Evaluation of Protected Cultivation Methods in Vegetable Farming -A Case Study from the Western Zone of Tamil Nadu

Vegetable production is constantly affected by both biotic and abiotic factors. Protected cultivation technology enables farmers to grow vegetables year-round in controlled environments. High initial investment, technical skills, and huge maintenance costs, as well as environmental impacts, are some of the limitations of protected cultivation. A study was conducted to gain further insights into the cost of vegetable cultivation in protected cultivation and to understand the current status, practices, challenges, and needs of farmers who use or intend to use this technique. Information was collected from a Tomato farmer involved in the protected cultivation of tomatoes. An open-ended interview method was used in this study. This study was conducted in the Thondamuthur Block of Coimbatore District. The study noted that budgetary constraints, inadequate logistics, and storage facilities for accessing far-off markets decreased farmers’ incomes. The results of the study can be used to promote the protected cultivation of vegetables and inform policy interventions.