Hydroponics, the soil-less method of growing plants using nutrient-rich water, is transforming traditional farming practices across the globe. This innovative technique not only enhances crop yields but also offers significant water savings. Five farmers have successfully embraced hydroponics, each finding their own path to increased profits and sustainable farming practices. Their stories highlight the versatility and benefits of hydroponic systems, offering valuable insights for others considering this method.
- Abhay Singh: Pioneering Soil-Less Farming Abhay Singh, an IIT-Bombay graduate and co-founder of Eeki Foods, has championed hydroponics with a vision of making farming more sustainable and affordable. Eeki Foods operates in Haryana and Rajasthan, utilizing climate-controlled chambers where plant roots are suspended in air and receive nutrients through irrigation. Singh’s approach saves 80% of water and accelerates vegetable growth by 75%. The success of Eeki Foods underscores the potential of hydroponics to enhance food production efficiency.
- Shailesh Modak: From Corporate Life to Saffron Farming Shailesh Modak transitioned from a 13-year corporate career to become a hydroponic saffron farmer. Investing Rs 10 lakh, Modak developed a method that uses 95% less water and enables year-round cultivation. His first saffron crop yielded 875 grams, generating Rs 5 lakh in revenue. Modak’s success story demonstrates how hydroponics can make high-value crops like saffron accessible and profitable, even in unconventional locations like Pune.
- Ramesh Gera: Turning Saffron Cultivation into a Profitable Venture After a successful engineering career, Ramesh Gera invested Rs 6 lakh to establish a greenhouse for saffron cultivation in Noida. Inspired by advanced farming techniques from South Korea, Gera’s venture has proven lucrative, with saffron fetching up to Rs 3.5 lakh per kilogram in retail markets. The establishment of the Akarshak Saffron Institute reflects his commitment to sharing knowledge and enhancing the profitability of saffron farming through hydroponics.
- Dheeraj Verma: Boosting Strawberry Production Dheeraj Verma’s foray into hydroponics began with inspiration from Israeli farming methods. Investing Rs 12 lakh, he set up a 3,500 sq ft hydroponic system for strawberries on his 10-acre farm in Barabanki. Within two months, Verma harvested five tonnes of strawberries, earning Rs 3 lakh in sales. His experience highlights the significant production efficiency gains that hydroponics can offer over traditional farming methods.
- Sandeep Kannan: From Terrace Gardening to Market Success Sandeep Kannan’s journey into hydroponics began with small-scale experiments on his terrace during the COVID-19 lockdown. Initially growing leafy vegetables and lettuce using PVC pipes and nutrient-rich water, Kannan expanded his operation to supply local supermarkets and residential areas in Tirupati. Despite initial challenges, he now earns Rs 54,000 monthly, showcasing how even small-scale hydroponic systems can achieve market success and personal satisfaction.
The experiences of these five farmers illustrate the transformative potential of hydroponics in modern agriculture. By adopting soil-less farming techniques, they have not only increased their profitability but also contributed to more sustainable and water-efficient farming practices. Their stories serve as an inspiration and a practical guide for those looking to explore hydroponics and revolutionize their agricultural ventures.
