Greenhouse technology

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The initiative of the Provincial Agriculture Office in introducing to Negros Oriental greenhouse technology, the so-called innovative technology in "scientific farming" is laudable.

The greenhouse technology was first established in the province in 2005 out of the need to strengthen the move to establish in the province an organic-based agriculture.

PAO officials said the greenhouses are designed to protect tender or out-of-season plants against extreme cold or heat. They provide economical means of preventing pests and diseases from destroying high-value crops and vegetable planted within them.

The pilot greenhouses are made of light, plastic materials on an 186-square meter area using the drip irrigation system and other technology needed for growing high-value crops and vegetables. The greenhouse building cost P250,000.00.

Greenhouses will not affect the environment. They are designed to control the balance of temperature, moisture, and light to suit the growth requirements of plants.

The energy from the contents of the greenhouse, however, which emit primarily at infrared wavelengths, is not transmitted through the glass. Thus, although the air temperature outside the greenhouse may be low, the temperature inside will be much higher because there is a sizable net heat transfer into it.

We hope and pray that the greenhouse technology will be replicated in other parts of the province so that people living in the hinterland barangays could benefit from the scientific method of growing crops and vegetables in a controlled environment.*