Even though ‘Hydroponics’ appears to be new technology and can take you by surprise, yet it has an interesting historical existence.
Hydroponics is the science of growing plants in a soilless medium only through the usage of water. It is there since the 16th century. It is said that even Babylonians used hydroponics in 600 BC. Over time, this technology has evolved and refined in such a way that it has revolutionized the very concept of growing crops.
Commercial Hydroponic in India
Commercial hydroponic farming started in 1930 and since then has been a very successful agricultural concept all over the world. India was not far behind and it was in 1946 that this technology reached the Indian shores. Though initially it was felt that there was no feasibility of hydroponics in India, now this view has changed. Since the latter part of the last decade, more and more agricultural entrepreneurs are accepting the technology. Many hydroponics companies in India have started their ventures in this sector. Not only that, several progressive farmers have taken up commercial hydroponic farming in India and even plans to expand their hydroponics operations
Why Indians have suddenly accepted Hydroponics?
Huge Scope – The Indian Hydroponics Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.53% during the forecasting period 2020-2027. The present fruit and vegetable market in India is worth 5,00,000 crores and hydroponic farming meet hardly 1% of the total food market in India. Tremendous financial potential for any early ventures in this field is highly recommended. It is the right time to start hydroponics business in India.
Need of the Hour
Indian farmers use about 265 chemicals for crop protection. These ultimately harm the end consumers’ health causing ailments such as cancers, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, birth defects, and reproductive disorders. As people are becoming increasingly aware, especially in urban areas, consumers are demanding safe food. Hydroponics involves very limited usage of chemicals and is the way to achieve safe food in the future.
Agglomeration & Agriculture Union
It is common knowledge that fresh vegetables fetch better prices and more so in the urban setup where people are ready to pay premium rates. Hydroponics cultivation requires a smaller area and can be set up near the urban markets or even within the city limits thereby ensuring maximum profits through better market prices. A business venture can be encashed on this principle by promoting the idea among the farming community.
Soilless farming for adverse soils – In India, approximately 46% of the land area is used for agriculture. While states like Punjab uses 80% of its area for agriculture state like Mizoram uses only 10%. This is mainly due to adverse soil conditions which makes agriculture impossible. Commercial hydroponics can tip this balance and where water is there, crop production can be done irrespective of soil quality. Even central and state governments have schemes and subsidies to promote hydroponics. If an individual wants to venture into this sector, the time is perfect to start hydroponics business.
Higher yields mean higher profits
Hydroponics gives approximately 20 to 25% higher yields than traditional agriculture. Hence, production per unit area increases meaning profitability increases. Combined with the scenario where crop production with hydroponics is done nearer to urban markets, for an agriculture entrepreneur or even for companies, it is the right technology for future investment.
High investment and higher risk but higher returns – Initial investment is high in hydroponics so is the risk. As such, not many are willing to take the risk making this venture comparative less competitive. Further, higher returns per unit area make this investment very luxurious in terms of returns obtained.
Grow exotic vegetables and earn more – With the rise in demand for exotic vegetables among the urban Indians (85% of which is imported); hydroponics provides the best solution for growing exotic crops. Exotic crops such as Kale, Iceberg, Asparagus Lettuce, Radicchio, Coloured Bell Pepper etc fetch higher prices in the urban markets and among hoteliers.
Technologies offered by Hydroponics Companies in India
- The Wick system is the most basic type where nutrient water mixture is provided to plant through a wick line.
- Through Water Culture System, the plant roots are in direct contact with a rich mixture of water and nutrient.
- By Ebb and Flow System, water nutrients mixture is periodically pumped to the roots of the plant. The excess mixture is drained off by gravity.
- The use of Drip System is the most widely used commercial system. Water nutrient mixture is provided to the plants as droplets through drip lines.
- By Nutrient Film Technique, thenutrient is pumped to the root zone of the plants usually through a tube and the excess liquid goes back into the reservoir.
- Aeroponic is the most advanced technique. Here plant roots are provided with water and nutrient that are periodically sprayed on the root zone in form of a mist.
A Word of Caution
Hydroponics is an exact science i.e. structure, nutrient mixture strength specific crops, machinery, layout etc have to be precise. An interested individual who wants to go ahead with this venture should contact a hydroponic farming setup company in India that has the requisite expertise in the field of hydroponics.
What Profits can be Expected?
In India, farmers who have adopted hydroponics have reported an increase in profits by up to 70%, Further; crop grows almost 40 to 50% faster. Well, one can always get the correlation between hydroponics and profitability. In simple words, a successful hydroponic venture will boost the profit margins exponentially.
Is it Advisable to Invest in Hydroponics in India?
Market trends change with the demand of consumers and the existing environment. Trends dictate the ‘what’, ‘when’ and ‘how’ of production technology. For the Indian agricultural business scenario, with the current changes in consumer requirements and heightened awareness, hydroponics is the answer. Now is the right time to invest in commercial hydroponics farming when there are few competitors as soon many more individuals and companies will join the race to exploit its potential in India.
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