Samenvatting

In order to enhance the acceptance of new technologies by the farmers, there is a need for standard technics of different types of protected cultivation. This study aims to develop a comparison of a lowtech, mid-tech and high-tech structure to build a complete standard for Indian farmers. The objective is to determine which model would be the most suitable for Indian farmers in the State of Maharashtra by calculating their economic feasibility, their efficiency of production and by studying the scope of implementing modern technology according to the farmers perception. The main results are that subsidies from the government must be integrated to the calculations in order to generate a positive annual income. In case of 50% subsidies, the Mid-tech model obtains the best profitability and economic feasibility. The high-tech model shows the best efficiency of production due to the soilless cultivation which enables to reduce the workforce required and the inputs. The study reveals many available opportunities to enhance the adoption of technology by Indian farmers, who have a high willingness to implement modern technology in their cultivation system. The main constraint highlighted is the lack of knowledge and know-how required to adopt modern technologies and the initial cost of investment. Thus, the Mid-tech model which also includes modern technology at a more affordable cost than the high-tech model would be the most suitable model for Indian farmers in Maharashtra. Moreover, there is a need from private and public institutes to develop the trainings activities for improving the skills and knowledge required at farmers level. The Mid-tech model developed in this study should be implemented to realize calculations in real conditions and, according to the results, it should be implemented at farms level by Indian farmers.