Protected cultivation of horticultural crops: A sustainable approach to climate-resilient agriculture in India

Protected cultivation is a climate-smart agricultural technique that provides a controlled environment for horticultural crops, shielding them from adverse weather, pests, and diseases. With increasing climate variability in regions like South and Southeast Asia, including India, traditional open-field farming is becoming more vulnerable. Protected structures such as polyhouses, shade nets, and greenhouses help maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and light levels, promoting higher yields and better-quality produce. These systems also allow off-season production and efficient resource use, including water and fertilizers, making them economically and environmentally sustainable. In India, protected cultivation has gained momentum, especially in high-value crops like capsicum, tomato, cucumber, gerbera, and rose. However, adoption remains limited due to high initial costs, lack of technical know-how, and inadequate market linkages. Government schemes like MIDH and state-level subsidies aim to address these challenges, promoting wider adoption. Overall, protected cultivation has immense potential to transform Indian horticulture by ensuring higher productivity, improving income stability, and enhancing resilience to climate change. With increased awareness, financial support, and access to low-cost technologies, protected cultivation can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable and profitable farming systems in India.