Choosing the wrong structure is the most expensive mistake in protected cultivation — you either over-spend on climate control you don't need, or under-build and lose your crop. This guide compares the three main options in India — Net House, Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse (NVPH), and Fan & Pad greenhouse — so you pick the right one for your crop, climate and budget.
Want the exact cost, subsidy and profit for each option on your land? Run the free Polyhouse Investment Calculator.
Quick comparison
| Net House | NVPH | Fan & Pad | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate control | Shade & airflow only | Natural ventilation | Full — evaporative cooling |
| Approx. cost / sq m | ₹600 | ₹1,360 | ₹4,600 |
| Approx. cost / acre | ~₹24 lakh | ~₹54.4 lakh | ~₹1.84 crore |
| Best crops | Green capsicum, tomato | Coloured capsicum, cucumber, gerbera, roses | Lettuce & leafy greens |
| Best for | Entry-level, moderate climates | Most commercial growers | High-value, year-round, hot climates |
1. Net House (Shade Net Structure) — the entry point
A net house uses shade netting to cut heat and light and keep pests out. It's the lowest-cost way to start protected farming (~₹24 lakh/acre), ideal for green capsicum and tomato in moderate climates. It doesn't fully control temperature or humidity, so it suits crops that tolerate some climate variation.
Choose it if: you want the lowest entry cost, grow hardy vegetables, and your climate isn't extreme.
2. Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse (NVPH) — the commercial sweet spot
The NVPH is the most popular commercial choice in India (~₹54.4 lakh/acre). A covered, ventilated structure gives you real protection from rain, pests and temperature swings — without the running cost of powered cooling. It's the go-to for high-value crops: coloured capsicum, seedless cucumber, gerbera and Dutch roses, which can gross ₹24–31 lakh per acre per year.
Choose it if: you want the best balance of cost, yield and reliability — this fits the majority of Indian growers.
3. Fan & Pad Greenhouse — full climate control
A Fan & Pad greenhouse (~₹1.84 crore/acre) uses evaporative cooling pads and exhaust fans to hold precise temperature and humidity year-round — often paired with NFT hydroponics for leafy greens like lettuce. It's the highest investment and highest control, justified only for premium, climate-sensitive, year-round production.
Choose it if: you grow high-value leafy greens for premium/export markets and can support the higher capital and running cost.
How to decide (in 30 seconds)
- By budget: Net House (lowest) → NVPH (mid) → Fan & Pad (highest).
- By crop: Tomato/green capsicum → Net House · Coloured capsicum/cucumber/flowers → NVPH · Lettuce/leafy greens → Fan & Pad.
- By climate: Moderate → Net House/NVPH · Hot & harsh → Fan & Pad for year-round control.
- For most first-time commercial farmers → NVPH. Best returns for the investment.
Cost, subsidy & profit for your plan
Each structure qualifies for government subsidy (NHB / state horticulture missions), which changes the real out-of-pocket cost significantly. For a detailed breakdown of cost, subsidy, payback and crop-wise profit, read our Polyhouse Cost & Profit guide and run the investment calculator for your exact numbers.
Talk to Agrifirst
Not sure which structure fits your crop and site? Agrifirst designs, builds and supports all three — end to end, with agronomy and subsidy paperwork included. Explore commercial polyhouse farming or talk to our team for a free recommendation.
