Greenhouse technology is an innovation that is gradually making inroad into the Nigerian agricultural sector. Although it is viewed as capital intensive technology, locally replicated greenhouse technology has been proven to work too. But first, what you need to know about the technology.
For many farmers who have been in the greenhouse business for years, it is much more than a frame covered in polythene, polycarbonate or nets. It is an organised system that works together to produce the results the farmer desires.
A greenhouse is a structure like dome or square shape that allows a farmer to grow crops, especially vegetables -tomato, sweet pepper, strawberry, broccoli, cauliflower cucumber, green beans, etc, in a controlled environment.
In the greenhouse, the farmer controls the elements of production under partial or full controlled environmental conditions to get optimum growth and productivity.
The key elements which the farmer may control include the greenhouse temperature, the amount of light, the system of irrigation (drip or rain gun, or sprinkle), fertiliser application, and the atmospheric humidity. In greenhouses, you can plant all-year-round under high intensive cultivation.
There is a growing interest in greenhouse farming. Experts say with a little effort, one can start a greenhouse that will enhance the environment and bring in profits. DANIEL ESSIET reports.
To manage the challenges of rainfall, degraded land and decreasing land sizes, farmers have been urged to go for greenhouse.
Greenhouse farming in Nigeria
Greenhouse farming in Nigeria is the business of working on and managing the growing of crops and plants inside a greenhouse. Greenhouse farming technology makes it possible to grow tropical crops (pineapples, tomatoes, peppers) in the cold regions of Russia and France. And in the reverse direction, temperate crops (apples, cabbages, blackberries) can also be grown in hot regions of Nigeria, Dubai and Israel using greenhouse farming technology.
Greenhouse farming is very profitable and has become very popular in countries like Netherland, Belgium, New Zealand, and Germany etc. For instance, Netherland have over 3,000 greenhouse companies that operate over 9,000 hectares of greenhouses and employ some 150,000 workers producing €7.2 billion worth of vegetables, fruits, plants and flowers.
Greenhouse farming is gradually finding its footing in Nigeria too. For example, Taraba State is in the process of setting up a very large greenhouse farm which is going to employ over 300 youths. Also, many individuals and private organizations are embracing greenhouse farming in Nigeria.
Advantages of Greenhouse Farming
There are many advantages of growing crops and plants in a greenhouse. Some of these advantages are:
1. Plants are protected from unfavorable weather conditions that affect their growth
2. Plant environment are better managed to reduce the harmful effect of pest and diseases
3. Plants can be grown and made available throughout the year
4. Plants and crop can be grown in commercial quantities in urban areas or in the city
5. Improved harvest and production yields due to better management and control of plant environment.
Dizengoff Green House
Dizengoff Nigeria is one of the companies selling greenhouse technology in the country. Currently, for full package green house it have 8x24 metres greenhouse size, which goes for N1.5m - 1.7m and 8x48 metres which goes for N3.1m and it comes with a set of kits.
The set of kits include fertiliser and agro chemicals, nursery set, Jacto sprayer, drip irrigation system, quality seeds and health and safety kits.
However if a farmer buys up to nine sets of greenhouses, the company gives him an agronomist for up to one year for effective farm management in the greenhouse.
My meeting with a representative of Dizengoff Nigeria at their stand in an agricultural exhibition (agriexpo) organized by Agra Innovate West Africa, explained the benefits of acquiring a greenhouse is a most satisfying endeavour.
Also stressed that a greenhouse, a protected space for growing vegetables, plants and crops, is a prime real estate, so one should choose crops to maximise profits and produce crops that don’t do well outside .
He said one advantage of using greenhouse is that farmers can grow vegetables and crops at any time of the year – when they can’t be grown outdoors. This is because it allows them to extend the seasons and produce a wide range of vegetables.
To set up a greenhouse, you must note key steps that will determine the success of the project or otherwise.
Do soil tests or analysis: this is very crucial to success in greenhouse farming. The soil analysis will enable the farmer to determine the pathogens or bacterial, fusarium wilt and nematodes that could be potential threat to your crops.
Limit human traffic: Like poultry houses, a farmer must regulate the numbers of persons who enter the greenhouse because they ‘might carry bacteria, especially on their shoes into the facility.
Control of pests and diseases: the fact that greenhouse minimizes the chances of disease and pest attack does not mean the system is immune to such attack. Applying pesticides and other chemicals should be tactically done. Otherwise, the plant can suffer severe damage.
Water supplies: Although greenhouse farming utilises lesser water compared with the other farming systems, good amount of irrigation water is required but must not be allowed to over-supply the farm.
The seeds: as a farmer, you must know the varieties of seeds that will do well in the greenhouse. There are seeds designed for the open farming and, on the other hand, there are seeds for greenhouse cultivation. Getting good hybrid seeds will be rewarding.
Good Attention: Greenhouse farming requires regular attention to enable you track any emerging development like infections, picking weeds and regulating the temperatures which often changes.
For complain or report an error and/or correction. Also for more enquiries: email us @ agroecosolutions@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp +2348038602670
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