Protected Cultivation Technologies for Off-Season Vegetable Production: A Review

Off-season vegetable cultivation has assumed greater relevance to the purpose of making vegetables available throughout the year, improving farmers' income, and enabling sustainable livelihoods. Protected cultivation technologies, including greenhouses, polyhouses, net houses, low tunnels, and hydroponics, are potential solutions for vegetable production under a controlled environment. These technologies offset the effects of unfavorable climatic conditions and ensure the best growth environment, thus enhancing yield, improving the quality of the produce, and lowering pest and disease pressure. This review paper discusses different protected cultivation technologies, their applications, merits, limitations, and future directions in the development of off-season vegetable production in India.