Greenhouse Farming

Norton Greenhouses

With agribusiness becoming one of the major investment opportunities in Zimbabwe, the demand for greenhouses hasnt risen significantly.Greenhouse farming is lagging behind in Zimbabwe. One reason is the cost involved in setting up one, which is over two thousand $2000. And For those who invested have realized high yields compared to those not using using Greenhouse System

Advantages of using Greenhouses

Little space needed

You need as little space as the one in your backyard. I put two of the green houses in the compound of my fenced-off house. This space is normally left idle in many homes. 

Controls pests, diseases

Greenhouse farming curbs most pests and diseases. 

It is difficult for pests to invade greenhouses because scientifically, most pests move with either water or direct sunshine, but since the structure does not receive any of this directly, pests are kept at bay. 

 

High production rate

Your crops can yield 100 times more than those grown under open or ‘normal’ conditions. While tomatoes grown in the open yield 40 tomatoes, green house tomatoes can yield up to 200 tomatoes of an average 120g.  

Yields anytime

Since crops grown in green houses depend on irrigated water, you can harvest the commodity at any time of the year. In other words, you can turn it into a full-time job. 

Hygiene

Crops grown in green houses are much cleaner compared to those grown in the open that have scratches, hence lowering their market value. 

Multiple harvest times

Crops grown in greenhouses can be harvested  longer.

Farm anywhere

You can farm anywhere because their growth does not depend on the surrounding environment.

What you need

Use local materials, especially for the basic role of holding the special polythene sheeting together. 

I use eucalyptus poles to construct the main frame, on which I have covered the special polythene setting. 

In simple terms, a 15x8 metre shelter costs less than $2000  including labour and an irrigation system. 

However, the cost may increase to at least sh3.5m if you include the seeds, fertilisers and pesticides. On the other hand, a fabricated shelter costs over $2000 . Also, look out for seeds specifically created for green houses. 

It is cost-effective

People generally think greenhouse farming is too expensive. However, what actually seems expensive is the initial investment in buying the materials for the structure. 

However, these expenses are easily offset by the high yields that a farmer makes from the investment. 

For example, in 10 months, a farmer will averagely harvest 10 tonnes of tomatoes from a 15x8 piece of land. At the current price, a kilogram goes for $1.00 in most super markets across the city, giving the farmer $10000.00

If the initial investment was $1000.00  including the drip irrigation system, with his yield, a farmer has recovered the investment in just one harvest and got abnormal profits. The materials that make the shelter have a lifespan of at least three years.  It sounds like a dream, but in countries were green house farming is heavily practised, it is a reality. 

Disadvantages

• Requires more maintenance and labor.
• Can be costly in the initial setup.
• Winter time requires more heating which increases cost.
• Mechanical pollination or the introduction of insects to pollinate may be required. (this is a very important point to note. Since insects that help with pollination are and might not be able to access Greenhouse, therefore a farmer will need to do the pollination. Another way is to keep bees in one corner of the Greenhouse to help with pollination.)

Testimonial:
(1) Members of Chikuku Agri-business Project in Bikita recently visited the Zunco Greenhouse farming project in South Africa – and were amazed at the potential of greenhouse farming to eradicate poverty Inside atmospheric controlled greenhouse Working with the Ilembe District Municipality in KwaZulu Natal, the founder of Zunco Greenhouse farming and experienced agricultural practitioner, Dr Ephraim Zungu, says the atmospheric controlled conditions in the greenhouses ensure that plants are exposed to the best agro-ecological conditions. A variety of crops is grown – including maize, tomatoes, mushrooms, herbs and potatoes. Greenhouse farmers have done ....(Read More)

 (2) Communal farmers here have adopted the Green House farming system in the hopes of changing their agricultural fortunes through lucrative all-year-round farming activities. The green house protects crops against hostile weather conditions throughout the year.
Some 50 villagers formed the Svosve Organic Farmers Association and practiced traditional chilli growing. They pooled their resources and turned to the Green House system at the end of last year......(Read More)

Greenhouse Dealers



(1) Country Agro Consultant



Address:
54 Binton Road, 
Greystone Park, 
Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone: +263 772 339 101
Web: http://www.countryagro.com/


(2) Pedstock Investments
Cnr Harare Drive/Alpes Road
Mount Pleasant
Harare
Zimbabwe
Telephone: +263 (4) 851690
Cell: +263 772 603 357
Fax: +263 (4) 851690
Email: mcmillan@floraline.biz
Postal: P.O Box MP 880, Mt Pleasant

Cnr Drive/Alpes Road Mount Pleasant, P.O.Box 880, Harare, Zimbabwe

Phone:

+263 4 851690

Mobile phone:

+263 772572790

Fax:

+263 4 851690

- See more at: http://www.zimbabweyp.com/company/352/Pedstock_Investments#sthash.zuHdCfkX.dpuf

Cnr Drive/Alpes Road Mount Pleasant, P.O.Box 880, Harare, Zimbabwe

Phone:

+263 4 851690

Mobile phone:

+263 772572790

Fax:

+263 4 851690

- See more at: http://www.zimbabweyp.com/company/352/Pedstock_Investments#sthash.zuHdCfkX.dpuf

Cnr Drive/Alpes Road Mount Pleasant, P.O.Box 880, Harare, Zimbabwe

Phone:

+263 4 851690

Mobile phone:

+263 772572790

Fax:

+263 4 851690

- See more at: http://www.zimbabweyp.com/company/352/Pedstock_Investments#sthash.zuHdCfkX.dpuf