Tunnel Farming

Tunnel Farming: Growing out season crops in controlled environment inside polythene sheet tunnels is called Tunnel Technology or Tunnel Farming. Tunnel structures are usually made of metal or plastic arches, which provide a framework for the polyethylene covering. The covering helps create a controlled environment within the tunnel.

There are three types of Tunnel Farming.

• Low tunnel
• Walk-in-tunnel
• High tunnel

Low Tunnel

The height of these tunnel is 2.5 to 3 feet width is 3 feet and length depends upon the area of the field. low tunnel are used by farmers to protect vegetables and tobacco seedling from frost and chilling. it Installation is quick and cheap usually it for one season. it is good for heavy wind area. the tunnels are favorable for cucumbers, watermelon, muskmelon, bitter gourds and squashes etc. this tunnels have some problems crop management operations i.e. spraying, fertilizer application, hoeing soil preparation are difficult.

Walk-in-Tunnel

The height of walk-in-tunnel is 6 to 7 feet from center and width is 10-12 feet length depends upon the area of the field and need of the farmers. Human can walk in it but machinery cannot work in it. Average life spin of this tunnel is 10-12 years. it is good for heavy rain fall and windy area. it installation is easy need no technical expertise. This tunnel is suitable for bushy vegetables i.e. tomato, cucumber, bitter gourds etc.

High Tunnel

Generally the Height of high tunnel is 11 to 14 feet in center and width is 30 feet. length is variable and usually up to 100 feet. Human can walk and machinery can work easily. therefore in high tunnel soil preparation, spraying, hoeing fertilizer application are easy. it is safe for heavy productive vegetables but comparatively expensive. it is suitable for all kind of vegetables.

Practice Test in Tunnel Farming