By Azeem Ahmed Khan
ISLAMABAD– Hydroponic farming offers a viable solution to Pakistan’s agricultural challenges, including water scarcity, soil degradation, climate change, and sustainable food production, says Agri Advisor Concave AGRI, Muhammad Rizwan.
Understanding Hydroponic Farming: An Alternative to Traditional Agriculture
Talking to this reporter, Rizwan explained that hydroponic farming serves as an alternative to traditional soil-based agriculture.
This method involves growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution in controlled environments such as greenhouses or indoor spaces, where the roots are submerged or suspended in water, he added.
Variety of Crops and Growing Media in Hydroponics
He highlighted that hydroponics could be effectively used to grow a variety of crops, including vegetables, salads, herbs, fruits, cut flowers, and grasses in Pakistan.
The system uses growing media like rock wool, coconut fiber, peat, perlite, and vermiculite to support plants mechanically, he added.
Challenges of Traditional Farming vs. Benefits of Hydroponics
Rizwan noted that traditional farming faced challenges such as requiring large spaces, significant labor, and high water usage, with soil availability being an issue in the urban areas. Hydroponics, however, offers higher productivity and quality, as the plants grow faster and yield more due to receiving all necessary nutrients in an optimized environment.
This system also allows year-round organic crop production, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh produce even in off-seasons, he added.
Hydroponics: A Water-Efficient Solution for Pakistan
In water-scarce Pakistan, he said, hydroponics was especially beneficial as it used up to 90% less water than conventional farming. The closed-loop irrigation system recirculates water, minimizing waste and reducing overall consumption, he added.
Controlled Environments and Reduced Pesticide Use
Rizwan said hydroponic systems could be set up in urban spaces, greenhouses, or even indoors, making it possible to grow crops in controlled environments unaffected by climate issues like inconsistent rainfall. Additionally, a controlled setting reduces the need for pesticides and herbicides, leading to healthier crops and a cleaner environment, he added.
Addressing Soil Erosion and Promoting Local Food Production
This method also addresses soil erosion and degradation, a major issue in Pakistan, by eliminating the need for soil. Hydroponic farming can be practiced in urban areas, enabling local food production, reducing transportation costs, and minimizing the carbon footprint, he said.
Challenges to Hydroponics Adoption in Pakistan
Despite numerous benefits, there are challenges to the adoption of hydroponics in Pakistan. The initial setup cost can be high, especially for the small-scale farmers, as the infrastructure – such as pumps, pipes, reservoirs, and specialized equipment – can be expensive.
Many farmers are also unfamiliar with this technology, necessitating extensive training and awareness programs to help them understand its benefits and techniques, he added.
Monitoring, Maintenance, and Technical Expertise Requirements
Rizwan said hydroponic systems required regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure optimal water quality, nutrient levels, and pH for plant growth. The farmers need access to technical expertise to resolve any issues that may arise, which can require specialized knowledge, he added.
Electricity Dependency and Backup Solutions
Additionally, many hydroponic systems, particularly those in greenhouses or indoor settings, rely on electricity for pumps, lights, and climate control, he said. In areas with unreliable power supply, this dependency may pose a challenge, requiring backup solutions like generators or solar power, he added.
Promising Future and Growing Recognition of Hydroponics
However, despite these obstacles, hydroponic farming holds a significant promise for Pakistan. The government and private sector have started recognizing its potential, and efforts to promote hydroponics through pilot projects, training programs, and financial incentives are growing, he added.
Rise of Hydroponic Farms and Research Initiatives
Recently, there has been a rise in hydroponic farms and businesses, particularly in urban areas, he observed. Universities and agricultural research institutions are also focusing on hydroponic research and development, which will help improve the technology and make it more accessible in future, he added.
Common Types of Hydroponic Systems
Rizwan also described five common types of hydroponic systems: Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Aeroponics, Deep Water Culture (DWC), Vertical Hydroponic Systems, and Wick System.
Detailed Explanation of Hydroponic System Types
In NFT, a thin film of nutrient-rich water flows over the roots, constantly recirculating. In aeroponics, the roots are suspended in the air and misted with nutrient solutions to provide efficient oxygen.
DWC involves submerging plant roots in nutrient-rich water, ensuring constant nutrition. Vertical Hydroponic System stacks plants vertically to maximize space, while Wick System uses a wick to draw nutrients to the roots, making it ideal for small-scale setups, he said.
