Affordable Controlled Environment Farming (Polyhouse)

Context

High cost and complexity limit adoption of polyhouse farming.

Challenge

Design low-cost, easy-to-maintain polyhouse systems with automated climate control. The focus is on making protected cultivation economically viable and technically accessible for small farmers.

Why it Matters

• Enables year-round cultivation
• Improves productivity and quality
• Encourages adoption among small farmers

Use Case

• Modular polyhouse kits
• Automated temperature and humidity control systems

Scenario

A small landholder invests in a modular, low-cost polyhouse kit. The system includes a basic, solar-powered automation unit that uses simple sensors to monitor and control temperature (via automated vents/fans) and humidity. This allows the farmer to consistently grow high-demand exotic vegetables, such as bell peppers, year-round, regardless of Kerala's heavy monsoon or summer heat, ensuring a steady, high-value income stream.