technology,
Kharagpur-721 302(W.B), India,
Tel:+91-3222-83150,
Fax:+91-3222- 55303,
 E-mail: kamlesh@agfe.iitkgp.ernet.in

Keywords:  low cost greenhouse, UV stablised film and benefit-cost ratio

Abstract: The timely availability of vegetables, flowers and paddy seedlings is major problem in the eastern region of India due to adverse weather conditions especially during rainy season. A semi-circular plastic greenhouse of 9m ´ 3m ´ 2m size fabricated with 25mm 5mm M. S flat hoops covered with 200 thick UV stablised film was found to be effective for raising seedlings and for the early cultivation of vegetable crops. The cost of fabrication of low cost greenhouse is US $ 129 with life span of structure and UV stablised film as 10 years and 3 years respectively. The seedlings of paddy, cauliflower and cabbage showed early and better growth response inside the greenhouse besides protection against adverse weather conditions, insects and pest infestation. The crop experiments evaluated the economic feasibility and yield response of growing vegetables okra ( grown during February - June), early cauliflower (June - September) and early cabbage (September - January) inside the greenhouse.  The yield response of okra, cauliflower and cabbage were 199.44 kg, 440 kg and 740 kg respectively each from 100m² floor area.  The benefit - cost ratio was found to be as 2.14. The early production of vegetables also fetched higher prices at the market, thus proved the importance of using a low cost greenhouse for raising seedlings and year around vegetable production.

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