Modern polyhouse cultivation, supported by the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), is proving to be a significant advantage for farmers in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of enhancing farmers’ income, is creating new job opportunities in rural areas. Mahavir Singh, a polyhouse trainer, is spearheading the shift towards advanced agricultural techniques, urging farmers to embrace technology-driven cultivation methods.
Farmers in Pilibhit are now cultivating high-value crops like dragon fruit and strawberries under Singh’s guidance, which offer better returns than traditional crops. The adoption of polyhouse farming has allowed farmers to improve productivity and crop quality by controlling temperature and protecting their produce. This modern farming approach has enabled farmers to earn higher profits and secure better market prices in the district.
The Horticulture Department officials are actively promoting the installation of polyhouses among farmers, providing financial assistance under the NHM scheme. This scheme, initiated in 2005-06, aims to develop India’s horticulture sector comprehensively, supporting farmers with quality planting material and enhancing productivity. Farmers are eligible for subsidies of up to 50% for setting up polyhouses, enabling the cultivation of off-season vegetables like capsicum and tomatoes, which fetch better prices in the market.
Polyhouse farming’s success in Pilibhit has inspired more farmers to adopt this technology, with local farmers like Ayush Agarwal reaping significant profits. Agarwal earned nearly Rs 29 lakh from just one acre of land by selling capsicum grown in a polyhouse. The increasing adoption of modern agricultural practices like polyhouse farming is offering a ray of hope for farmers in Pilibhit, boosting rural livelihoods and economic activity in the region.
