Equal efforts should give equal results. Sadly, this is not always the case as many variables will disturb the balance of an equation. It is no different in agricultural practices. Two farmers from the same zones can experience different weather conditions that can set them back temporarily. While one farmer experiences ideal rainfall, sunlight, and growth conditions, things go downhill for the second farmer, who is also from the same zone but in a different location.
The question remains if these variables are the only constants, and the answer is yes, at least for a very long time. Then we come to the crucial pivot; is there a solution? Again a cheering yes with a thumping sound; greenhouses and their viable tools like greenhouse rolling benches. A well-equipped greenhouse can change the course of farming not just at an individual level, but at a national level. The food crisis will be a thing of the past if more farmers take up greenhouse farming for its practical benefits and functional purposes.
Greenhouses For Green Revolution
Population explosion is a reality for many countries as governments and institutions around the world grapple with food sufficiency for the masses. An alarming percentage of the population cannot afford two meals a day. Their base reason for a multitude of health issues is the underlying problem of malnutrition. It is not just a problem for the poor as nutrition deficiency is found in many rich countries’ citizens who can afford to buy their food.
Even if we use the best practices to feed the population, there is another issue that is impending and compounds the existing problem; it is drastic changes in weather conditions recorded across the planet. A rise or fall in temperature by a few notches can spoil the crop substantially and reduce the saleability of the produce. A disheartened farmer stops trying after multiple losses and sells the land forever. To overcome these issues technologically advanced greenhouses can emerge as a practical solution. Unlike other ideas like treating the plants with extra fertilizers and growth hormones that induce early harvest, controlling the heat, light, and water resources of the plants is a better option. In the long run, the taste of the produce remains exceptional and increases the nutrient quality of food as against genetically modified versions.
Advantages of Using Greenhouse Farms
- Quality of The Crop Yields
Greenhouses shield the plants from harsh external weather and are a boon for places that face extreme weather conditions. The crops grown in greenhouses are healthy and flourish to their full potential. Often the harvest is bountiful with good sizes for food, medicinal, and other plants grown for industrial applications like indigo. The harvest can be forecasted through smart analytics attached to the automation devices used in a greenhouse. The pricing of the product can be determined by the farmer so that they can offload their stuff in time.
- Optimum Use of Resources
A farm need never be big for the growth potential in greenhouses. Vertical farming using towers can be used to compensate for limited spaces that can be irrigated. Water is utilized sensibly in the form of drips so that there is limited wastage. Energy is saved when shades, screens, and thermal curtains are used to keep the temperature of the greenhouse at a desirable level.
- Eco-friendly Approach
Greenhouses can be designed to use the resources wisely and it translates into an ecologically positive impact. Solar or other renewable energy can light up the greenhouse and aid in using the automation devices. Bio-pest management is facilitated easily in controlled conditions of a greenhouse leading to less money and effort in keeping the bugs and slugs off. There is no danger of rodents or birds eating the grains and plenty can be left for them to feed on once the farm has plucked their share for human consumption.
- Grow Food Anywhere
When the specialty restaurant is looking for saffron from the valley of Kashmir in India or cocoa from Madagascar, you know they insist on the quality. But if the same weather and other conditions are mimicked in a greenhouse through climate control technology, it is not impossible to grow any plant on the local farm. The cost of shipping across countries reduces and creates more job opportunities locally. It also reduces the burden on the exchequer and retains the reserves.
- Cost Benefit Analysis
A greenhouse is a capital-intensive project and is often rejected by even big farmers. But instead of treating it as a silver bullet, one should concentrate on the positives offered in terms of reduced recurring costs and increased revenue with better crop yields.
Accessorize Your Greenhouse
Now, if you have come this far and are convinced to construct a greenhouse or already have one place, go through a checklist of some important items that can enhance the functionality of the unit:
- Lights
Grow lights can help plants adjust and grow in cold climates where the natural sunlight is limited. The effective positioning of the light is equally important so that it does not burn baby cotyledons or even the leaves of bigger plants.
- Benches and Shelves
The number of benches and shelves depends on the nature of the section. A nursery where plants are still in seedling trays requires more shelves than a full potential greenhouse.
- Shade nets
If the region does not demand a need for a thermal curtain then a simple shade net is good enough. It can protect from the occasional days when the temperature soars and startles a happily growing seedling.
Conclusion:
As a farmer, you may have noticed many ups and downs in the course of your profession. But with changing times there are opportunities that you can use to better your lives. There is an awareness about the need to support local farmers to retain nutrient-rich food on our tables in the future. The corporate social responsibility activities of banks and communities will support your decision to build a commercial greenhouse through a feasible loan. You should invest in one for good outcomes in the future.
