This research explores implementing durable greenhouses in high hill. It recommends high Tech Polycarbonate sheet for the region's specific climate.

Implementation of Greenhouses on High Hills of Nepal: A Case Study of Jiri, Dolakha

Implementation of Greenhouses on High Hills of Nepal: A Case Study of Jiri, Dolakha

Abstract

This research paper focuses on implementing greenhouses in the high hills of Jiri, Dolakha, Nepal, to address agricultural production challenges and promote sustainable practices for enhanced food security. The study explores the feasibility of greenhouse technology in adverse climatic conditions, considering the characteristics of steep slopes and limited arable land in hill and mountain ecosystems. Jiri, located at an altitude of 1905 meters, experiences temperatures ranging from 3°C to 25°C and receives significant rainfall, with July recording 779.72mm. The research aims to identify suitable greenhouse types, evaluate existing ones, optimize resource utilization, and propose specific requirements for greenhouse implementation in Jiri. Through a systematic methodology involving greenhouse analysis, soil sampling, and thorough assessment of hydrological and meteorological conditions, the research addresses challenges such as low temperatures, winter dysfunction, snowfall damage, and excessive surface runoff. A High Tech Polycarbonate greenhouse is recommended for its durability, offering 200 times the strength of traditional structures, individual panel replacement, and optimal light diffusion. The proposed design includes essential features for greenhouse implementation, contributing to sustainable agriculture in high hills, overcoming challenges, and providing valuable insights for similar geographical contexts.   

Keywords: Adverse Climatic Condition, Winter Dysfunction, Snowfall, Polycarbonate Greenhouse, Durability  

Authors: 

✏️Er. Rupesh Acharya1, Er. Ramesh Regmi2

1 Chief Executive Officer, Green Eye Engineering Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Sunsari, Nepal 

2Engineer, Agriculture Knowledge Center, Palpa, Nepal

Background

Hill and mountain ecosystem spread over the world and nearly one fifth of land surface belongs to this ecosystem. Steeps slopes and higher relief are the major characteristics of this ecosystem that limits the arable land for agricultural production and productivity (KUMAR, KUMAR, & K., 2019). Protected cultivation using greenhouse technology tempts one’s mind, as it permits enormous modification in microclimate enabling the cultivation of crops in adverse climatic, caring least for the outside environment. Vrikshayurveda, an epic of 11th century AD by Surapala, states that any plant/tree could be grown anywhere provided king, treasury and destiny are favorable. This is an indication that agricultural experts of that era were aware of the protected cultivation methods (Sharma, 2013).  

Project Location

The maximum humidity recorded so far is 95%  while the average humidity of Jiri is close to the location for the case study is selected in Jiri, also called Switzerland of Nepal, in the Dolakha district. It is the main gateway for the Everest region. The altitude of Jiri is 1905 m from the mean sea level. The location was chosen due to the very less temperature here which ranges from 14°c to 25° during the daytime. Meanwhile, the temperature during nighttime ranges from 3°c to 16°c. The project area has a maximum of 25 rainy days in July and August, with maximum precipitation of 779.72mm in the month of July.

Figure 1: Average Temperature Graph for Jiri.

Figure 2: Average Rainfall Amount (mm) and Rainy Days

Figure 3: Average Cloud and Humidity (%)  

Objectives

General Objective: To implement greenhouses on high hills of Nepal in order to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance food security.   

Specific Objectives

• To study the types of greenhouses that are suitable for this location.  

• To study the working status of greenhouses that are present on the project site.  

• To provide suitable way to extend growing seasons in challenging geographical conditions by providing protection against harsh weather.  

• To optimize resource utilization by minimizing water loss, reducing nutrient leaching, and effectively managing pests and diseases.  

• To promote crop diversification by creating suitable conditions for growing a wide range of crops in greenhouses.  

• To propose the greenhouse with its detailed project report suitable for the environment of Jiri.  

Methodology  

The study of existing greenhouses was done in the periphery of Jiri Technical School, which had constructed different types of greenhouses. The functioning of each greenhouse is studied and data were recorded. The random method based on the variability of the land was used to collect soil samples. The soil samples collected were fully representative as possible, and all precaution was taken to ensure that, as far as possible, the samples didn’t undergo any changes in the interval between sampling and examination. All the hydrological and meteorological status of the project area was properly studied. A suitable plan for the greenhouse is prepared based on the sample collected.   

Challenges:  

The major challenge of the project is the very low temperature the surrounding experiences. The temperature goes down up to 3°c. Other existing greenhouses seem to dis-function during the winter season. Another major problem perceived there is snowfall. A very low climate precipitates snow on the roof of the greenhouse and the structures, and plastic covers over the roof are damaged. Besides, high rainfall during the monsoon makes excessive surface runoff due to which the base of the greenhouse is damaged. The moisture present in the air makes it difficult for plant growth and early decaying of fruit and vegetable products. The existing greenhouses are rated below average for their functioning status despite the good quality content of the soil, in high hills.   

Recommendations:  

The High Tech Polycarbonate greenhouse is suggested for these kinds of climatic conditions. Polycarbonate greenhouses are more durable and 200 times stronger than plastic/glass. When polycarbonate needs to be replaced, it’s easy to remove the panels individually to make repairs. Polycarbonate greenhouses help diffuse light more evenly than plastic greenhouses, which helps plants thrive and even grow faster (Glass or Polycarbonate Greenhouse, 2019). Polycarbonate cold frames can protect alpine plants from rain and prevent them from rotting and shield young annual plants. The size of 29*14 square meters of the greenhouse is recommended on the site. A flat brick soling is done to fortify the foundation of the structure. A 0.45m wall is proposed in the base, to give strength against surface runoff. The covering work includes the installation of 8mm cellulose polycarbonate all around the greenhouse. Two fans are suggested on MS Grouted Frame capable of exhausting air volume in one minute, together with a cooling pad of 16 square meters. The irrigation system is drip, which is controlled using an automation system. This automation system also regulates the hot air blower, proposed inside the greenhouse, if the temperature goes below the critical. The gutter is supplied through both sides with a 2% slope for draining roof water.     

Figure 4:  Section of Proposed High Tech Green House

 

Table 1: Comparison of polycarbonate greenhouse over plastic/glass greenhouse on high hills

Description	High Tech Polycarbonate Greenhouse	Other Greenhouse
Climatic Impacts	The surrounding inside the greenhouse is independent of the temperature, relative humidity and other any climatic aspects outside the greenhouse. These factors are controlled automatically as per requirement inside the greenhouse. The less, or nearly zero damage is made by snowfall in its roof.	The cold temperature is penetrated somehow through their covering materials along with the moisture, mostly during winter. There is greater impact of snowfall in the roof covering.
Cost	The initial investment cost is relatively higher than the others. Nevertheless, the maintenance cost is less comparatively.	The initial investment cost is relatively less than the high tech greenhouse. Nevertheless, the maintenance cost is much more than that of it.
Resource Use   Efficiency	Less labor-intensive with high utilization of production inputs like fertilizer and irrigation through automation system.	More labor-intensive as every functions inside is done manually. Also, labor is required over and over for maintenance.
Productivity	Yields higher productivity under controlled environment.	Yields less productivity due to variation in temperature.
Disease and Pest	Less chance of spreading of insects and diseases.	High chance of spreading of insects and diseases.
Quality	Higher food quality.	Generally, lower food quality.
Risk	High initial investment so payback period is high.	Payback period is comparatively lower.

 

Conclusion:  

Farmers can cultivate different suited horticultural commodities provided that the greenhouse is properly designed and equipped to control the climatic parameters. It is necessary to find out the research gaps and given clear recommendations for the overall handling of these gaps in the area of protected cultivation through government and non- governmental institutional (Rayemajhy, Kafle, Amgai, & Joshi, 2020). However, the initial and long standing costs of the facility, non-availability of various structural components, and non-standardization of region based greenhouse and other structures design and lack of awareness are major limiting factors in the adaptation of this technology (Dalai, Tripathy, Mohanta, Sahu, & Palai, 2020).  

References

•  Dalai, S., Tripathy, B., Mohanta, S., Sahu, B., & Palai, J. B. (2020, December). Green-houses: Types and    Structural  Components.   Retrieved  from   Research  Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347914734_Greenhouses_Types_and_Structural_Components   

• Glass or Polycarbonate Greenhouse. (2019, October 31). Retrieved from Gothic Arch Greenhouses: https:// www.gothicarchgreenhouses.com/blog/glass-or-polycarbonate-greenhouse/  

• Jiri Climate Weather Averages. (n.d.). Retrieved from World Weather Online: https:// www.worldweatheronline.com 

• KUMAR, M., KUMAR, N., & K., S. (2019). GREENHOUSE FARMING IN HIGH ALTITUDE AREAS OF NORTH-WEST HIMALAYAN REGION OF INDIA: A. International Journal of Agriculture Sciences, 7944-7949.  

•  Rayemajhy, R. J., Kafle, A., Amgai, S., & Joshi, K. R. (2020, April). Different types of Green houses for producing Horticultural Commodities in Nepal. Retrieved from Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/340428587_Different_types_of_Green_houses_for_producing_Horticultural_Commodities_in_Nepal  

• Sharma, N. (2013). Greenhouse Technologies for Hill Agriculture. In P. K. Dwivedi, Hill Agriculture : The Economics and Sustainability Pp247-262 (p. 247). New Delhi: New India Publishing Agency.  

This is the web copy of an article that was originally published in the print version of 'The agrineer 2023' - Annual Magazine