North India protected cultivation shifts toward commercial production model

Protected cultivation in North India is transitioning from an experimental method to a mainstream commercial production model. Farmers are shifting their focus from the initial construction costs of greenhouses or polyhouses to the long-term economic viability and productivity of the controlled production systems.

Abhishek Bhatt, co-founder of Agrifirst, notes that the primary challenge is no longer just building the structures, but managing them to ensure consistent quality, efficient resource use, and reliable returns. This shift is evidenced by changing inquiries from farmers, who are now prioritizing crop selection, production costs, labor requirements, and market demand over simple construction pricing.

Successful projects and a ‘demonstration effect’ are driving adoption, with Agrifirst adding approximately 100 to 150 projects annually. High-value crops such as colored capsicum, cucumbers, tomatoes, and exotic vegetables are identified as having significant potential over the next five years, alongside sectors like floriculture and berry production.