Imagine being a farmer in Haryana who no longer worries about unseasonal rains or scorching heat ruining crops. That’s not a dream anymore it is a reality made possible by green house farming. Especially for farmers under the Intra Haryana scheme, this method offers a fresh start with better control, higher yields, and year-round income.

Farmers across Haryana are waking up to the fact that traditional open-field farming is becoming increasingly risky. Erratic rainfall, pest outbreaks, and declining soil health leave little room for error. On the other hand, green house farming empowers growers to create a micro-climate for crops ensuring consistency, safety, and profits.

If you have ever looked at your neighbor’s lush green house farming and wondered, “Could I do this too?” the answer is yes. With the right approach and guidance, even small landholders can start small and grow big. Let’s explore seven smart, behavior-driven steps tailored to the real lives of farmers in Haryana.

Step 1: Understand Intra Haryana’s Climate & Market

Why Farmers Must Think Before They Build

Human behavior often leans toward rushing in when something seems profitable. But in green house farming, smart preparation beats quick decisions.

Start by understanding your region’s natural climate. Haryana’s semi-arid zone means summers are hot and winters chilly, but green house systems can be tailored with cooling fans or heaters. However, if you're unaware of your local temperature or sunlight pattern, you risk building the wrong kind of structure.

Know What Your Customers Want

Intra Haryana is markets fluctuate just like the weather. Visit local mandis or talk to grocery vendors. What do customers ask for in winter? Which vegetables go out of stock during the monsoon? Match these gaps with crops you can grow off-season.

Behavior Tip: Don’t grow what you like grow what sells.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Green house farming

Don't Let Fancy Tech Fool You

Don’t get swayed by flashy online videos showcasing high-tech glass houses what looks impressive isn’t always practical. The smart approach is to choose a greenhouse that suits your specific needs, environment, and budget. Polyhouses are cost-effective and ideal for growing vegetables like tomatoes and capsicum. Net houses work well in hot, pest-prone areas, offering protection without breaking the bank. Glasshouses deliver high performance and are suitable for cooler climates or floriculture but come with a hefty price tag. The best choice is the one that fits your farming goals, not someone else's life>

Think Local, Act Smart

In regions like Sirsa, Hisar, and Rohtak, polyhouses work well due to high sunlight. Farmers here have successfully grown capsicum and leafy greens year-round. Start simple. Master one setup before expanding.

Step 3: Select High-Profit Crops for Green house farming

Let Demand Guide You

Many farmers make the mistake of growing exotic crops like broccoli or kale without checking if local buyers want them. High-profit crops like tomatoes, lettuce, coriander, and strawberries are both popular and profitable.

Plan for Rotation and Seasonality

Crop rotation isn’t just a fancy term it’s key to long-term soil health. Smart farmers rotate between leafy greens and fruit vegetables to keep disease and fatigue away.

Behavior Tip: Think like a shopkeeper what sells quickly, and how often can you restock?

Step 4: Plan Infrastructure and Budget Wisely

Sketch Before You Spend

Your green house is far more than just a shed it's a mini production unit that requires thoughtful planning. Design a clear layout that includes designated zones for drip irrigation, organized storage for fertilizers and tools, and ample space for storing harvested crops. This strategic setup not only streamlines daily operations but also prevents confusion and inefficiencies in the future.

Watch Where Your Money Goes

Here’s a quick budget guide:

Now the good news: Intra Haryana supports up to 60% subsidy under MIDH and other schemes. Visit your district horticulture office for assistance.

Step 5: Adopt Smart Irrigation & Climate Control

Let Machines Do the Hard Work

Gone are the days of manually watering rows of plants. Drip irrigation saves water and effort by targeting only the roots.

Add misting systems to maintain moisture, especially if you're growing strawberries or lettuce.

Climate Control Is Key

Use these simple tools:

• Shade nets
• Exhaust fans
• Temperature sensors
• Auto vents

These tools help you sleep easy during sudden heatwaves or cold snaps.

Behavior Tip: Monitor your green house daily just like checking your mobile. Small changes can make big differences in crop health.

Step 6: Source Quality Seeds and Nutrients

Don’t Fall for Cheap Offers

Your success in green house farming begins with quality seeds. Always buy from certified suppliers in Haryana like those in Ambala, Rohtak, or Gurgaon. These seeds are designed for protected environments.

Feed Your Crops Right

Adopt a nutrition plan with:

• Water-soluble fertilizers
• Biofertilizers and micronutrients
• Organic pest control

Don’t experiment with low-grade chemicals. They may save money today but cause losses tomorrow.

Behavior Tip: Be consistent with plant care crops react positively to routine and attention.

Step 7: Join Farmer Networks and Cooperatives

Why Community Beats Isolation

Many farmers fail because they try to do everything alone. Intra Haryana promotes FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) to bring growers together.

Benefits include:

• Bulk purchase discounts
• Shared transport and storage
• Easier access to markets and training

Learn from Other Farmers

Whether it's WhatsApp groups or monthly meetings, hearing real stories helps you avoid mistakes. Learn what others are growing, which tools they’re using, and how they sell produce directly to retailers.

Behavior Tip: Be open to learning even young farmers have something to teach.

Bonus Tips to Boost Greenhouse Profits

To boost profits in green house farming, smart diversification is key don’t stick to just one crop. Incorporate high-demand herbs or seasonal flowers to spread risk and keep your income steady. Make the most of your vertical space by using trellises for crops like cucumbers and tomatoes, allowing you to grow more within the same area. Additionally, explore direct-to-consumer sales by partnering with local grocery stores or launching a weekly farm box delivery. These strategies cut out middlemen and increase your returns while building a loyal customer base..

Government Support & Subsidies

• MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture): 50–60% subsidy for polyhouse and equipment
• Haryana State Horticulture Mission: Financial aid for drip systems, climate tools, and training

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Greenhouse Farming

• Starting without a climate plan
• Choosing high-tech tools you can't maintain
• Growing unfamiliar crops
• Skipping regular checks on equipment

Environmental Benefits of Greenhouse Farming

• 70% less water use than open fields
• Fewer chemicals due to enclosed growing
• Reduced emissions through local, year-round production.

Final Thoughts

Green house farming is more than a trend it’s a life>

Start small, ask questions, and connect with others. The path is already built all you need is to take the first step. And remember, in farming, consistency, curiosity, and community are your best tools.

FAQs

Q1. What is green house farming?
Green house farming is a technique where crops are grown inside a protected structure with controlled temperature, humidity, and light.

Q2. Is green house farming good for small farmers?
Absolutely. Small farmers can earn more by growing high-value crops year-round, especially with state subsidies.

Q3. How much does it cost to set up a green house?
Depending on the structure, costs range between ₹200 to ₹1,200 per sq.m. Government schemes reduce startup expenses significantly.

Q4. Which crops are best for Haryana?
Tomatoes, capsicum, coriander, lettuce, and strawberries are excellent greenhouse crops in Haryana.

Q5. Where can I get greenhouse seeds and fertilizers?
Use certified stores and government-registered suppliers in Ambala, Karnal, or Rohtak.

Q6. Can I expand my greenhouse later?
Yes. Many farmers begin with a small area and scale up as profits grow.