Investigation of BADC installed arctype plastic and net covered greenhouse for production of high value crops in Bangladesh

Abstract

Climate vulnerable country like Bangladesh is struggling to produce high value crops and to ensure food security. High value crops can ensure food se- curity by reducing poverty and helping farmers to use updated technologies. Greenhouse technology could be potential solution for providing high-value crops year-round. Recently, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corpora- tion (BADC) installed a greenhouse with modern technologies and facilities to cultivate off-season vegetables and high-value crops at Godhkhali in Jashore for the farmers. The purpose of the study was to investigate the design construction, technical and financial performances of the BADC in- stalled greenhouse for ensuring high-value crops year-round. The relevant data for this study were collected through field visit, experiment, secondary sources, and direct interviews of BADC personnel and greenhouse farmers. The results showed that the solar intensity varied from 40 W m⁻² to 150 W m⁻² inside the greenhouse from 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM with shed net condition. The maximum temperature was 36 ̊C and minimum was found 26 °C inside greenhouse and the average temperature ranged between 29 °C to 34 °C.The Relative Humidity (RH) was found 75% (maximum) and 46% (minimum). The air velocity was found of 1.3 m s⁻¹ (maximum) and 0 m s⁻¹ (minimum) inside the greenhouse. Comparing crops’ optimum and greenhouse condi- tion, the study has found that the greenhouse has achieved the optimum parameters (solar intensity, temperature, RH) for capsicum and tomato culti- vation in November. The payback period for summer tomato and capsicum was found 1.94 years for the rotation cultivation. The benefit-cost ratio was found of 1.83 which indicates the greenhouse is profitable for farmers. The smart greenhouse can be developed by adding a fan, pad cooling system, and sensor-based system which will help to cultivate lettuce leaf, peas, beans, eggplant, cucumber, strawberry and other high-value crops.