Polyhouses grow in number in Kareemguda, Keesara

Kareemguda/Keesara: Polyhouse cultivation is growing in Kareemguda and Keesara. Just a few years ago there were just a few polyhouses in these areas but in the past few years there has been a steady rise. Ramulu, a farmer says “We get a subsidy of 75% and SC and ST farmers get 95% subsidy. Farmers have been reaping the benefits and more and more farmers are opting for polyhouses.”

In Kareemguda several farmers stopped cultivating vegetables and have now taken up growing flowers. Rakesh, who quit his 9to5 job has now taken up farming says, “There was no risk involved as we received a subsidy, it is a win-win situation as there is a ready market for gerbera flowers.”

It may be noted that just a few years back, the twin-cities was heavily dependent on Bengaluru for flowers but now the situation is reversed and one of the reasons is the proliferation of polyhouses.  
   
From a mere two to three polyhouses in Kareemguda, now there are close to eight and an equal number on the Keesara road. Ravi, an agent of flowers says, “Polyhouses also have helped locals get jobs. The plants need great care and many have got employment.”  
Flowers are in great demand for weddings and functions. 

Of late there have been several international conferences in the city and the demand for flowers would only grow as the city turns as a hub for conferences says Narsimha, a farmer.Marigold, Jerbera, carnation and in vegetables tomato, cucumber, capsicum, broccoli, brinjal are grown in polyhouses.