Weekly Spotlight Series
Crops grown in open fields are vulnerable to environmental factors, pests and diseases, which can limit yields and quality. Low-cost greenhouses, constructed entirely from local materials, provide important crop protection, allowing farmers to increase their productivity.
Built with clear plastic and nylon netting, greenhouses protect crops from extreme weather conditions and pest and disease outbreaks, improving crop quality and consistency in terms of size, color and shape. Greenhouses help farmers produce higher volumes on small plots, and allow for multiple production cycles throughout the year. By selling in the off-season when prices are high, farmers can greatly increase their profit margins.
Most greenhouses use drip irrigation to deliver water and fertilizer directly to each plant. This means farmers can save money, maximize resources, reduce pesticide use and grow high-quality crops. Under good management, a farmer can recover the costs of a greenhouse quickly and begin accruing profits.
