In an attempt to increase the income for farmers, a modified polyhouse design has been proposed by the Biotechnology Department of Shoolini University. It can harvest rainwater, stand storms and facilitates the growth of two crops of different seasons at the same time. The ‘hatchback car design’ inspired structure of the polyhouse would help the air to move out of its way and would provide stability against the winds during storms. This structure can prove to be helpful especially in the hilly regions where wind is the main environmental factor for polyhouse destruction.

Presence of adiabatic wall constructed inside the polyhouse, along with the temperature, humidity, and ventilation control system would allow the farmers to grow 2 crops of different seasons in the same polyhouse. This would be achieved with an adiabatic wall which would resist the transfer of heat under controlled temperature conditions.

The slightly curvy and slant-roof would help to collect rainwater which can be stored and used for irrigation water. Additionally, a water tank will be placed on the top to collect rainwater and when it reaches its maximum capacity, extra water would flow to other water harvesting tanks. Water flowing through gravity in the irrigation pipes would save the motor costs too. This design can benefit many farmers who have small land areas and where shortage of water is the main problem that reduces crop production.

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It has been designed with collection chambers on both sides of the polyhouse which would also prevent soil erosion which often occurs near the two sides as rainwater from the roof directly hits the ground. The water from the collection chambers would also be collected in the storage tanks. Efforts have been made to ensure maximum utilization of rainwater and minimizing wastage.

This patent titled ‘an advanced polyhouse structure for water harvesting and to grow two different seasonal crops at one time’ was filed by student Kartik Chauhan and his teacher Mr. Rupak Nagraik on September 30, 2018. The idea stems from a school project made by Kartik which he later modified and improved upon during his college years under the guidance of his Professor.

Nothing is perfect, there might be some problems even with the model that we have suggested, so we need to continue modifying as new suggestions and better technologies emerge,'' said the young Shoolinian.

Kartik is a student of B.Tech. Biotech. and is currently in his final semester. He plans to pursue his M.Tech. from Shoolini University itself and wishes to go abroad for further studies. He enjoys doing research and working on various ideas whenever he finds time and is highly motivated to pursue a career in the field of Research and Development (R&D).

Mr. Nagraik stated that they have already tested the demo model and they are setting up a new polyhouse in collaboration with the Agriculture Deptt. of Shoolini University to practically test their suggestions and viability of the proposed design. He hopes to get financial support from the University for setting up the polyhouse.