A protected house (also known as a protected cultivation structure) is a specially designed enclosure that provides a controlled environment for growing crops. It protects plants from adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind, frost, and extreme sunlight. The main purpose of a protected house is to create favorable conditions for crop growth throughout the year, regardless of the outside climate. This helps in producing high-quality crops and increasing overall yield.


Protected houses can be made using different materials and designs depending on the crops and climate. Common types include polyhouses (polytunnels), shade nets, and greenhouses. A typical protected house consists of a metal or PVC frame covered with transparent polythene sheet or shade net fabric. The covering allows sunlight to enter while maintaining warmth and humidity inside. It also prevents pests and diseases from directly attacking the crops.


Inside a protected house, farmers can control important factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and irrigation. Automated systems like drip irrigation, foggers, and fans can be used to maintain ideal growing conditions. This controlled environment helps plants grow faster and healthier compared to open-field cultivation.


The main advantages of a protected house include year-round cultivation, efficient water use, reduced pest and disease attacks, better quality produce, and the ability to grow exotic or off-season crops. Crops commonly grown in protected houses include tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicum, lettuce, strawberries, and flowers like roses and gerberas.


Greenhouse

A greenhouse is a structure made of glass or transparent plastic that allows sunlight to enter while trapping heat inside. This creates a warm and stable environment ideal for plant growth, especially in cold or unpredictable climates. Farmers can control temperature, humidity, and ventilation using fans, heaters, or cooling systems. Greenhouses are widely used for growing flowers, vegetables, and high-value crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries.

Advantages: Full climate control, high yield, suitable for off-season crops.

 Example crops: Tomatoes, capsicum, cucumbers, flowers.

Polytunnel

A polyhouse, also known as a polytunnel, is a greenhouse-like structure covered with UV-stabilized polythene sheet instead of glass. It protects crops from heavy rain, strong sunlight, and wind while maintaining a warm, humid environment. The sides can be rolled up for ventilation. Polyhouses are more affordable than glass greenhouses and are very common for vegetable and fruit cultivation.

Advantages: Low cost, easy to construct, suitable for tropical climates.

Example crops: Tomatoes, chillies, leafy greens, strawberries.

Shade Net House

A shade net house is covered with shade cloth or netting instead of plastic or glass. It reduces the intensity of sunlight and provides protection from pests, birds, and harsh weather. This system is useful in hot regions where too much sunlight can harm crops. It is mainly used for nurseries, ornamental plants, and vegetables that need partial sunlight.

 Advantages: Reduces heat, protects from insects and birds, low cost.

 Example crops: Nursery plants, leafy vegetables, ornamentals.

Net House

An insect-proof net house is covered with fine mesh netting that prevents insects and pests from entering while allowing air and sunlight. It provides a clean growing environment without the need for heavy pesticide use. This system is ideal for organic farming and vegetable cultivation.

 Advantages: Reduces pest damage, promotes healthy growth, eco-friendly.

 Example crops: Cabbage, chilli, tomato, cucumber.

Hydroponic System.

A hydroponic house combines protected cultivation with soil-less farming. Plants grow in nutrient-rich water instead of soil, and the environment is carefully managed inside a polyhouse or greenhouse. This system uses less water and space while producing faster growth and higher yields.

Advantages: Water-efficient, soil-free, high productivity.

 Example crops: Lettuce, basil, strawberries, herbs.