The COVID-19 pandemic drastically impacted global economies, leaving millions without a steady income, and Kinley Wangmo from Bhutan was no exception. However, rather than succumbing to the crisis, she turned to hydroponic farming, an innovative method that grows crops in nutrient-rich water without soil. What started as a curiosity quickly became a passion, and her efforts are now transforming the future of food security in Bhutan.
Hydroponics has emerged as a promising solution for regions like Bhutan, where arable land is scarce, and food production faces continuous challenges. Compared to traditional farming methods, hydroponics uses less water, yields higher productivity, and allows year-round cultivation. Kinley, once a construction contractor and now a hydroponics farmer, saw the immense potential in this technology and began developing a localized, cost-effective version of hydroponic systems for Bhutan’s small-scale farmers.
Addressing Food Security with Innovation
Bhutan, nestled in the Himalayas, faces several challenges in achieving food security. Its agricultural sector is fragmented, and much of the available land is unsuitable for traditional farming due to the country’s mountainous terrain. Additionally, the ongoing urbanization and shrinking of farmlands further exacerbate the problem. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one-third of Bhutan’s population experiences food insecurity. Moreover, Bhutan’s urban food supply heavily relies on imports, a dependency made stark during the pandemic.
In response to these challenges, Kinley utilized her background in electrical systems to design a low-cost, efficient hydroponic system using deep flow technology. The system runs on minimal water and energy inputs, making it ideal for Bhutan’s rugged landscape. The introduction of solar-powered pumps further increased the system’s viability for farmers in remote areas with limited access to electricity.
Kinley’s innovation caught the attention of the Bhutanese government and international organizations. In early 2024, she was selected for the FAO’s Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The program supports 30 recipients, providing them with financial aid, technical assistance, and agricultural equipment to scale up urban agriculture initiatives. With the support of this program, Kinley expanded her operations by constructing three large greenhouses in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.
The Benefits of Hydroponic Farming
Hydroponic farming offers several advantages over traditional soil-based agriculture, particularly in areas like Bhutan where water and land resources are limited. The FAO notes that hydroponics can save up to 90% of the water required in traditional farming methods. By optimizing nutrient delivery through water, plants grow faster and with less waste. In Kinley’s greenhouses, she has harvested lettuce three times within five months, supplying fresh produce to hotels and local markets.
Despite the initial high costs of setting up hydroponic systems, the long-term benefits outweigh the investment. Hydroponics allows farmers to control all growing conditions, including temperature, light, and nutrient supply. This leads to consistent yields and higher-quality crops. With more young people moving to cities and leaving rural farming behind, Kinley’s hydroponic model offers an alternative for urban food production. She hopes to inspire others, especially women and young people, to take up this less labor-intensive and cleaner form of agriculture.
Empowering Local Communities
Kinley’s efforts extend beyond simply running a successful farm. She employs nine staff members, many of whom are single mothers and young adults. Her vision is not just to increase crop production but to empower local communities with the tools and knowledge to achieve food security. By developing a hydroponic system tailored to Bhutan’s unique environment, Kinley is also making these systems more affordable for local farmers, reducing their dependency on expensive imported equipment.
The Bhutanese government has been actively promoting urban agriculture as part of its long-term strategy for food security. As Bhutan continues to face the impacts of climate change, urbanization, and wildlife-related crop damage, alternative farming systems like hydroponics provide a path forward.
A Future of Food Security
Kinley Wangmo’s journey from a contractor to a pioneer in hydroponic farming is a story of resilience, innovation, and community impact. Her work demonstrates that with the right technology and support, small-scale farmers in Bhutan can overcome the limitations of traditional agriculture. As the demand for locally produced food grows, Kinley plans to expand her business, cultivating additional varieties of lettuce and hiring more workers to meet the rising market needs.
As the world faces challenges of food insecurity, climate change, and urbanization, Kinley’s hydroponic model offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable farming. By utilizing solar power, efficient water use, and advanced technology, hydroponics could play a pivotal role in addressing global food shortages. Her commitment to innovation and education continues to inspire others in Bhutan and beyond, proving that agriculture can evolve to meet the needs of modern society.
The adoption of solar-powered hydroponic farming by Kinley Wangmo is a significant step forward in addressing Bhutan’s food security issues. Her innovative approach, which combines sustainable energy and modern farming techniques, offers a blueprint for urban and rural communities looking to improve local food production. As Bhutan’s agriculture sector faces challenges from urbanization and climate change, hydroponics represents a scalable and sustainable solution. Kinley’s story serves as an inspiration for future agricultural initiatives, highlighting the power of technology to transform lives and secure food for future generations.
