Connecting Innovative Technologies and Sustainable Development: Hydroponics Agricultural Technology

Human society’s traditional conceptions, habits, and beliefs are being reshaped by innovative technologies. Technical knowledge has changed and innovated to keep up with our changing reality, from Nanotechnology to Space Missions. The agricultural sector is one such field where new thinking has had a significant impact. With rapid population growth and correspondingly high demand for food resources, the world is on the verge of reaching a point where increased food production is required. According to UN estimates, the world’s population will reach 9.8 billion in 2050, with 70% of people living in cities, resulting in a surge in demand for more food. As a result, scientists have been experimenting with novel agricultural production technologies. Hydroponic farming is a new creative farming technology that uses fewer utility facilities and delivers higher yields, making it easier to achieve the objective of agricultural sustainability.

What is Hydroponics?

Simply put, hydroponics is a type of agriculture that allows farmers to grow plants without using soil. This method is a subset of hydro culture, in which the plants are nourished by a mineral aqueous solution rather than soil. This method of cultivating is very useful for growing plants in urban areas when space and suitable conditions for plant growth are limited. With the growing demand for food supply, variations of this technology such as vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture are becoming increasingly significant.

Francis Bacon’s work “A Natural History,” published in 1627, contains the earliest knowledge about hydroponics. NASA has been experimenting with the technology in their “Controlled Ecological Life Support System” project in recent years (Business World, 2021). This innovative farming technology benefits not only the agricultural market, but it is also becoming increasingly important in achieving the goal of sustainable development. This method is a suitable alternative farming method for the changing environment because it uses less environmental combative manures and uses less water.

Hydroponics in India

Hydroponics is gaining popularity in India, particularly in the country’s cities. The technology’s minimum needs, such as its adaptation to balconies and small spaces, as well as its low water and management requirements, enable an average Indian family living in the city to grow their own vegetables in their backyard. When the lockdown and isolation went into effect without a warrant, the pandemic demonstrated how important it is for us to be a little self-sufficient in terms of food materials.

Cities in India such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai are emerging as this technology ambassador. Along with individual participation, organizations like NIRJA and start-up initiatives are actively contributing to India’s hydroponics knowledge base. With India’s growing population and limited land for traditional agricultural practises, hydroponics will undoubtedly become the next big thing in the country’s agricultural industry. In addition, technology will help India meet its long-term commitment to the United Nations’ “Sustainable Development Goals.”

Resources

Boylan, C.  (2020). “The Future of Farming: Hydroponics”, Princeton University.

Shrivastav, U.  (2021). “Hydroponics: The unrealized potential in India”, Business World.