Protected cultivation of horticultural crops: Practices, opportunities and challenges-a review

Abstract

Protected cultivation involves regulating crop microclimates to overcome limitations posed extreme climate changes. This technology has rapidly expanded worldwide due to its potential to enhance productivity, quality, and profitability of high-value crops. In India, protected cultivation has gained momentum in the past two decades, transforming it from a niche practice of affluent regions into a promising approach for smallholders under climate stress. A wide range of protective structures including net houses, poly tunnels, polyhouses, greenhouses, walk-in tunnels, insect-proof nets, anti-hail nets, plastic mulches, and hydroponic systems offer region-specific solutions for horticultural intensification. Despite challenges such as high initial costs, pest outbreaks, and lack of skilled management, integration of engineering and horticultural innovations ensures sustainable production. Recent innovations in protected cultivation integrate renewable energy, precision agriculture, smart sensors, and automation to optimize production. Microclimate control, LED spectral management, and integrated pest management enhance sustainability and made this highly viable. Hydroponics, aeroponics, and vertical farming further improve resource efficiency and quality and henceforth revolutionizing modern horticultural production systems. This review highlights the scope, advantages, constraints, and integrated management strategies, underscoring protected cultivation as a catalyst for agricultural resilience and food security.