Tunnel farming, also known as polytunnel farming or hoop house farming, is an innovative and controlled environment agricultural technique designed to optimize crop production. This method involves the use of covered structures, typically made of polyethylene or similar materials, to create a semi-closed and protected environment for crops. These structures are often arched or semi-circular, resembling tunnels, hence the name "tunnel farming." Tunnel farming has gained popularity worldwide as a solution to challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns and the need for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. It empowers farmers to enhance crop production, improve crop quality, and achieve greater economic sustainability in the face of evolving agricultural demands.

1. ‘In the name of Allah the most Merciful and
Beneficial’’
Government College
Women University,
FSD

2. Submitted to : Dr. Saima Tehseen
Submitted by : Zainab Batool
Course Code : FST-609
Credit Hours : 1(1-0)
Session : 2020-2024
Food Science and Technology
Government College
Women University,
FSD

3. TUNNEL
FARMING

4. Contents
• Hoop House Farming
• Principal
• Tunnel Anatomy
• Crops Suitable for Tunnel Farming
• Purpose
• Tunnel VS Green House
• Tunnel Types
• Factors affecting Tunnel Farming
• Tunnel Farming Technique
• Challenges
• Conclusion
• Case Studies

5. DEFINITION
Hoop House Farming
• Tunnel farming involves the cultivation of
crops inside covered tunnels or greenhouses
• Provide a controlled environment for
optimal growth and yield
• vegetable research institute started in1985
• Tunnel made from PVC pipes covered with
plastic sheets

6. PRINCIPLE
• Based on simple physics - thermal
physics and heat exchange
• It is covered with plastic sheet in winter
season so temperature inside the tunnel
remains normal

7. TUNNEL
ANATOMY

8. 3 High-
Value 🌶️
2 Herbs &
Spices
1 Leafy
Greens
Crops such as
tomatoes, peppers, and
cucumbers can be
successfully grown in
tunnels, offering
higher yields and
premium quality
CROP SUITABLE FOR TUNNEL FARMING
Spinach, lettuce, and
kale thrive in the
controlled environment
of tunnels, allowing for
abundant year-round
harve
Mint, basil, and
cilantro can be grown
in tunnels, ensuring a
consistent supply to
meet culinary demand

9. 1
2
3
4
5
High Quality product
PURPOSE

10. TUNNEL
Polyethylene sheets
less durable
Cheaper
Moveable
Easy to install
GREEN HOUSE
Glassware
Extremely durable
Costly
Fixed
Difficult to install

11. Types of Tunnel
WITH RESPECT TO HEIGHT
WITH RESPECT TO STRUCTURE
High Tunnel
(9-12 ft)
Walk in Tunnel
(6 ft)
Low Tunnel
(3 ft)
Iron rod and
plastic pipe
tunnel
Mulbery Sticks
tunnel
Bamboo tunnel

12. Low Tunnel Walk in Tunnel High Tunnel
According to Height
Types of Tunnel

13. Low Tunnel
• Also called hoop house,
• a short, unheated structure that extends the
growing season for crops by protecting them
from cold and frost.
• under 3 feet (0.91 m) high,
• made of materials like wire mesh or plastic and
covers half of the planting area,
• allowing sunlight while safeguarding against
damaging UV radiation.
• utilize buried plastic film-covered hoops to
prevent cold damage,
• allowing for extended growing periods without
supplemental heat.
• It's crucial to cover any open portions at night to
retain heat,
• but the covering can be removed during the day
for pollination and water evaporation.

14. Crops for Low Tunnel Farming
Carrot water melon Musk Melon bitter gourd
leafy greens
conti....

15. Walk in Tunnel
• Also called grower house is a low, unheated,
partially covered structure
• utilizes a rigid frame for support
• at least 10 feet (3.0m) wide and 25 to 100 feet
(7.6 to 30.5m) long
• sloped roofs supported by centre posts
• Walk-in tunnels have 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2
cm) of soil covering the floor
• which reduces heat loss from the soil in early
spring when nighttime temperatures still pose a
threat.

16. brocolli hot pepper
vegetable
marrow
sweet pepper
conti....
cucumber
Crops for Walk in Tunnel Farming

17. High Tunnel
• Also called a ridge house, hothouse, or
sun tunnel
• agricultural greenhouse structure with a
sloped roof and tall, vertical walls
• used in conjunction with sprinklers or
drip irrigation systems
• In addition to extending the growing
season,
• high tunnels have been found to play a
significant role in suppressing weed
growth without using herbicides.
• It was estimated that there were over of
high tunnels in the United States, with
10% using some type of mechanization.

18. cucumber bottle gourd tomato
corn
conti....
bac choi
Crops for High Tunnel Farming

19. Bamboo Tunnel
• less durable but cheap.
• Tunnel structure could be
modified.
• Bamboos may be replaced
with Eucalyptus wood.
• Life of this tunnel structure
is almost 2-3 years
Iron Tunnel
• consists of T-Iron/Angle Iron
or Jisti Pipes.
• life is almost 15-20 years
but is costly.
• To reduce the cost of this
tunnel structure, T-Irons may
be replace with bamboos on
roof
Low Tunnel
• made by 5 mm iron bars,
narrow bamboos or
mulberry wood.
• 2-3 meter long bars of
iron or wood are bended
and fixed in soil to make
1 meter high tunnel
According to Structure
Types of Tunnel

20. Crop selection and rotation Soil preparation and
management
Irrigation method (drip
irrigation ,misting system)
Nutrient management and
fertilization
Integrated pest
management (IPM)
strategies
Regular monitor environmental
conditions
Tunnel Farming Techniques

21. TOOLS
Protect your hands
while handling plants,
soil, and tools.
GARDEN
GLOVES
Trim and shape plants to
promote healthy growth
and productivity.
PRUNING
SHEARS
Useful for transplanting,
cultivating soil, and
planting seeds or
seedlings.
HAND
TROWEL
WATERING
CAN
Efficiently irrigate your
tunnel crops with a
controlled water supply

22. WARDIERE INC.
Improved Plant
Growth
Bob's Greens saw a remarkable 50% increase in
annual yield by implementing tunnel farming
methods, leading to increased profits and
market presence

23. WARDIERE INC.
Tomato Tunnel in
Punjab
Tunnel Farming of tomato has been started in
sheikhpura (punjab)
to produce off season tomatoes and to protect
them from pest and other environmental
factors

24. Infographic
Adoption of high tunnels for tomato
production in North East District,
Botswanav

25. Factors affecting Tunnel Farming
• Climate
• The local climate significantly affects tunnel farming. i.e, temperature variations,
humidity levels, and prevailing weather conditions
• Site Selection
• Choose a well-drained location with adequate sunlight exposure, wind direction
and potential environmental hazards
• Structure Type and Material
• The choice of tunnel structure and its materials (e.g., polyethylene, PVC, metal)
impacts durability, heat retention, and light transmission
• Soil Quality
• Soil health is critical for successful tunnel farming. Regularly assess and improve
soil fertility through organic matter, compost, and appropriate fertilization.

26. • Temperature Control
• Maintaining optimal temperatures within the tunnel can be challenging.
• Balancing heat during the day and preventing heat loss at night requires careful management,
• especially in variable climates.
• Ventilation
• Proper airflow is crucial for preventing humidity buildup, diseases, and ensuring healthy plant growth
• .achieving effective ventilation without compromising on temperature control can be a challenge.
• Pest and Disease Management
• Tunnels can create a conducive environment for pests and diseases.
• Implementing effective pest control measures and maintaining good hygiene are challenges
• Costs
• Initial setup costs for tunnel farming, including materials and infrastructure, can be high.
• Managing operational costs and ensuring a return on investment pose ongoing challenges for farmers.
Challenges in Tunnel
Farming

27. Empowerment
Green Groves Farm reduced
their environmental impact
by utilizing tunnel farming,
minimizing pesticide use and
water consumption while
maintaining productivity
Community
Empowerment
The Harmony Garden Project
enabled a previously food-
scarce community to
establish their own tunnel
farms, creating jobs and
ensuring a reliable food
source.
Sustained
Harvest
Urban Rooftop Farm A
creative use of high tunnels
to grow fresh produce in
urban areas, improving food
access and sustainability.
Case Studies and Success
Stories

28. • Tunnel farming offers increased yields, extended growing seasons, and better
resource utilization.
• By protecting crops from external factors, tunnel farming minimizes crop loss and
ensures consistent production.
• With the controlled environment, farmers can experiment with new crops and
techniques to stay at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
• Tunnel farming reduces the environmental impact of farming by conserving water,
minimizing pesticide use, and improving overall resource efficiency
Conclusion

29. THANK YOU

30. ANY QUESTION ?