In News
Hothouses go Green
THE INDIAN EXPRESS (August 17, 2006)
The National Horticulture Mission is getting a helping hand from an unexpected source. In the first initiative of its kind, Pune based entrepreneur Rajesh Edke has come up with an unconventional, inexpensive bamboo greenhouse that could well take horticulture into the lives of marginal farmers across the country.
After setting up 17 such Polyhouses around Pune, Edke is now awaiting an International patent for his design. He claims that not only is the cost of his product half that of steel greenhouses but also that the flowers and vegetables grown in it are markedly better in quality.
"While a regular one-acre greenhouse with steel frames would cost over Rs 17 lakhs, Edke's cost Rs 6-7 lakhs," says Girish Sannappanavar, Director of Dew Drops Agritech, which signed up for 11 Polyhouses. "And they are more sturdy and reliable than conventional greenhouses."
Explaining what makes them tick, Edke says, "Instead of a steel framework for the entire structure, the Polyhouses use bamboo reinforced with steel at the base. While a conventional polythene sheets covers the framework, the temperature within the Polyhouse is reduced by at least 2 to 3 degree Celsius, as bamboo-unlike steel-is a poor conductor if heat."
This ties up very well with the basic principle of horticulture: the lower the temperature, the better the productivity and quality of fruit, flower or vegetable. Edke's design allows the temperature within the Polyhouse to settle between 30 and 38 degree C-highly conducive for roses and gerberas-and also cuts back the use of large air-conditioners, which are usually installed to control temperatures.
Moreover, post-installation costs are miniscule. "Typically, polythene in close contact with steel is more prone to wear and tear as steel is a good conductor of heat. With bamboo Polyhouses, the life of the polythene sheets tends to double and can easily extend for four year," claims Edke.
Given the advantages of such a technology, Dr D V Patil, director of the horticulture department in Maharashtra says, "If such technology can bring horticulture to marginal farmers, we would like to do our bit by conducting awareness drives as well."
ALL-TIME LOWS
- Costs one-third of steel structures
- Mentanence costs are minuscule
- Tempratures remain desirably low
- Reduces dependence on air-conditioner
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While on the one hand bamboo, a grass, is strong, versatile and a highly renewable material which grows quick and easy, it is a labour-intensive product and helps create jobs and income. While most building materials are industry-produced, bamboo links agriculture to the construction sector.