Ranchi, Aug. 11: In a bid to promote vegetable production, especially that of exotic variety, the government is mulling to set up 85 polyhouses of 550 sq m each across the state.

The project is likely to tee-off towards the end of this year.

Covered by polythene, a polyhouse resembles a greenhouse where sheltered cultivation takes place in a controlled ambience. Nurseries are also incorporated within them.

Farmers will get subsidy up to Rs 2 lakh for setting up a polyhouse. The capital will be home to 10 such polyhouses.

Agriculture secretary A.K. Sarkar said they have already floated tenders to shortlist experienced workforce.

“The decision on the choice of vegetables will rest on the farmers,” said S.S.P. Singh, deputy director of horticulture. “The focus will be on exotic varieties like baby corn, broccoli and off-season vegetables,” he said.

A section of experts, however, apprehend that the project would neither help farmers nor the government. The people would not consume such exotic vegetables and there is no cold chain or infrastructure to export them outside, they said.