Polyhouse vs Net House (Shade Net): Difference & Which is Better
A polyhouse is a structure covered with transparent plastic film that traps heat and lets you control temperature, humidity and irrigation closely, while a net house is covered with shade ne
A polyhouse is a structure covered with transparent plastic film that traps heat and lets you control temperature, humidity and irrigation closely, while a net house is covered with shade netting that mainly cuts excess sunlight and heat and keeps out larger insects but offers little climate control. Polyhouse construction is more expensive, often around 800 to 2500 rupees per square metre depending on whether it is low cost or fully automated, while a net house is usually cheaper at roughly 250 to 800 rupees per square metre. Polyhouses suit high value off season crops like capsicum, tomato, cucumber, gerbera, rose and carnation, especially in cooler or unpredictable climates. Net houses suit warm regions and shade loving crops like leafy greens, nursery raising and some flowers. Both qualify for government horticulture subsidy. Costs vary widely by location, design and material.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Polyhouse | Net House (Shade Net) |
|---|---|---|
| Climate control | Strong; can manage temperature, humidity and protect from rain and cold | Limited; mainly cuts sunlight and heat, little control over humidity or cold |
| Setup cost | Higher, roughly 800 to 2500 rupees per square metre by type and automation | Lower, roughly 250 to 800 rupees per square metre |
| Suited crops | High value off season vegetables and flowers like capsicum, tomato, cucumber, gerbera, rose | Leafy greens, nursery seedlings, shade loving flowers and herbs |
| Best climate | Cooler, high rainfall or unpredictable climates needing protection | Warm and hot regions where shading and ventilation are the main need |
| Pest and rain protection | Protects from rain, hail and most pests; fully enclosed | Keeps out larger insects and birds but not rain or fine pests |
| Running cost | Higher; may need fans, cooling, heating and film replacement every few years | Lower; mainly net replacement and basic upkeep |
| Return potential | Higher per unit area from premium off season produce | Moderate; lower investment and lower but steadier returns |
| Best suited for | Growers targeting premium markets who can invest and manage a controlled environment | Warm climate and budget growers raising shade crops or nursery stock |
✅ Choose Polyhouse when
Choose a polyhouse when you grow high value off season vegetables or flowers for premium or export markets, farm in a cooler, high rainfall or unpredictable climate, and can invest in the higher cost and management. It pays best when you target prices that are out of reach in the open field and can keep the structure running well.
✅ Choose Net House (Shade Net) when
Choose a net house when you farm in a warm or hot region, want a lower cost entry into protected cultivation, and grow shade loving leafy greens, raise nursery seedlings or certain flowers. It gives good insect and sun protection at a fraction of polyhouse cost but will not protect against rain or cold.
Verdict
A polyhouse offers full climate control and the highest returns from premium off season crops but costs much more to build and run. A net house is far cheaper, ideal for warm regions, shade crops and nurseries, but cannot control temperature, humidity, rain or cold. Match the structure to your climate, crop value and budget rather than assuming the costliest option is best.
FAQs
Is a polyhouse always better than a net house?
What subsidy is available for polyhouse and net house?
Can a net house protect crops from heavy rain?
Get advice for your situation
Ask the community