Nylon net tunnels, net houses or plastic houses are increasingly used for growing leafy vegetables in peri-urban areas. Plastic houses are also used for tomato production during the hot-wet season.

The Center’s research on appropriate net mesh sizes and cultural practices to control specific pests has made covered production a highly effective means of controlling pests and reducing pesticide use.

In India, producing vegetables under nethouses helps to reduce pesticide use, improves quality and can improve off-season vegetable production. AVRDC and partners in the Punjab are creating new nethouses better suited to local weather conditions and the needs of smallholder farmers.Â