Protected horticulture

• Protected horticulture practice means cropping techniques of horticultural commodities where in the micro climate surrounding the plant body is controlled partially or fully as per the requirement of the crops.
• With the advancement in agriculture various types of protected cultivation practices suitable for a specific type of agro climatic zone have emerged.
• Out of which green house, plastic house, lath house, net house, shade house, hot beds and cold frames etc is use in Nepal

Advantages and disadvantages of protected horticulture

a) Advantages of protected horticulture

• Higher yield per unit time and area, recorded increase in yield up to 5 to 8 times.
• Undulating terrains, saline, water logged, sandy & hilly lands can also be brought under cultivation under protected farming.
• Suitable for water scarce area, it saves water up to 50% as compare to open field condition.
• Crop grows consistently, healthier, uniform quality fruits and matures fast.
• Early maturity results in higher and faster returns on investment.
• Fertilizer use efficiency also increases by 30%. Inter culturing and labor reduced better insect, pest and disease control and less use of pesticides
• Offseason production and efficient use of scarce resources.
• Grow plants anywhere at any season.
• Less use of agrochemicals, environmentally friendly.
• Nursery raising and hardening of sapling/seedling under protected cultivation.

b) Disadvantages of protected horticulture

• Higher initial investment.
• Need higher degree of management, labor intensive.
• Not all crops are profitable under controlled condition.
• Need advanced technology, technical manpower and continuous support for production