As the monsoon season transitions into autumn, vegetable farmers in Ambala are being advised to prepare their fields well before September sets in. In the coming weeks, a gradual drop in temperatures will usher in winter conditions, bringing along chilly winds and heavy frost that can severely damage vulnerable vegetable crops. To counter this looming threat, the horticulture department is actively promoting advanced farming techniques such as mulching and low tunnels, backed by substantial government subsidies. During peak winter, sensitive crops like tomatoes, chili peppers, bell peppers, cucumbers, and others bear the direct brunt of freezing temperatures and frost. This often stunts plant growth and drastically reduces overall crop yield, causing financial distress to growers who fail to take timely precautionary measures.
The Benefits Of Mulching For Soil And Crops
Mulching serves as a primary line of defense against the harsh winter elements. This method involves laying a specialized plastic sheet over the crop beds, with plants neatly arranged at appropriate intervals through designated openings. The sheet plays a crucial role in locking in vital soil moisture, maintaining a stable subterranean temperature, and significantly cutting down the growth of weeds. When winter frost strikes, this barrier shields the delicate root systems of the plants from freezing temperatures. According to guidelines issued by the horticulture department, farmers who adopt the mulching system receive financial assistance of up to 16,000 rupees for a maximum area of two and a half acres. This incentive directly eases the financial pressure of cultivation costs on local growers.
How Low Tunnel Technology Acts As A Mini Greenhouse
Alongside mulching, low tunnel technology is gaining immense popularity for off-season and winter vegetable production. In this setup, flexible frames are installed over rows of crops and covered with transparent plastic sheets or non-woven materials, creating a miniature greenhouse effect right in the field. This protective structure successfully blocks freezing winds, heavy frost, and physical damage while locking in necessary warmth and soil humidity. The government provides a direct subsidy of 14 rupees per square meter for installing low tunnels, and an individual farmer can avail of this benefit for a maximum area of 10,000 square meters. A major advantage of this technique is that it accelerates crop maturity, enabling farmers to harvest early and transport their fresh produce to the market when prices are most favorable.
Registration Process And Departmental Guidelines In Ambala
Vishal, an official from the Ambala horticulture department, noted that bell peppers and various other vegetable crops are cultivated across vast tracts of land in the district. Utilizing low tunnels helps growers safeguard their yields against frost and achieve superior production quality. Under the scheme, farmers can secure financial aid ranging from 35,000 to 40,000 rupees per acre for setting up these tunnels over an area of up to 10,000 square meters, equivalent to roughly 10 acres. To qualify for these grants, cultivators must register on the HortNet Haryana Portal. Additionally, it is mandatory for farmers to have their crop details updated on the Meri Fasal Mera Byavaran portal. During the application process, applicants must submit standard identification documents along with their family identity card details, commonly known as PPP.
