Hydroponic farming gaining ground in region

Vijay C Roy

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 30

At a time when irresponsible farming techniques are deteriorating soil and air quality, posing a major health risk, AgriTech startups in the region are banking on hydroponics to bring urban farming revolution. However, they see demand only in big cities where awareness and affluence support consumption of organic products.

The hydroponic farming is gaining popularity, especially in cities, because the urban population is more concerned about toxicity due to excessive use of pesticides. Since hydroponics uses no soil and 90% less water than usual farming practices, it allays these fears and the produce is purely organic.

It is a vertical-growing practice and needs less acreage to grow more produce than traditional farming. 

Startups such as Chandigarh-based Pindfresh and Gurugram-based Barton Breeze, besides six other players in the region, are making equipment for individuals and commercial players.

“We have been growing lettuce and spinach in our apartment for the past two-and-half years through hydroponic equipment for which we shelled out around Rs 1,300. Though the produce is costly, but looking at health benefits, it hardly matters. The produce is purely organic and enough for a family of two,” said Jyotika Kapoor, a private teacher in Delhi. 

Many households in Gurugram, Chandigarh and Ludhiana are using hydroponics to grow herbs such as lettuce, spinach, coriander, basil, bok choy, ashwagandha and betel leaves.

Gurugram-based Hemant Chowdhry is looking for hydroponic farming on a commercial scale plans to supply the produce to hotels in the niche segment.

“We make systems that allow customers to grow products at home free from any pesticides or insecticides. The technique will create a healthier and more sustainable system where food production is moved from the countryside to people’s homes using innovative, hi-tech and inexpensive techniques,” Pindfresh CEO Somveer S. Anand said. 

The company currently sells equipment worth Rs 8 lakh per month.  Similarly, Barton Breeze offers hydroponic farm set-up on commercial scale to customers, including farming training and services. Gurugram-based Liveponics India Pvt Ltd markets produce grown through hydroponic technique in the NCR region. 

While the technology could be a boon for an increasingly water-starved country like India, widespread commercialisation is constrained by its high cost.

Vertical-growing technique 

• Saves 90% water 

• Free from pesticides 

• Purely organic

• Improves food quality