Enhancing agripreneurship through comparative farming models: Insights from polyhouse and open field practices

This research paper investigates the environmental and economic feasibility of protected (polyhouse) versus unprotected (open field) farming in India, emphasizing their influence on agripreneurship. The study reveals that polyhouse cultivation significantly enhances agricultural productivity, with net yields more than double those of outdoor farming across various crops. Despite higher average variable costs in both systems, fixed costs are notably lower for polyhouse operations. The results demonstrate that polyhouses not only improve crop outputs but also contribute to economic growth and better living standards by fostering entrepreneurial activities in the agribusiness sector post-economic liberalization. Comparative analyses of soil properties, production parameters, and climatic conditions underscore the advantages of polyhouse farming, including higher CO2 levels, greater yield per rupee for crops like summer squash and tomatoes, and a favorable Benefit-Cost ratio for sustainable cropping models. In contrast, outdoor farming often results in lower profitability and less efficient resource use. Returns per rupee were higher for the marigold & bottle guard grown under polyhouse conditions with values 1.03 & 1.20 respectively, than in open field conditions amounting to -0.69 & -0.10 correspondingly. Overall, this study advocates for the adoption of polyhouse technology to enhance agronomic practices and boost agripreneurial endeavors in India.