Open field drip irrigation or greenhouse? Where the dillema lies
2 min readMany farmers run into the dilemma of where to invest, open field drip irrigation or green house? Where do you lie? here are some facts to keep in mind when caught up in such a dillema.
This information is probably something some people may want to contradict but it remains very important when caught up in this dilemma, if you may want to add anything, feel free to do it in our comment box. Depending on your location, weather patterns, availability of water and land, make your investment decision wisely.
Open field irrigation:
| Item | Open field drip irrigation |
| Start up capital | Ranges from Kshs 120,000-150,000 per acre |
| Time taken to return on investment | Maximum two seasons depending on what you plant |
| Space and labour requirement | Requires more space and labour |
| Pest and disease management | Relatively demanding because of large space |
| Maintenance | Low cost |
| Durability | Five years and more depending on handling |
| Enviromental interference | Prone |
| Health effects on workers involved | Relatively low |
Green House:
| Item | Green House |
| Start up capital | Ranges from Kshs. 250,000-350,000 per greenhouse |
| Time taken to return on investment | Maximum Four seasons depending on the crop you plant |
| Space and labour requirement | Requires less space |
| Pest and disease management | Relatively less demanding due to small space and controlled environment |
| Maintenance | Relatively high cost |
| Durability | Maximum five years dependent on handling |
| Enviromental interference | Not prone to environmental factors |
| Health effects on workers involved | Relatively high association with health related issues and requires protective wear |
Remember, agribusiness is business and all businesses require risks, calculated risks.>Also, take part in our monthly tours to learn more of these practically, click here for our next visit. For the best drip irrigation solutions, contact dripsol
What greenhouse technology are we talking about here???? I hope you are not talking about those synthetic structures that many companies, in the name of making profitable business, recommend to susceptible farmers. >90% of such have failed in Kenya over the last few years.
Real structures utilizing the greenhouse technology are highly sophisticated, mostly computerized and above all quite expensive. Joel Mutiso