Tunnel Farming: Unique Strategy To Increase Farm Productivity & Profitability!

You have probably heard of different types of farming, but have you ever heard of Tunnel Farming? Probably not, so let me tell you about tunnel farming through this article, because this type of farming will be required in the future. In addition, it will assist farmers in doubling their income. 

Know What is Tunnel farming? 

Off-season farming is the process of successfully cultivating crops before or after their usual growing season and obtaining a high yield. It is possible to seed early or late. In this case, summer crops are grown in the winter sun under polythene sheets with artificial heat to ensure an early harvest. Tunnel farming is the name for this method.

Know What Is Meant By Off-Season Crop? 

Off-season crop' refers to the cultivation and successful output of any fruit or vegetable outside of its typical growing season.

Soil Selection 

Well aerated sandy loam soil works best for vegetable cultivation. The pH of the soil should be around 6-7 and the organic matter content should be between 5% -10%.

Site Selection

A good site has certain characteristics as it is close to the road, availability of water, free from animals, minimum trees around it, some distance from the pedestrian path from where it can be easily looked after needed.

Tunnel Structure

• The Tunnel structure is depending on the budget of the farmer.

• However, "U-shaped and inverted V-shaped" tunnels are considered the best.

• They provide good resistance to damage caused by wind and rain.

Types of Tunnel

• High Tunnel.

• Medium & Walking Tunnel.

• Low Tunnel

Selection of the Varieties for Tunnel Farming

• Cucumber, tomato, capsicum, bitter gourd & squash among vegetables.

• Watermelon and strawberry among fruits.

• These fruits & vegetables are successfully cultivated in the tunnel.

• For this seeds of various public & private seed companies are available which are being used to get a good yield.