A modern polynet house set up in Bangladesh's Akkelpur upazila of Joypurhat region is improving access to quality vegetable seedlings for farmers, helping them reduce crop losses and increase yields through controlled-environment cultivation. Established about two years ago in Manikpara area under the Department of Agricultural Extension's project Agricultural Development in Rajshahi Division through the Expansion of Modern Technologies, the facility aims to ensure year-round production of high-value crops in a climate-resilient environment.
Seedlings of capsicum, tomato, chilli, brinjal, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are being produced at the polynet house using modern temperature control and irrigation systems. Farmers from Joypurhat and neighbouring districts are regularly collecting seedlings due to their higher survival rate and better productivity.
According to farm officials, coco peat is used instead of soil to produce seedlings, resulting in stronger root systems and minimal transplantation shock. As a result, crop failure risks have been significantly reduced.
Farmer Shamsul Haque from Badalgachhi upazila of Naogaon said he previously achieved good yields using chilli seedlings purchased from the facility and has returned to buy brinjal seedlings this season. Another farmer, Khalek Hossain, said he purchased 500 chilli seedlings for cultivation on six decimals of land and would continue sourcing seedlings from the polynet house if the results meet expectations.
Read more at Daily Sun
