If you're a farmer near Jodhpur or elsewhere in Rajasthan looking to move into protected farming, you've probably come across two terms again and again — net house and polyhouse. Both promise better yields, protection from harsh weather, and access to government subsidies. But they are not the same, and choosing the wrong one for your land, budget, or crop can cost you both time and money.
In this guide, we break down exactly what separates a net house from a polyhouse, so you can make a confident, informed decision for your farm.
What Is a Polyhouse?
A polyhouse is a fully enclosed structure covered with a transparent polyethylene sheet instead of glass. It creates a completely controlled microclimate — trapping heat, blocking excess rain, and shielding crops from wind, hail, pests, and extreme temperature swings.
Because the environment inside is almost entirely controlled, polyhouses are ideal for:
- High-value crops like capsicum, cucumber, and exotic vegetables
- Off-season vegetable production, when open-field farming isn't possible
- Farmers who want maximum yield per square foot of land
- Regions with heavy monsoon damage or extreme summer heat, like much of Rajasthan and the Jodhpur belt
Typical benefits: 3–5x higher yield compared to open-field farming, significant water savings through drip irrigation integration, and the ability to grow crops almost year-round regardless of outside weather.
What Is a Net House?
A net house uses a shade net instead of a solid polyethylene sheet. It doesn't create a fully sealed environment — instead, it filters sunlight, reduces heat intensity, and keeps out birds, larger insects, and some pest pressure, while still allowing natural airflow.
Net houses work best for:
- Leafy vegetables, herbs, and crops that need partial shade rather than full climate control
- Farmers looking for a lower-cost entry into protected farming
- Regions where extreme heat (not rainfall) is the primary challenge — a common condition around Jodhpur
- Nursery raising and seedling production before transplanting to open fields
Typical benefits: Lower construction cost, better ventilation, and reduced heat stress on crops — without the higher investment a fully enclosed polyhouse requires.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Polyhouse | Net House |
|---|---|---|
| Covering material | Transparent polyethylene sheet | Shade net (mesh) |
| Climate control | Full control (temperature, humidity, rain) | Partial control (mainly shade & pest reduction) |
| Best for | High-value, sensitive crops | Leafy vegetables, nurseries, hardy crops |
| Investment | Higher | Lower |
| Ventilation | Requires fans/vents for airflow | Naturally ventilated |
| Rain protection | Full protection | Limited protection |
| Ideal climate challenge | Heavy rain, extreme cold/heat | Intense sun, pest pressure |
| Subsidy eligibility | Yes (NHB, AIF) | Yes (NHB, AIF) |
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice really comes down to three questions:
1. What are you growing?
If you're growing high-value, climate-sensitive crops like capsicum, exotic vegetables, or want true off-season production, a polyhouse gives you the control you need. If you're growing leafy greens, herbs, or raising nursery saplings, a net house is often more than sufficient — and far more cost-effective.
2. What's your biggest weather challenge?
In parts of Rajasthan, including around Jodhpur, where scorching heat is the main issue but rainfall isn't excessive, a net house can solve most of your problems at a fraction of the cost. If unpredictable rain, hail, or extreme cold are damaging your crops, a polyhouse's full enclosure becomes essential.
3. What's your budget and long-term goal?
Polyhouses cost more upfront but deliver significantly higher yields and let you grow premium crops that command better market prices. Net houses are a smart starting point if you want to test protected farming before committing to a bigger investment — and many farmers eventually upgrade from a net house to a polyhouse as their operation grows.
The Good News: Subsidies Apply to Both
Whether you choose a polyhouse or a net house, both structures are eligible for government subsidy schemes like NHB (National Horticulture Board) and AIF (Agriculture Infrastructure Fund), which can cover up to 50% of your construction cost. This makes protected farming far more accessible than most farmers realize.
Still Not Sure Which Is Right for You?
Every farm is different — your soil, water availability, crop choice, and local climate all play a role in deciding between a net house and a polyhouse. That's exactly why we recommend a free site consultation before making the decision.
At Farmwaytech, based in Jodhpur, we've spent 40+ years helping Rajasthan's farmers choose, design, and build the right protected farming structure for their land — along with complete guidance on subsidy applications and loan support.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation, and let's figure out what works best for your farm.