India ranks second in the world in vegetable production. At present, according to various estimates, approximately 25,000 to 70,000 hectares of land in the country are under protected cultivation. Although this share is relatively small compared to the total cultivated area, it is expanding rapidly. The Government has set a target to increase the area under protected cultivation to 100,000 hectares by the end of 2025. The adoption of structures such as greenhouses, polyhouses, and net houses has made it possible to produce high-value crops throughout the year under controlled environmental conditions. This production system ensures uniformity in quality, size, colour, and freshness, and enables more effective management of pests and diseases. As a result, residue-free and high-quality vegetable produce suitable for stringent international market standards can be achieved. Protected cultivation provides yields that are two to five times higher than those obtained from open-field farming. Consequently, farmers cultivating high-value crops gain opportunities for higher returns. Global demand for fresh, safe, and exotic vegetables is increasing, thereby creating significant export opportunities for India. The objectives of this study are to examine the current status of vegetable production and exports through greenhouse technology, to identify export market opportunities, to analyse major constraints, and to suggest measures for enhancing exports.
Ghane et al. (Sun,) studied this question.