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ATM News Network: Hydroponic agriculture is an innovative technique that has been gaining popularity in India in recent years. It is a soilless method of farming that involves growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution. This method offers several advantages over traditional soil-based agriculture, including higher yields, better quality produce, and the ability to grow crops in areas with poor soil quality.
The current scenario of hydroponic agriculture in India is promising. According to a report by the Indian Horticulture Database, the area under hydroponic farming in India has increased from 100 hectares in 2016 to 300 hectares in 2021. This indicates that more farmers are adopting this technique and reaping its benefits.
One of the main advantages of hydroponic agriculture is that it requires less water than traditional agriculture. This is particularly important in India, where water scarcity is a major issue. According to the Central Water Commission, 21 major cities in India are expected to run out of groundwater by 2020. Hydroponic farming uses up to 90% less water than traditional farming methods, making it an ideal solution to this problem.
Another advantage of hydroponic agriculture is that it can be used to grow crops year-round. In traditional farming, crops are typically planted during specific seasons. This can result in shortages and price hikes during the off-season. Hydroponic farming, on the other hand, allows farmers to grow crops year-round in controlled environments. This ensures a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the year, helping to stabilise prices and reduce food waste.
Hydroponic agriculture is also more efficient than traditional farming. Plants grown in hydroponic systems grow faster and produce higher yields than those grown in soil. This is because the plants have constant access to nutrients and water, allowing them to focus all their energy on growth. This means that farmers can produce more food using less space, making it an ideal solution for urban farming.
The use of hydroponic agriculture in India is still in its early stages, but there are already some success stories. One such example of successful hydroponic farm is the one run by GreenTokri in Pune. This farm produces over 150 types of vegetables, fruits and herbs using hydroponic techniques. The company supplies its produce to several high-end restaurants and hotels in the area. They also offer a subscription service, allowing customers to receive a weekly box of fresh produce.
Despite the many advantages of hydroponic agriculture, there are some challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the high initial investment required to set up a hydroponic farm. This can be a barrier for small-scale farmers who may not have access to capital. Another challenge is the lack of awareness and knowledge about hydroponic farming among farmers. This can lead to a reluctance to adopt the technique.
In conclusion, hydroponic agriculture is a promising technique that has the potential to revolutionise farming in India. It offers several advantages over traditional agriculture, including higher yields, better quality produce, and the ability to grow crops year-round in controlled environments. The current scenario of hydroponic agriculture in India is positive, with an increasing number of farmers adopting the technique. While there are challenges that need to be addressed, the potential benefits of hydroponic farming make it an attractive option for farmers in India.
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