Recent Advances in Protected Farming of Vegetables: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Protected vegetable cultivation is an established approach for producing crops under structures in which the growing environment can be controlled or modified. Open-field vegetable production is frequently constrained by adverse weather, seasonal limitations, biotic stresses, abiotic stresses and inefficient resource use, which can reduce yield, quality and economic returns. This review summarises recent advances in protected farming of vegetables, with emphasis on structural improvements, greenhouse microclimate management, soilless culture and precision technologies. Modern protected structures, ranging from low-cost polyhouses to automated high-cost greenhouses, provide varying levels of protection against rainfall, wind, insects, temperature fluctuations and other production constraints. Microclimate management focuses on regulating temperature, relative humidity, light and CO2 to support plant physiological processes and crop productivity. Cooling, heating, ventilation, shading, humidification and dehumidification systems are discussed as major tools for maintaining favourable greenhouse conditions. The review also covers hydroponics and aeroponics as soilless cultivation approaches that support nutrient delivery, water management and year-round production where soil-based cultivation is limited. In addition, precision farming technologies, including sensors, Internet of Things platforms, geographic information systems, global positioning systems, variable rate technology, robotics and artificial intelligence, are considered in relation to monitoring, decision-making and targeted input application. Although protected cultivation requires substantial initial investment, technical knowledge and maintenance, it offers scope for improving resource-use efficiency, crop quality and resilience to climate variability. The review highlights the need for integrated, context-specific adoption of protected cultivation technologies for sustainable vegetable production. It also recognises the importance of practical technology integration, policy support and grower capacity building for improving the feasibility of protected vegetable farming.