Technologies

Growing vegetables in a nethouse to ward off insects [Cambodia]

Nethouse

technologies_3138 - Cambodia

Completeness: 90%

1. General information

1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Key resource person(s)

Agricultural Extension Official at Agricultural Office of Thma Koul:

Seiv Daraposa

Agricultural Office of Thma Koul

Cambodia

Chief of Agricultural Office of Sankae:
Agronomy Official at Agricultural Office of Bavel:

Mout Larm

Agricultural Office of Bavel

Cambodia

land user:

Seng Sarun

Farmer

Cambodia

Staff of Project Safe Vegetable Value Chain in Cambodia:

Nin Davuth

Division of Research and Extension, Royal University of Agriculture.

Cambodia

Team Leader of Group Safe Vegetable at Ta Sei village:

Nob Nun

Division of Research and Extension, Royal University of Agriculture.

Cambodia

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Scaling-up SLM practices by smallholder farmers (IFAD)
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) - Cambodia

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

A nethouse is a structure that is enclosed by a nylon net (like mosquito nets) which protects vegetables from insects. Additionally, it prevents the vegetables from being damaged by rainfall wind and sunlight.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Currently one of the major challenges farmer face when growing vegetables is the damage caused by insects. Moreover, climate change creates obstacles when cultivating crops such as irregular rainfall, strong winds, and a rise in temperature. In order to address these issues the farmers trialed the growing of vegetables under a nethouse. Nethouses also enable crop growing throughout the whole year.
The main purpose of building a nethouse is to ward off insects without having to apply pesticides. A nethouse is highly effective in damage reduction caused by insects on crop from 80% to 100% (Stilers, 2011). Also farmers noticed that there's no significant insect infestation when using this technology. The netted roof helps to protect vegetables from direct rainfall onto them as this can damage plants or splashes soil on plant's leaves. As well it is slowing down the speed of rainfall and split it into small droplets, which is important to improve the cultivation of vegetables during rainy season, (usually farmer can grow vegetables only during dry season).
Nethouses come in a range of different size and height, and construction materials also differ depending on the available resources. Before setting up a nethouse, farmer will firstly have to prepare the terrain and then mark out the points where posts will be installed (generally it is rectangular in shape) and dig holes measuring 0.40 meters x 0.40 meters with a depth of 1 meter at all of the marked out point. After post have been inserted into these holes they should be filled with concrete to a height of 60 cm so as to secure post (the length of side post are 3 meters and the middle post are 4 meters). After frame completion, nylon ropes are extended. They act as frames to support the net and then lastly, the net is rolled over the frame to cover the entire nethouse (the sides of net should be buried in ground at a depth of 25 cm). There are two common types of nethouse roofs, those being either a gable roof or a curved (gambrel) roof, which is better than a flat roof that risks breaking down when water accumulates on it during heavy rainfalls.
Farmers generally use the same cultivation techniques as other farmers. The differences lie in the nethouse, in nearly no use of chemical fertilizers and in complete elimination of pesticide. The interviewed farmer established a nethouse measuring 316.25 square meters at Tasei village, Tameun commune (Thmakoul district). The land selected by the farmer for such nethouse vegetable growing was previously a rice field. He considered that rice can only be grown once a year, whereas vegetables can be grown throughout the year. Thus, it is possible to generate more income. They decided to dig a large pond (35meter x 35meter) for water storage connected to the irrigation system, which disburden him from watering during dry season. Initially, the excavated soil was less fertile, but the farmer used compost for one year, after which it was possible to improve the soil quality. The farmer makes dry and liquid compost by himself and also uses organic fertilizer which is purchased externally. The liquid compost is made up of sugar palm 1 kg, pineapple 5 kg and coconut juice 2 liters. This practice adds nutrients to soil and promotes a lot of living organisms that make crops flourish.
Comparing the construction costs and time it takes to make a profit from sale of vegetables farmers have to have at least three harvests before they can cover the cost of the nethouse or to achieve the profit. The nethouse can be used for a period of 10 to 13 years, and it is only necessary to change the nylon net once it is ripped. The actual gross income from pok choi and escarole is 1,590,000 riels for 530 kilograms.
If he continued to produce rice on this land, this would generate 100kg of rice sold at about 800 riels per kg and so, he would gain 80,000 riels per year. However, as the farmer applies this technology he can grow vegetable several times per year (6-7 times) with an average yield of 530 kg per harvest that amounts to 3,180 kg per year. If one kilogram of vegetables is worth 3000 riel he is able to generate an income of around 9,540,000 riel, which is more than hundredfold that of rice. Additionally, he is able to produce safe vegetables, contributes to the reduction in environmental pollution and the technology is adapted to climate change.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.4 Videos of the Technology

Comments, short description:

NA

Name of videographer:

NA

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Cambodia

Region/ State/ Province:

Ta Sei village, Ta Meun commune, Thmakoul district, Battambang province.

Further specification of location:

The farm behind the village

Specify the spread of the Technology:
  • evenly spread over an area
If precise area is not known, indicate approximate area covered:
  • < 0.1 km2 (10 ha)

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2017

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • through projects/ external interventions
Comments (type of project, etc.):

The Project Safe Vegetable Value Chain in Cambodia, implemented by Division of Research and Extension of Royal University of Agriculture and funded by USAID.

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • improve production
  • reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
  • protect a watershed/ downstream areas – in combination with other Technologies
  • preserve/ improve biodiversity
  • adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts
  • create beneficial economic impact
  • improve consumers health

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
  • Short-term crop
Annual cropping - Specify crops:
  • vegetables - leafy vegetables (salads, cabbage, spinach, other)
Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 3
Specify:

Vegetable can be grown from 6 to 7 times per year

Is crop rotation practiced?

Yes

If yes, specify:

Pok choi, escarole, choy sum, cabbage in rotation during one year

Comments:

គ្មានចិញ្ចឹមសត្វទេ

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?
  • Yes (Please fill out the questions below with regard to the land use before implementation of the Technology)
Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
  • rice
Comments:

It used to be the paddy field before but it just changed to vegetable growing last year (2017).

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:
  • mixed rainfed-irrigated
Comments:

There is pond for irrigation during drought and dry season.

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • rotational systems (crop rotation, fallows, shifting cultivation)
  • improved ground/ vegetation cover
  • integrated pest and disease management (incl. organic agriculture)

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures

agronomic measures

  • A1: Vegetation/ soil cover
  • A2: Organic matter/ soil fertility
structural measures

structural measures

  • S7: Water harvesting/ supply/ irrigation equipment
  • S9: Shelters for plants and animals

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

soil erosion by water

  • Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion
chemical soil deterioration

chemical soil deterioration

  • Cp: soil pollution
biological degradation

biological degradation

  • Bl: loss of soil life
  • Bp: increase of pests/ diseases, loss of predators
water degradation

water degradation

  • Ha: aridification

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:
  • prevent land degradation

4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

The nethouse is 27.50 meters x 11.50 meters, with 3 meters high. It uses 18 wooden pillars with a space of 4.50 meters from to another. Inside the nethouse, there are 6 rows of vegetable and each row has 9 sprinkler heads for the irrigation. Actually, the farmer planed 2 types of crop - pok choi and escarole. The ways between the vegetable rows are about 45 centimeters in width.

Author:

Mr. Khoun Sophal and Ms. Lay Nary

Date:

03/07/2017

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:
  • per Technology area
Indicate size and area unit:

316.25 square meters

other/ national currency (specify):

KHR

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

4000.0

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

28000

4.3 Establishment activities

Activity Timing (season)
1. Prepare the land June
2. Make the pillars for the nethouse June
3. Make the roof and the surrounding with the nylon netting June
4. Plow the land again June
5. Make the row and prepare sprinkler system June
6. Irrigation and planting July

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Prepare and plowing the soil person-day 1.0 28000.0 28000.0 100.0
Labour Set up nethouse person-day 1.0 28000.0 28000.0 100.0
Equipment Rotary machine Set 1.0 3000000.0 3000000.0 100.0
Equipment Pumping machine Piece 1.0 420000.0 420000.0 100.0
Equipment Pipe stem 8.0 20000.0 160000.0 100.0
Plant material Pok choi seed cans 1.0 7000.0 7000.0 100.0
Plant material Escarole seed cans 1.0 4500.0 4500.0 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides Cow manure bag 10.0 10000.0 100000.0 100.0
Construction material wooden pole stem 28.0 8000.0 224000.0 100.0
Construction material Pillars 3 meters in height stem 16.0 25000.0 400000.0 100.0
Construction material Pillars 4 meters in height stem 7.0 35000.0 245000.0 100.0
Construction material Nylon nettings set 2.0 1200000.0 2400000.0
Construction material Cement bag 2.0 20000.0 40000.0 100.0
Construction material Sand cubic 0.5 30000.0 15000.0 100.0
Construction material Rock cubic 0.5 30000.0 15000.0 100.0
Construction material Nail at size of 12 cm package 2.0 5000.0 10000.0 100.0
Other Nail at size of 10 cm package 2.0 5000.0 10000.0 100.0
Other Shovel Piece 1.0 12000.0 12000.0 100.0
Other Rake Piece 1.0 35000.0 35000.0 100.0
Other Sprinkler set 1.0 450000.0 450000.0 100.0
Other Nylon kilogram 5.0 13000.0 65000.0 100.0
Other Black nylon kilogram 4.0 5000.0 20000.0 100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology 7688500.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD 1922.13
If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

The nylon net was supported by Safe Vegetable Value Chain in Cambodia project

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Timing/ frequency
1. Irrigation every day
2. Spaying liquid compost once week per month
3. Weeding and thinning cabbage seedlings at 15 days old, weeding and thinning cabbage seedlings

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Weeding and thinning cabbage seedlings person-day 1.25 28000.0 35000.0 100.0
Labour Spray liquid compost (by himself) person-day 6.0 28000.0 168000.0 100.0
Equipment Spraying tank set 1.0 60000.0 60000.0 100.0
Plant material Fertilizer (N P K) Kilogram 6.0 2000.0 12000.0 100.0
Plant material Fertilizer (A D P) Kilogram 1.0 2500.0 2500.0 100.0
Other Gasoline for pump water one cycle of cropping liter 6.0 3200.0 19200.0 100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology 296700.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD 74.17

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Nylon netting and pillars

5. Natural and human environment

5.1 Climate

Annual rainfall
  • < 250 mm
  • 251-500 mm
  • 501-750 mm
  • 751-1,000 mm
  • 1,001-1,500 mm
  • 1,501-2,000 mm
  • 2,001-3,000 mm
  • 3,001-4,000 mm
  • > 4,000 mm
Specify average annual rainfall (if known), in mm:

1102.02

Specifications/ comments on rainfall:

The annual rainfall in 2015 is 1102.02 mm. In 2014 is 878.13 mm and in 2013 is 1393 mm.

Indicate the name of the reference meteorological station considered:

Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (2015)

Agro-climatic zone
  • sub-humid

There are 2 seasons, dry season and raining season (during the rainy season, there is mini-drought which takes from July or August).

5.2 Topography

Slopes on average:
  • flat (0-2%)
  • gentle (3-5%)
  • moderate (6-10%)
  • rolling (11-15%)
  • hilly (16-30%)
  • steep (31-60%)
  • very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
  • plateau/plains
  • ridges
  • mountain slopes
  • hill slopes
  • footslopes
  • valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
  • 0-100 m a.s.l.
  • 101-500 m a.s.l.
  • 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
  • 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
  • 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
  • 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
  • 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
  • 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
  • > 4,000 m a.s.l.
Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:
  • not relevant

5.3 Soils

Soil depth on average:
  • very shallow (0-20 cm)
  • shallow (21-50 cm)
  • moderately deep (51-80 cm)
  • deep (81-120 cm)
  • very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
  • fine/ heavy (clay)
Soil texture (> 20 cm below surface):
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • low (<1%)
If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

pH = 6.2

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

5-50 m

Availability of surface water:

good

Water quality (untreated):

good drinking water

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • low
Habitat diversity:
  • low

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Sedentary or nomadic:
  • Sedentary
Market orientation of production system:
  • commercial/ market
Off-farm income:
  • less than 10% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • average
Individuals or groups:
  • individual/ household
Level of mechanization:
  • manual work
  • mechanized/ motorized
Gender:
  • men
Age of land users:
  • middle-aged
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

The farmer is 45 years old.

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

  • < 0.5 ha
  • 0.5-1 ha
  • 1-2 ha
  • 2-5 ha
  • 5-15 ha
  • 15-50 ha
  • 50-100 ha
  • 100-500 ha
  • 500-1,000 ha
  • 1,000-10,000 ha
  • > 10,000 ha
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
  • medium-scale
Comments:

There are 2 hectares of rice fields and the land for growing vegetables is 0.32 hectare.

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:
  • individual, titled
Land use rights:
  • individual
Water use rights:
  • individual

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

health:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
education:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
technical assistance:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
employment (e.g. off-farm):
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
markets:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
energy:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
roads and transport:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
drinking water and sanitation:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
financial services:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

crop production

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Before only rice was growing on the field but now the farmer cultivates it with many vegetables such as pok choi, escarole, choy sum.

crop quality

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

He does not use chemical pesticides, but he has a efficient protection against pest due to the nethouse and also he uses compost that makes the soil rich in nutrients for good plant growth.

risk of production failure

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

There are no more damages by insects or rainfall.

product diversity

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Now the farmer is able to grow many different vegetables which can be harvested more than 6 to 7 times a year.

land management

hindered
simplified
Comments/ specify:

Planting difference crops and apply of rotation technique use the varying availability soil nutrients. Application of compost and cow manure could improve soil quality. Anyway, growing crop in nethouse to ward off insect and stop use chemical pesticide simplify the land management.

Water availability and quality

irrigation water availability

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The new pond has enough water for irrigation.

demand for irrigation water

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Use sprinkler for irrigation.

Income and costs

expenses on agricultural inputs

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Cost of the nethouse at the beginning is very high.

farm income

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Do not spend money to buy chemical pesticide and can grow many times during the course of the year.

workload

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Not require labor for watering as before.

Socio-cultural impacts

food security/ self-sufficiency

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

He cultivates many crops and at many times. In consequence the food security and self-sufficiency increased.

health situation

worsened
improved
Comments/ specify:

As the farmer uses no chemical pesticides, the production of the vegetable is very healthy for consumers.

community institutions

weakened
strengthened
Comments/ specify:

The farmer can get information and share experience in an association for organic vegetable growing.

national institutions

weakened
strengthened
Comments/ specify:

There are trainings by official government at province level and other projects as Safe Vegetable Value Chain in Cambodia project.

SLM/ land degradation knowledge

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Using nethouse for growing vegetable, which prevents from insects invasion and making dry and liquid compost.

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

harvesting/ collection of water

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

He digged a pond for the irrigation system near the nethouse in case of drought and during dry season.

evaporation

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

There are cover crops and nethouse which help to reduce heat and therefore evaporation.

Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The vegetables as a kin of cover crop keep moisture and the nethouse impede evaporation.

soil loss

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

The cover crops and as well the nethouse protect from rill erosion.

soil compaction

increased
reduced
Comments/ specify:

Using organic compost improved the soil. Now the soil is rich in earth worms and other organisms which prevent compaction.

soil organic matter/ below ground C

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The soil rich in nutrition by using compost now.

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

invasive alien species

increased
reduced
Comments/ specify:

There is not damaged from insects as before.

beneficial species

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

There are more earth worms and beneficial species in the soil.

pest/ disease control

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The nethouse reduces crop damages from insect very effectively.

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change
Season increase or decrease How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature increase well
seasonal temperature wet/ rainy season increase well
annual rainfall increase well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Climatological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
drought very well
Biological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
epidemic diseases very well
insect/ worm infestation very well

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?
Short-term returns:

slightly positive

Long-term returns:

very positive

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?
Short-term returns:

positive

Long-term returns:

positive

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

  • 1-10%
If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

6 families

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?
  • 91-100%

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
No use of chemical pesticides.
Able to cultivate numerous crops almost throughout the whole year.
Produce safe vegetables.
Increase income.
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Good adaptation to climate change by maintaining a good soil moisture, less use of water and a good protection of the vegetables from being damaged by heavy rainfall.
No use of pesticides, creates a low demand for fertilizer and helps to reduce the expenditure on fertilizer. The technology is easy to manage, maintain and control.
Production of safe vegetables for consumption.

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view How can they be overcome?
Generates heat and there is less air circulation. Utilize a fan.
It is not easy to go in and out of the nethouse. Construct a proper door.
Have to spend a lot of money to construct the nethouse. Progress as resources are available such as bamboo, small wood in forests.
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
Have to spend a lot of money to make the nethouse. Finding partners or organizations to corporate. Farmer could make nethouse by other resources available like bamboo or small wood.
In nethouse is less air circulation. Utilize a fan.

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

  • field visits, field surveys

1field

  • interviews with land users

1 person

  • interviews with SLM specialists/ experts

5 people

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

03/07/2017

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Saingkoma.Y & Sokha. P. (2009). kit of book: Technical principles and practical experience.CEDAC. In Khmer

Available from where? Costs?

The Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

RUA.(2016).Nethouse helps a vegetable producer stop using chemical pesticide. Agro-ecology learning alliance in South East asia.Retrieve from 23/01/2018

URL:

http://ali-sea.org/item/nethouse-helps-a-vegetable-producer-stop-using-chemical-pesticide/

Title/ description:

Talekar.N.S., F.C. Su., and M.Y.(2003).How to Grow Safer Leafy Vegetables in Nethouses and Net Tunnels. Asian vegetable research & development center. retrieved from 23/01/2018

URL:

https://www.google.com.kh/search?q=How+to+Grow+Safer+Leafy+Vegetables+in+Nethouses+and+Net+Tunnels&oq=How+to+Grow+Safer+Leafy+Vegetables+in+Nethouses+and+Net+Tunnels&aqs=chrome..69i57.1116j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Title/ description:

Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. small ideas, big revolution. (2009).Net Houses. retrieved from 23/01/2018

URL:

http://www.jains.com/Protected%20Cultivation/net%20houses.htm

Title/ description:

XStivers. L (2011). Net House Vegetable Production: Pest Management Successes and challenges. Journal of the NACAA 4(1). retrieved from 08/01/2018

URL:

https://www.nacaa.com/journal/index.php?jid=87

Title/ description:

Dr. A. (2018). Net house vegetable production: Pest management successes and challenges. Entomology Series Timely Information Agriculture & Natural Resources. retrieved from 23/01/2018

URL:

www.aces.edu/timelyinfo/entomology/2010/December/Dec_2010.pdf

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