In the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh, the horticulture department is actively motivating local farmers to adopt innovative agricultural practices. With an aim to enable year-round cultivation regardless of seasonal vagaries, farmers are being strongly encouraged to embrace polyhouse farming. The state government is extending financial grants to promote protected farming across Mirzapur, allowing local cultivators to reap significant financial rewards by adopting these modern methods.
Current Scale of Polyhouse Farming in Mirzapur
A substantial number of farmers in the Mirzapur district are currently engaged in agriculture using polyhouses. Data indicates that polyhouse technology is already operational across an area of 75,000 square meters in the district, where a diverse range of crops is being successfully cultivated. Farmers are increasingly focusing on polyhouse farming to insulate their agricultural output from unpredictable weather patterns and to ensure consistent yields.
Crop Diversity and Better Market Returns
District Horticulture Officer Mewaram stated that farmers setting up polyhouses are receiving valuable government subsidies. Within these protected structures, cultivators are growing crops such as cucumbers, bell peppers, mushrooms, and high-value flowers like gerberas and roses. This setup helps shield crops from extreme and adverse weather conditions while fetching superior prices in the marketplace, ultimately strengthening the income of growers.
Fifty Percent Subsidy Under the Integrated Horticulture Mission
The District Horticulture Officer explained that farmers receive a generous 50 percent subsidy for constructing polyhouses under the Integrated Horticulture Mission. This substantial financial support significantly reduces the initial setup burden for growers, providing immense relief and paving the way for higher profitability once the polyhouse is operational.
Rising Youth Participation and Expansion Targets
Young farmers are playing a leading role in the 75,000 square meters of polyhouse farming currently active in Mirzapur. To maintain this momentum, the horticulture department is continuously reaching out to onboard new farmers and popularize the technology. The department has set a clear target to expand the total area under polyhouse cultivation to one lakh square meters. Farmers wishing to leverage this scheme can apply either through the horticulture department website or by visiting the local office directly.
Application Process and Required Documentation
Farmers interested in availing the benefits of this scheme need to submit specific documents, including their Aadhaar card, land ownership record or khatauni, and bank passbook, either through online portals or offline at the department office. Following a thorough verification process, the grant is approved, allowing farmers to construct their polyhouses and cultivate crops according to their market preferences without facing the traditional risks of heavy rainfall or fluctuating temperatures.
