vertical farming in india Archives - Rise Hydroponics

Vertical Farming: Opening New Doors for traditional growers

Vivek Shukla — Wed, 11 May 2022 12:33:34 +0000

Who doesn’t love good food?

Made by moms or celebrated chefs, all those clicks of colorful dishes spark a new discussion among our friends and sometimes brings water in their mouth too.

We all aspire for tasty, healthy and delicious food. And this becomes possible only when we get our hands on fresh vegetables and fruits. But have you ever thought who ensures the health and freshness of our food? Any guesses? Here’s the answer-

“It’s the hard-working farmers of India”.

From waking up as early as 4 in the morning for giving water to the crops to observing the growth of every plant on the farm and getting rid of pests, this farmer is the one who takes care of our food. Those veggies that eventually end up on our plates and nourish us with healthy nutrients are a result of thousands of hours of labor and hard work.

Until now most of us had this image of a farmer who’s tiling large fields with the help of bovines and a person who works during all the seasons on these fields.

But today if you dig deeper then you’ll be taken aback by the fact that many farmers have seriously taken up Vertical Farming and are showing really extraordinary results.

Call it the rise of a new wave of farmers who are using the best of technology for growing food for an ever-expanding population.

We are pretty sure that by now your mind must be buzzing with curiosity on learning what exactly is vertical farming? How is it different than traditional soil-based farming? And why Vertical Farming is gaining popularity?

By the way, Vertical Farming & Hydroponics have just given new hopes to farmers who were solely dependent on traditional methods. So, come let’s get started with the basics and find out what’s driving more and more people towards vertically grown crops and herbs.

WHAT IS VERTICAL FARMING?

When plants are grown in a controlled environment wherein large trays of plants are placed over each other in stacked layers, this method of farming goes on to be known as Vertical farming.

It is a kind of Soilless farming where instead of soil, the plants are provided a growing medium like cocopeat, rockwool, perlite, etc. And these plants are nourished with the help of constant circulation of water and rich nutrients that are supplied directly into the roots.

Moreover, vertical farms ensure higher yields of nutritious crops that are always protected with the right temperatures and are free from pesticides and insecticides.

HOW IS VERTICAL FARMING DIFFERENT THAN TRADITIONAL FARMING?

Just saying about soil and soilless would suffice so less about vertical farming. So, here we bring you all the factors that demonstrate why Vertical farming is gaining momentum in India and everywhere around.

Controllable Factor

Vertical Farming is basically a form of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). This means that plants are raised in an enclosed environment where temperature, humidity, airflow and lights, are all fine-tuned for giving the best possible ecosystem for plant growth. It also means that Vertical Farms get rid of irregular weather changes and climatic patterns that otherwise spoil the whole crop grown under traditional soil-based farming.

Turnaround time

Time and again, Vertical Farming has shown a multifold increase in crop growth as well as the number of crop cycles registered in a year. This leads to a rise in farm output and more food production in a year as compared to Traditional Soil Based farming. In simple words, a vertical farm has the potential of turning around 4-5 Crop cycles in a year if properly cared and maintained. Whereas in traditional farming, you’ll observe only 2 crop cycles in a year.

Multiple Crop Production

Earlier you must have seen a large farmland dedicated to a single crop. But with Vertical Farming, now people have this benefit of raising multiple crops within the same controlled environment. And all this on just the same piece of land. So, that’s how farmers satisfy the market demand by raising multiple kind of crops rather than just depending on one.

Round the year production

Now this is the best part about Vertical Farming. With Controlled Environment, vegetables and herbs can be grown all year around irrespective of the change in season. So, the consumers will always enjoy fresh crops at all times of the year and that too with the same delicious taste. Whereas this is not possible with Traditional farming because of its dependence on seasonal crops. And yes, vertical farms are insulated from all kinds of climatic changes occurring outside. So, that’s where hydroponics wins the game.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES WITH VERTICAL FARMING

Now that you have gained a good insight into how vertical farming works, its time we reveal the opportunities that attract traditional growers toward hydroponics.

Medicinal Herbs

Medicinal herbs like Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry), pudina(mint), Tulsi and so many other herbs can be vertically grown by hydroponics farming. Medicinal herbs help farmers gain enormous demand from Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Manufacturers. And crops grown in a regulated environment can also fetch higher prices.

Exports Market

Experts may quote, that crops grown in vertical farms are pricier than the traditionally grown crops- which is somewhat agreeable until the farm breaks even. But farmers still stand to gain when these crops are already attracting buyers from Gulf Nations and other Asian nations. So, a new revenue stream opens up for farmers who wish to serve export markets too.

Contract With HoReCa

Leafy green crops like lettuce, parsley and Lolo Rosso are always in demand because of their widespread use in the foods served at Restaurants and Cafes. With the popularity of vertical farming, many of the Resorts, Hotels and Food Joints are signing year long agreements with Hydroponics Farms that can always supply them fresh and healthy veggies.

With Food Processing Companies

MNCs and huge organizations always require crops that are grown as per the strictest of benchmarks and global standards. And most of them are gradually transitioning towards vertical farms that take care of every miniscule activity and report about the growth stages with utmost fairness. So, this has opened new doors of earning for traditional growers who are now actively engaged in soilless farming.

Retail Markets

A sudden jump in awareness about health and hygiene has worked in favor of vertical farming. Now there’s a sharp uptick in the number of people who are signing up for monthly subscription of Salad Boxes that contain green leafy veggies grown at vertical farms in close proximity of their own city. This fact is supported by the recent growth of Rise Hydroponics’ brand “Rise Freshz”, that’s recording newfound success in the retail segment with plans of even going for a nationwide expansion in the coming months.

COMPETITION IN VERTICAL FARMING

After reading about the atomic rise of Vertical Farming, you may also think that “Is it all sunshine and rainbows?”. Of course not. Its not just traditional growers, but also famous investors and entrepreneurs who are making inroads into hydroponics. That’s exactly the spot that can make or break the game. But how? Here are the on-ground reasons:

Investment: The whole setup, technology and sensors ask for impressive amounts of funds. If the project feasibility is performed by an expert team, then there are chances of success with right people on board.

Skilled People: Vertical farms require the services and wisdom of agronomists, horticulturists and agriculture experts, who can guide you on the kinds of plants to be raised and everything from nutrition and minerals to temperature conditions.

Maintenance & Operations: The real battle starts after the plant is commissioned and handed over to the owners. It is always advisable to sign for the services of hydroponics project developers who have shown great flair in maintenance of daily operations of large-scale vertical farms.

Finding Buyers: A right crop growth strategy will help growers in finding buyers for their whole produce. Just raising some well-known crops won’t guarantee you a sure shot sale after every crop cycle.

WHY VERTICAL FARMING IS POPULAR AMONG TRADITIONAL GROWERS?

For long, farmers underwent a lot of problems due to middlemen and uneven crop growth due to seasonal changes. But Vertical farming has come to their rescue with these valid reasons:

Smart Farming Methods

Every activity at a Vertical farm is backed by data and scientific knowledge. And this assures farmers of consistent crop yields by the use of automatic machines, sensors and instant human intervention.

Brings Sustainability

Hydroponics and soilless farming has suddenly piqued the interests of modern tech-savvy generation that again wants to take up farming.

Flexibility

Vertical Farming is not about fully leaving behind the soil-based agriculture. Of course, it saves a lot of space by boosting the crop outputs, but sometimes its also about the innate nature of crops. So, growers have this flexibility to choose from crops that need extra care and crops that need more of a natural habitat. This makes things pretty easy in the long run.

START OF A NEW ERA

Agriculture has just received the needed push with the debut of Vertical Farming.

The potential seems to be huge if properly implemented along with a good hydroponics project developer by your side.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog.

If you are excited to know more about Vertical farming or wish to learn on how to get started with hydroponics, then please feel free to write to us on contact@risehydroponics@gmail.com

Stay updated with the best tips on hydroponics delivered straight into your inbox by Rise Hydroponics.

The post Vertical Farming: Opening New Doors for traditional growers appeared first on Rise Hydroponics.

Is Vertical Farming the Solution to Urban Land and Water Scarcity Problems?

Vivek Shukla — Fri, 14 May 2021 06:21:17 +0000

Water and land are both receding as the world population goes on increasing. With the increase in population, the responsibility to feed billions of hungry mouths also becomes challenging. So, in the wake of the current situation, do you think that vertical farming could be the perfect alternative? We say yes! We ask why agriculture can’t go vertical when it increases efficiency, saves water, and provides us local and fresh produce. A vertical farm can be placed anywhere indoors. It reduces pressure to clean up massive acres of land as you can grow an array of crops simply by stacking them. This blog highlights how vertical farming solves both land and water scarcity problems.

Solving Water Scarcity Problems

A boon for water-scarce regions

Many areas in the world have been publicized for their severe water woes. That is because agriculture uses 80 percent of the water supply. Yet, farmers are compelled to sacrifice crops and use less water. When water paucity hits the agriculture industry, there is a ripple effect. Confused as to what is that? Well, we mean that the effects are felt globally and regionally. Already over 850 million people go to bed hungry, and less farming could only aggravate food insecurity. Hence, the potent solution is to make use of vertical farming. Have a look at the figure below to understand better.

Vertical farming, thus, is an invaluable resource for regions that are reeling under water scarcity problems. We have to admit that this ingenious farming method has great potential to improve circumstances drastically.

Large-scale agriculture is a reality as water footprint reduces

Ask any researcher, and they will tell you how conventional practices of agriculture are unsustainable. Every year, farmers lose tons of crops because of the hardships they face. Everything, from bad weather to bugs, really takes a toll on agriculture. According to data, farmers in some areas lose as many as 290 million dollars annually, all because of agricultural pests. Some lose because of excess precipitation. Farming is almost a nightmare in areas with harsh summers and winters. So, what do we do in such a situation? The answer is vertical farming.

Vertical farming ensures that you can grow crops all the year-round. Why? That is because you provide your crops the environment that is best suited for their growth. No worrying about pests or harmful weather conditions. You get a credible ROI as you can sell more food crops while observing a decrease in waste.

The best part? You no longer have to pay for any water sources because atmospheric water generation drastically reduces the water footprint.

Here is how:

Relief from disasters and catastrophes

Every year, floods, storms, and hurricanes cause a lot of deluge. Lives are displaced, and we suffer from scarcity of clean water and food. But, if you think differently, you will see that you attain a renewable source of potable water when you deploy vertical farm structures. Not only do you not have to rely on these external resources, but you are also able to produce without any hurdles. Do you feel that we are kidding? Absolutely not! Have a look below.

Vertical Farming : Solving Land Scarity Problems

Marked reduction in the usage of land

Did you know? It is being estimated that by 2050, 60 percent of the global population will live in the cities.

The isolated farms and villages are slowly becoming things of the past. That is because most of the population now resides in places that have been classified as urban. Thus, because of the exploding population scenario, there is significantly less farmable land. Today, the urban and industrial development may have added to our per capita incomes but has reduced spaces. In such a situation, vertical farming is our knight in shining armor.

Things to know: The purpose of vertical farming is to use the least amount of land but produce more food. All you will do is grow crops on a vertical structure.

The vertical farming method is all about sustainability. It aims at using few resources, be it land or water.

Is vertical farming the future for a less spacious world?

The growing population and the diminishing land size are causing devastating effects on resources. The water table is depleting, and there is a shortage of spaces. However, we do believe that vertical farming is a great way to produce food for the future. It solves the problems of conventional farmers, produces more veggies, and wastes a negligible amount of water. Yes, the setup costs can make the method prohibitive. But you cannot deny that the farms are profitable. With time, when technology used in the method advances and becomes a lot more available, vertical farming will be the new norm of agriculture.

Also Read : What Is Dutch Bucket System In Hydroponics?

The post Is Vertical Farming the Solution to Urban Land and Water Scarcity Problems? appeared first on Rise Hydroponics.

14 Benefits Of Soil Less Farming

Meet Patel — Tue, 04 May 2021 05:35:47 +0000

Soil Less Farming : Are you a naturalist who loves to grow everything under the sun? Well, then this blog discussing the benefits of hydroponic farming will surely excite you. Now, first thing first, you do know that it is a lot more “natural” to grow with the help of nature. However, your plants will always be at the mercy of several pest-related and environmental variables.

This means that pestilence, wind, cloud cover, cold, heat, and humidity are not under your control. So, what do we do? How about going soilless? Hydroponics is the potent solution. You must be thinking, how? Well, read on to find out.

Combats climate change
Crops grown are easier to control
Reduces species extinction and environmental damage caused by intensive farming and overexploitation
More rational use of the scarcer resource: water
Crops grown are more profitable

There are definitely no two ways about why traditional agriculture methods are such an art. But hydroponics is the science in which every element determines the growth of plants in a controlled manner. Have all these facts energized you about this gardening method? Read on to know the top 14 benefits of having a hydroponic farm or garden.

1. Grow green galore!

A hydroponic garden can present you with a wide variety of green plants. If you think of growing any kind of herb or leafy green, this method is one fantastic way to do that.

Are you wondering what all you can grow? Everything from flowers to chamomile, catnip, pepper, zucchini, mint, and tomato can be grown effortlessly. If you are a weight watcher who has to survive on salads, we say grow parsley, thyme, romaine lettuce, kale, arugula, iceberg lettuce, spinach, and butterhead with absolute ease!

2. Soil Less Farming method is water-saving

Everyone knows that agriculture ends up using a whole lot of water. There is also no running away from the fact that water is the world’s most treasured resource. Yet, for traditional agriculture, you need an endless supply of that. But fret not, we say. A soil-less farming method eases the burden on the water supply. Here’s how.

Your plants are rooted in an inert medium of growth
An in-line pump circulates water enriched with nutrients through the plant’s root system
You employ overhead lighting, which permits plants to finish their photosysnthesis cycle
Inert growing media lets you exact the fertilizer amount you will use
As a result, the roots of your plants get more oxygen

3. No acres of land required

The most notable benefit of soil less farming is that you need a fraction of the footprint to grow the plants of your choice. Agriculture ties up a particular land amount for a specified duration. With hydroponics, you have multiple options. Limited space either in your alleyway, front yard, or backyard will let you produce significant quantities of food. You can grow them in any area, be it a soil-less place, a nutrient-deficient soil region, water-logged, or snow-capped soil area.

4. Soil Less Farming Facilitates microclimate

The hydroponic systems offer you complete control over the climate you need to grow your crops. You will be in complete control of adjusting the air, carbon dioxide, humidity, light, and temperature. The best part – you can adjust the nutrient concentrations as per the requirements of different greens and veggies.

5. Soil Less Farming provides enhanced quality of the produce

Growing plants hydroponically enhances the taste and quality of the produce. That is because the entire system uses clean water and high-quality nutrients in a controlled environment. For this reason, the greens you grow in a hydroponic system taste better and are also more nutritious.

6. Excellent pH control

pH is the determining factor when it comes to gardening or farming. Any plant grows well in acidic or neutral media. If you are growing your plants in soil, you need to add some organic matter or acidic fertilizer. But your hydroponic garden only requires a little bit of pH buffer solution.

7. Efficient nutrient supply

When you adopt a hydroponic system, you can supply nutrients with loads of accuracy and precision. Plants do not have to invest time to develop their root systems to search for nutrients. All they have to do is focus on growing efficiently and faster. The nutrients will be delivered into the reservoir of water supply and then circulated round the clock. This method will let the plants absorb nutrients effectively without any development of waste.

8. Consistency and faster rate of growth

One of the most popular benefits of hydroponics is a faster rate of growth. That means you can get your hands on your harvest sooner. Since you are in complete control of resource usage, you are the one who creates an optimal environment for growth. With hydroponic plants growing 40-50 percent faster, you can grow your greens within no time.

9. Minimal restrictions

When you grow a hydroponic garden, you come across minimal restrictions in terms of location and space. That is because this method is all about controlled conditions of growth and compact size. The best part about hydroponics is your ability to grow many plants in a soil-less arrangement compared to an open field.

10. Forget herbicides and pesticides

Conventional farming requires a whole lot of herbicides and insecticides for the successful growth of crops. After all, this farming method exposes crops to multiple climatic conditions that support weeds and pest infestation. On the other hand, a hydroponic garden does not use soil; hence, there are no pest attacks and flaring up of weeds. Thus, you can sell your produce without any pesticide residue.

11. Soil Less Farming is Friendly for the environment

If you ever look at the land-use statistics, you may have undergone a massive cardiac attack. Would you believe that pastures and forests are cleared for farming every year to feed the increasing number of people? Well, hydroponics will help in lessening the impact. Hydroponics does not emit any toxins and performs better in limited space. You do not have to fear considerable amounts of water being used, land erosion, or harsh climates.

12. No weeds, diseases, or pests

Many pests and diseases are born in soil. These two together infest your garden during the growing process. Weed is another sneaky thing that can take place. Weed seeds may remain dormant and suddenly regrow once there are favourable growth conditions. But hydroponic farming does not scare you with such an ambush. In soil-less conditions, you are saved from the trouble of battling weeds and diseases of pests.

13. Very simple

Of course, hydroponic farming is not simple per se, but it is easy. That is because you can grow your garden without any generational knowledge passed down to you. You also do not need truckloads of capital, rather a little bit of research, and you are good to go.

14. No such thing as seasonality or predictability

Have you ever bought something as basic as beans in the summer season? Have you noticed the price difference from winters? This price difference is an outcome of lack of harvest and seasonality. French beans are cheaper in winters because they grow well in winters but during summers, it is a tough task to buy them at the same price.

Thus, hydroponics comes into the foray and guarantees reliability and consistency in crop production. You can enter into long-term contracts with farmers maintaining a fixed price. Hence, it is a win/win situation for both the buyer and the farmer as hydroponics mitigates risks.

Soil Less Farming is the way to be

Our population is growing geometrically, and the production of food is growing exponentially. We really need to rethink how billions of people will be fed by 2050. When hydroponics can make anyone a food producer all year-round then why not turn to that? Grow your own mint and make your own mojito!

The post 14 Benefits Of Soil Less Farming appeared first on Rise Hydroponics.

7 Myths About Hydroponics Agriculture

Tusshar Aggarwal — Sun, 02 May 2021 09:36:55 +0000

Hydroponic Agriculture You know the rumor mill is constantly churning, and the false facts are always spreading! Do you see how damaging that is? As of now, many sources have made some bizarre claims that outside air works better for hydroponics plants. But, the actual fact is that the air outside is colder and can cause bugs, humidity, and temperature problems. Indoor air is way better and is closer to the optimum temperature. There is a higher CO2 level because we breathe all the time.

Thus, you must release the extracted air outside and draw in air from inside by all means. This myth was one of the many myths that surround hydroponic plants. Do you wish to know many more? Well, keep all ears because we are about to bust as many as 7 myths related to hydroponics farming method. Read on.

1. It is a new technology

The hydroponic agriculture is not a new technology at all. This is because Hanging Gardens in Babylon was actually the first to put the hydroponic system to process. Moreover, fruits and crops that grew all across Egypt were grown by hydroponic systems. Do you see how there is no novelty in the system?

2. Indoors is where you can grow your hydroponic plants (NOT)

Have you ever seen gardening only happening in a greenhouse? Therefore, how can you expect hydroponic agriculture to work indoors only? This system can be used both outside and inside commonly known as Outdoor Hydroponic and Indoor Hydroponics. Just think of it as a technique of gardening. This myth probably took birth from the fact that you can care better inside than out. Have a look at the figure that explains it well.

3. Hurrah! No need for pesticides

Pests attack any garden. That is because there are weak plants in every garden. These weak plants are pest-prone and are highly vulnerable. Thus, just keep a close eye on your setup. This carefulness will prevent intruders. However, you may find yourself needing to use some pesticide if the situation goes out of hand. In the figure below, you will discover potent ways to keep pests at bay.

Spot pests
Let some pests be taken care of by environmental changes
Use gentle methods to remove pest
Disrupt its reproduction cycle by giving a good spray down with hose pipe
Use natural solutions especially the one that guarantees safety
Use sticky traps to kill pests with shorter life cycles

4. Hydroponic agriculture is expensive

Do your regular hobbies burn a hole in your pocket? No! It is the same with this system as well. For starters, anyone who desires to grow hydroponic plants can make the best use of available systems in their homes. After that, if you feel the need to upgrade, then you can begin adding several things.

5.DIY and hydroponics do not go hand in hand

The most deceptive myth is thinking that you cannot DIY a hydroponic system on your own. Well, all that the system requires is a start with the simplest approach. The very first thing you can do is get a tank or bucket and fill it with an excellent growing medium. Yes, it does require research regarding the basic requirements.

But once you have garnered enough information, you will do perfectly fine. Here is a method you can follow.

Use a Styrofoam sheet
Place some net cups on the sheet
Release it
Permit it to flow around

6.The hydroponic agriculture is harmful to the world outside

There is nothing that gets as eco-friendly as this gardening method. In fact, if you are a green warrior, then this method is the ideal choice for you. It does not harm the environment in any manner. If truth be told, then you will be shocked to know that conventional gardening is the one that depletes resources. You need a lot of water for the usual gardening system that causes the waste to end up in streams, lakes, and other water sources.

7.Hydroponic Agriculture is man-made

This sad myth needs to be busted. How can a system that allows the plants to grow at their own pace be artificial? In fact, this system is a natural event by all means. Hydroponics works on the principle that you have to offer all that the plant requires for healthy growth. Yes, human involvement is definitely there, but it is confined to the setup construction. You may also have to install additional lighting sources besides other things, but this method is the most organic growing method.

Fallacies disproved!

The Hydroponic system simply requires you to provide for the plant’s basic needs. All you need is nutrient-enhanced water in your setup, and you are good to go. Without spending gazillions, or any sophisticated grow lights, you can grow your herb garden. Having a green thumb is never the need of the hour!

The post 7 Myths About Hydroponics Agriculture appeared first on Rise Hydroponics.