Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: A Comparative Study of Vegetable Cultivation under Polyhouse and Open Field Conditions in Punjab, India

Abstract

This study investigated the comparative agricultural performance of cucumber, capsicum and tomato cultivation in polyhouse structures versus open field conditions in Punjab, focusing on yield, market prices, cost of production and overall profitability. The study included 42 polyhouse technology adopters and 60 non-adopters randomly selected from six districts with high polyhouse concentration. Results revealed that cucumber, the most suitable crop under polyhouse conditions, exhibited significantly higher yields (347 q/acre) compared to open field cultivation (166 q/acre). Polyhouse-grown cucumbers also fetched better market prices (Rs. 22-23/Kg) than those cultivated in open fields (Rs. 13/Kg) due to off-season production. Despite higher production costs in polyhouse conditions, the gross and net returns as well as the benefit-cost ratio (B:C ratio of 2.84) was considerably better in polyhouse cultivation compared to open field cultivation. Similarly, capsicum and tomato crops demonstrated over 1.5 times higher yields in polyhouse conditions compared to open fields. The market prices for polyhouse grown capsicum and tomato were significantly better, compensating for the higher production costs. The benefit-cost ratios for capsicum and tomato in polyhouse conditions were 2.37 and 2.42 respectively, outperforming open field cultivation. The study ranked cucumber as the most profitable crop under polyhouse structures followed by tomato and capsicum. Extension and technology gaps were identified highlighting the need for capacity building through extension programs to bridge existing gaps. Extension yield gaps ranged from 21.7-32.5 q/acre while technology gaps attributed to cultivation practices, crop varieties and technical knowledge ranged between 38-55 q/acre. In conclusion, polyhouse technology presents a viable strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity particularly for cucumber, capsicum and tomato crops in Punjab. The findings underscored the need for targeted extension programs and improved practices to bridge existing gaps promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Punjab.