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Hydroponic farming is transforming the future of food
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Wednesday, 03 May, 2023, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
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Sanket Mehta
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Today’s Agri-tech startups are using sustainable farming practices such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and aquaponics, which use less water and land than traditional farming methods that not only help reduce the environmental impact of food production but also help ensure healthier eating habits for consumers.
We recently celebrated our 75th Anniversary of the WHO (World Health Organization) around the theme of World Health Day as “Health for all.” This day is observed annually to raise awareness about a specific health cause; this year it was about improving health for all. Good health is an outcome of a balanced lifestyle. However, many people these days lead busy lives and often opt for convenient, processed foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients. This can result in a diet that is deficient in essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are required for optimal health.
Good nutrition is vital to maintaining optimal health and preventing chronic diseases. It is essential to have a balanced and varied diet that includes all the necessary nutrients.
Growing hydroponic produce
Hydroponics is a method of cultivation without soil, using nutrient-rich water to deliver the necessary nutrients directly to the plant roots. Hydroponics is considered healthy because it allows for more efficient use of resources such as water and nutrients, resulting in faster growth and higher yields. Additionally, hydroponic systems can be more tightly controlled and monitored than traditional soil-based systems, allowing for better management of pH levels, nutrient concentrations, and environmental factors like temperature and humidity.
Hydroponic produce can be grown year-round and can be more efficient in terms of resource use compared to traditional soil-based farming. The methods can impact the nutritional content of the food we consume. There are methods such as the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) in which plants are grown in channels with a thin film of nutrient solution flowing through them. The roots are suspended in the film, allowing them to absorb the nutrients they need. Other popular methods are Deep Water Culture (DWC) and Drip Irrigation. Each of these methods has its own advantages, and the choice of method will depend on factors such as the type of plants being grown, the available space, and the resources available.
Good health for all
Good health for all is an important goal and access to healthy and nutritious food is essential for maintaining good health. This includes access to fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and other nutrient-rich foods. In terms of sustainability, hydroponic farming can reduce the negative impact of agriculture on the environment by minimising water use and reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides. To summarise, hydroponic produce can be a healthy and sustainable option for food production when grown responsibly and with consideration for environmental impact.
(The author is co-founder, Nutrifresh Farm Tech India Pvt. Ltd)
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