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Sed ut perspiciatis, unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam eaque ipsa, quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt, explicabo. nemo enim ipsam voluptatem, quia voluptas sit, aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos, qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt, neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum, quia dolor sit, amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt, ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit, qui in ea voluptate velit esse, quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum, qui dolorem eum fugiat, quo voluptas.

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Sed ut perspiciatis, unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam eaque ipsa, quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt, explicabo. nemo enim ipsam voluptatem, quia voluptas sit, aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos, qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt, neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum, quia dolor sit, amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt, ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit, qui in ea voluptate velit esse, quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum, qui dolorem eum fugiat, quo voluptas.

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Sed ut perspiciatis, unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam eaque ipsa, quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt, explicabo. nemo enim ipsam voluptatem, quia voluptas sit, aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos, qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt, neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum, quia dolor sit, amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt, ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit, qui in ea voluptate velit esse, quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum, qui dolorem eum fugiat, quo voluptas.

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Sed ut perspiciatis, unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam eaque ipsa, quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt, explicabo. nemo enim ipsam voluptatem, quia voluptas sit, aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos, qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt, neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum, quia dolor sit, amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt, ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit, qui in ea voluptate velit esse, quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum, qui dolorem eum fugiat, quo voluptas.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugaitLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy.

Sed ut perspiciatis, unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam eaque ipsa, quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt, explicabo. nemo enim ipsam voluptatem, quia voluptas sit, aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos, qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt, neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum, quia dolor sit, amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt, ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit, qui in ea voluptate velit esse, quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum, qui dolorem eum fugiat, quo voluptas.

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By now, budding urban farmers would have gathered enough information to know that microgreens are the best bet to get their foot in the door for this business. While we have covered the basics – the what, when, where and how of growing microgreens – there is still more research needed before one can introduce their product into the market. This is particularly true when it comes to defining the sales and marketing strategies.

But before we get into that aspect, it is always helpful to list out the resources needed in growing microgreens as a business enterprise.

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Initial Investment:

The initial investment to start a microgreens business in India is small.

Resources: As we’ve discusses in our previous blog- https://sustenance.co.in/how-to-grow-microgreens-in-india/ – Trays, Growing Racks, De- humidifiers and Office supplies will be a part of the initial investment. 

Fixed Expenses

Space: Although microgreens can be grown hydroponically, which saves a great deal of time and effort in terms of logistics, they do require adequate space- 500 to 750 sq.ft.- to grow properly. This space – whether it be a room or a piece of land – comes at a fixed, pre-determined cost each month.

Variable expenses

Labour: Growing microgreen crops does require proper, methodical care. Hiring labour when needed is always helpful, especially if it is someone with good knowledge of the steps to take in order to ensure a successful yield. As the business grows, the amount of labour may change, calling for more cost.

Electricity/water consumption- Microgreens require humidity and the correct amount of light. Installation of humidifiers and air conditioners will factor significantly in electricity bills. Water as well will have to be arranged in the urban farm, which may be another added expense.

Cost of growing Micro-greens: These include the cost of seeds, growing medium and the packaging cost. 

After sorting out the resources and expenses, comes the question of which microgreens to grow. This depends on two factors – the type of microgreen crop most suited to the farmer’s environment, and the potential market.

The types of microgreens have already been blogpost, along with their compatibility with different environments. To identify the potential market, lets list out the where microgreens are typically used, and who would be the likely buyers.

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Uses of Microgreen

To be able to sell microgreens, we should know its uses:

Gourmet cuisine– Some microgreen crops, like amaranth, basil and bok choi, aren’t something that are used in every day food. This provides the potential to get a bit creative and use them in some fine dining, restaurant-quality dishes.

Light bites- Microgreens go great with certain foods, like fruits and vegetables. They’re perfect to add some zing into simple dishes like salads and sandwiches, and to really elevate that quick lunchtime meal.

Healthy additions- Microgreen crops have many health benefits; they are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Vegan recipes- Veganism is a growing lifestyle, and while it does eliminate the use of certain food groups, it also makes room for more use of microgreens – which are organic and lend themselves well to vegan dishes.

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Who buys them? 

Hospitality sector- Hotels and restaurants are the first on the list of buyers. As we saw, microgreens are applicable in many cases, from fine dining to healthy lifestyles, and so there is a great market that can be explored here.

FMCG and retail- Grocery stores and retail shops are great way to discover the wholesale route. They are logistically convenient and with the right deal, it has the potential to grow to quite a large extent.

Online/individual sales- The good thing about urban farming is that it cuts down on a lot of expenses, such as storage and delivery of the crop. And so straight-to-consumer sales are definitely possible, and also a good marketing strategy, given the power of verbal recommendations. With the digital world growing, setting up of a website (such as ours!) for sales is simple and has proven results.

Even if the potential buyers are identified, there other factors which affect the market.

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Demand- The only way to gain a firm footing in the market is to cater to the demand. Understanding which products are most sought after by chefs and in what amount they are available is imperative.

Pricing- The average rates at which microgreen products are sold in the market are between ₹1500-2500 per kilo Also points to remember are that buyers are willing to pay more, if they are assured of good quality and local produce. This can be an advantage for in-city growers, who take great measures to ensure that the quality is not compromised.

No business is easy, but the highly competitive food business can be especially hard for finding a firm footing. The way to really drive growth is proper attention to business strategies, and focussing your energy in the right marketing avenues.

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Sales and marketing strategies

Business development- To grow exponentially and really get the word out there, meet with business aggregators who specialise in the field. They have knowledge of the people to meet and the avenues to follow, which will be helpful for the next steps.

Creating awareness- Getting the name and purpose of your business out there is essential. Displaying at conventions with brochures/catalogues and distributing them to interested parties will at least provide a foot in the door.

Forming partnerships- If there are already existing relationships which have the potential to grow, such as with chefs, restaurants or other traders, it is well worth exploring a formal symbiotic relationship, which equally benefits all parties.

Online channels- Social media has opened a whole new world of advertising. From posting blogs (ahem), creating profiles on Facebook and Instagram, or engaging online influencers with a large number of followers works better at reaching more people than any other channel.

Accreditation- Officially accrediting the products will make the brand sit on top if the pile. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has certain criteria, and if met, they provide certification which adds a level of authenticity to the brand.

Sales- Hiring a sales agent to meet purchase managers, owners and chefs is one of the best methods of selling.

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Microgreens are, as the name suggests, young vegetable greens that are relatively smaller in size, usually 1-3 inches in size, but they are packed of nutrients and are attractive in colour with an aromatic flavour. They are grown similar to seedlings, and harvested while they are still really young (when the cotyledons or the first set of leaves develop),  before even the true leaves have fully developed. (Note that the cotyledons are different from the first set of true leaves)

Microgreens are a great crop to grow hydroponically, because they have a very short harvest cycle, usually between 10 days to a month. They also don’t require a lot of space, which makes them logistically efficient as well. However, they have slightly different needs than a normal crop. They need high levels of light and ventilation, along with low humidity.

Most people use microgreens and sprouts synonymously. However, they have very different characteristics. Microgreen seeds are a lot denser than sprouts, and the seeds less moisture as well. A microgreen that is ready to harvest consists of a stem, cotyledon leaves, and the first few young true leaves. Sprouts on the other hand, comprise seed, root, and shoot.

Types of Microgreens

Now there are many types of microgreens, all which vary slightly in growth patterns. But, if one is attempting to take up microgreen farming in India, there are some staples to start with.

Herbs and vegetables

1. Basil
2. Broccoli
3. Kale
4. Amaranth (Red and Green)
5. Cabbage
6. Cauliflower
7. Bok choi
8. Mustard

Nightshade:

1. Carrot
2. Radish (Red, Purple, White daikon)
3. Beetroot

Benefits of Microgreens as a business in India

1. Market Entry- There are not too many growers in India. It makes it easier to connect with chefs as they love working with new produce. Hence, selling micro-greens is simple. They can also provide as a value addition to existing growers and suppliers of vegetables. Also, Microgreens are packed with nutrition, even more, some studies say, than their mature, fully grown counterparts. When grown hydroponically, the disadvantages of soil are also eliminated, thus affirming their nutrient content.
2. Ease in growing- Microgreens provide for efficient faming, as they require very little resources and space. With a few essential materials, a healthy crop can be harvested.
3. Time-saving- Since microgreens have a fairly quick cycle, the entire process rarely takes more than a month. And so even if the crops don’t work out for some reason, a turnaround can be put in motion fairly quickly.
4. Less water usage- Whether grown hydroponically or otherwise, microgreens require less water than their mature counterparts.
5. Good market presence- Microgreens are already known in the market, as either a garnish or an addition to healthy meals. So there is opportunity to gain customers and make a good profit.

Where to market your micro-greens? 

1. Commercial spaces- Restaurants, hotels, and other eateries which lean more towards trendy/healthy cuisine are great as customers for microgreens.
2. Retailers- Apart from going directly to restaurateurs, wholesale retailers who have access to a bigger network may be able to push your microgreen crop much better.
3. Individual consumers- Building a network of people who are willing to invest in healthier ingredients could very well work in favour of your sales.
4. Online- As online retail grows, e-tailing your crop is a quicker and maybe cheaper way to sell your microgreens, provided you have a logistics in space to ensure the crop is still fresh when delivered.

Growing Micro-greens in India

Factors to consider while growing microgreens in India

Although microgreens don’t require a great deal of maintenance, there are some points to keep in mind if you want to grow a healthy crop, especially with regard to Indian conditions.

1. Environment- Microgreen crops thrive best in low humidity, ideally between 40-60% and at moderate temperatures of 20-25^o If they are grown in places with high humidity, its best to plant them indoors near a dehumidifier. (Note: Seeds germinate in an environment of high humidity. Once they germinate they need to be exposed to air flow as they prefer low humidity then). If you plan to grow them in indoor spaces, make sure that you have sufficient air-flow.

2. Space- Like is been said before, microgreens don’t require much space to grow. They can be stacked on racks under strong lighting – LED lighting, if it is indoors. A space of 500-1000 sq ft should suffice to grow about 75-100 kg of crops.

3. Seeds- High-quality seeds are key to a healthy crop. With the right seed, mold and fungal attacks can be prevented. Make sure that when you buy seeds you stock them in small batches. It is easy for seeds to get infected with fungus, hence working with smaller batches is more recommendable. You can check out www.allthatgrows.in for high quality Non-GMO seeds.

4. Growing materials-

Medium

Coco peet- The medium is the material in which the seeds are submerged. Coco peet is cheap and one of the best media to use, provided it is bought from a trusted supplier as they are susceptible to fungus and mold as well.

Hydroponic Matting: This is a convenient medium, but is relatively expensive.

Trays: Rectangular plastic trays are the most suitable for use, ideally 10*20 inches, although smaller trays can be used for trials. Trays of the correct size can be found in many online stores.

Process of growing microgreens 

1. Preparing the water- The water used for microgreens should ideally be pH balanced, in the 5.5-6.5 range. RO water is preferred to tap, and any nutrients should be added now.
2. Readying the growth medium- The medium should be cut to size and soaked with the prepared water. Excess liquid is drained off and the medium is fitted into the tray.
3. Planting the seeds- The seeding density varies from crop to crop. It is important to sow the right amount to avoid problems. You could check out the seeding density here:Microgreens seed density chart The seeds should be sprinkled as evenly as possible – to avoid fungal/mold growth – across the medium. They should then be compressed before being watered. The water should be sprayed across the seeds twice a day.
4. Covering the seeds- The seeds should be covered to germinate. Incidentally, the seeds require high temperature and humidity to germinate, which should then be lowered as they start to properly grow.
5. Growing the crop: It is important to uncover the crop at just the right time, to avoid fungus and mold. The tray is then exposed to fluorescent lighting, and more water is added to the growing microgreens, from the side rather than sprayed from above.
6. Harvesting- After the crop has grown to the ideal, healthy size – which usually happens in 10-12 days – it is harvested for use. The stems are cut cleanly near the base of the stem, and the plants then cleaned and readied for use.

Common problems of growing microgreens in India

1. Fungus/mold attacks- Fungus and mold are attracted to microgreens if the temperature or humidity is too high, or if the crop has been over-watered. If the seed density is too high, or if they or any other material is too old, fungus issues are possible.

Solution:

– Seeding density: If the seed density if too high there will be a lack of air-flow within the seeds that will lead to fungal issues. To know the right seeding amount, check out: Microgreens seed density chart

-The right amount of water should be used. The medium should be moist, but without and stagnant water.

-The humidity problem can be solved with ventilation or growing the crops indoors. Dehumidifiers are suitable only if it’s a commercial operation.

-1-3% solution of hydrogen peroxide act as a disinfectant when sprayed on the seeds and the medium, and is safe for consumption later.

2. Slow or uneven growth- The seeds should typically start to germinate in 2-4 days, anything longer is unusual. The growth could also be uneven across the tray.

Solution- Slow growth could mean that the seeds are dry or not watered as enough as they should be. Spreading the seeds as evenly as possible also lowers chances of variation in growth.

.

3. Pale colour/spindy stems- Once uncovered, the growing microgreens may be yellowish in colour or have weak stems. This is a symptom of not having enough sunlight.

Solution– Ensure that the seeds are covered for just the right amount of time, and introduce LED lights if sunlight is inadequate.

.

NOTE: The most useful practice while growing microgreens would be to use a log sheet with the correct measurements and time noted.

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Agriculture is known as the traditional occupation of India, and does provide livelihood for over 70% of the rural population. Although the study of agriculture is advancing with the times, there are still some problems of agriculture that are hard to overcome, which is where hydroponics comes in as a viable alternative in India.

To understand what kind of benefits hydroponics in India provides, it is useful to list some issues with traditional agriculture, and how they can be eliminated by hydroponic farming.

Problems of Conventional Agriculture:

Usage of water:

Traditional farming requires consistent and abundant supply of water. Water shortage has always been a problem in India, especially for the last few years, with the sporadic monsoon cycles across the country.

Soil and Environmental conditions:

Not all kinds of soil are suitable for cultivation. The land available may not be compatible with certain crops, or industrial exploitation may render it barren and infertile. In India, especially, good fertile land is hard to come by near urban areas, and hence any attempt at farming would have to be far from the city.

Use of pesticides:

Pests are a pesky problem in farming. Constant care is needed to control pests from getting into the crops. Without a controlled environment, like in a greenhouse, they can attack easily. Plants also tend to be disease-prone without the proper measures, which ends up wasting the crop and loss of time and resources. So for economic viability, it pesticide use is a must. On the other hand, the use of pesticides also does damage to crops, if not monitored correctly.

Long Farming cycles:

Traditional farming cycles can last for months, and without the guarantee of a successful yield. Even if pest, water, and environmental conditions are somehow brought into control, there is chance of a low yield, which thereby means that time, effort, and resources are wasted. Also, in a typical cycle, transplantation of crops, i.e. relocating the plants as it grows to better conditions, is nearly impossible. Once ruined, replanting crops takes a long time. All these factors also make crop rotations difficult to maintain

Need for resources:

Various resources are needed for conventional farming, such as tractors and other machinery, watering apparatus, cattle, manual labour, etc. Upkeep of these materials is also expensive and time-consuming. In addition, there has been little technological advancement in making farming equipment more efficient.

Long Supply Chain:

In India, the facilities for storage of crops can be inadequate, thus putting at risk a successful yield. Agricultural land is situated far off from cities, transporting crops can be expensive, and skimping on the process can lead to loss of crops.

Saturated market:

Conventional farming is an overcrowded space, with competition on every level, from purchase of seeds to selling the end product.

Lack of control in traditional agriculture is one of the biggest reason for the above mentioned factors. Also, agriculture is responsible for 25% of green-house gas emission. Technological advancement to reduce carbon footprint in necessary for a sustainable future.

Advantages of Hydroponics:

After understanding what issues conventional farming brings, the next step would be to find solutions. Hydroponics, as a method, provides viable alternative which does allow for avoiding some of the above problems.

1. Less water usage:

Hydroponics does call for use of water, but the quantity can be controlled. Wastage of water, as we know, is a big problem in India, but it can be reduced to a significant extent through hydroponics. A massive advantage is that water used in this technique can be recirculated, thus preventing excess use or loss. Any loss of water is only through transpiration or evaporation. Hydroponics uses 90% lesser water when compared to conventional agriculture.

2. No need for soil:

Hydroponics essentially means soil-less farming. All the problems that the soil brings in farming ̶ compatibility, fertility conditions, industrial abuse ̶ are completely out of the equation in hydroponic farming.

3. Pesticide Free

Hydroponics is done in a controlled environment, eliminating the chance of a pest attack. Although constant vigilance is required to make sure pests don’t get access to the crops, which is always a possibility, it is safe to assume that certain kinds of creatures which are usually found in or near soil are unlikely to be a problem. Also, the need for aggressively using pesticides is also eliminated. 

4. Short Crop cycle and More Yield:

The crop cycle (planting of seeds to harvesting of plants) is shorter in hydroponics than conventional farming. It is great for herbs, leafy greens and micro-greens. This is possible by transplantation, which is not possible in conventional farming. There is every chance of a good yield, but if things go sideways, the process can be started again quickly and without having wasted too much time and resources. Another advantage of hydroponics is growing crops vertically. The number of crops harvested per area is higher in hydroponics than traditional agriculture.

5. Resource efficient:

Hydroponic farming doesn’t require the same resources as needed in conventional farming, such as cattle or equipment. However, there are other materials needed for hydroponics, which require some investment. But overall, hydroponic resources prove to be much more efficient.

6. Short Supply Chain:

Hydroponics is a great method for urban farmers. No use of soil means that it can be done right in the city, and it is logistically-efficient as well. The transport of crops, and direct delivery to the market/customers becomes much more simpler and cheap.

7. Untapped market:

In India, hydroponic crops aren’t available in abundance in the market, and there is a knowledge barrier as well. Hence, there is great potential for growth in the hydroponic farming sectors in India.

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Hydroponics is a branch of farming which eliminates the use of soil. The term ‘hydroponics’ has been derived from ancient Greek, with hydros, meaning water and ponos, which is work.

The primary functions of the soil in agriculture are four-fold:

• Providing nutrients to the plant
• Directing water towards the roots
• Oxygenating the plant
• Anchoring the roots and stem

Hydroponics is the replication of the soil’s functions in a controlled environment. Bypassing soil not only gives the urban farmer more control over the process, but also does away with the usage of pesticides or a bout of disease in the plants.

Hydroponics has been in practice longer than one might imagine, used for both commercial purposes and by urban farmers. Hydroponics in India, however, is still in its evolving stage. For anyone interested in undertaking hydroponic farming in India, it is imperative to know the commonly followed hydroponic methods, and gauge what might work best with regard to the Indian environment and market.

Hydroponic Methods In India

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Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) for Hydroponics in India

The nutrient film technique is a method where a small stream of nutrient-rich water is directed through a trough, channel, or tube. The roots form a bed along the trough, while the plants grow upwards. NFT is the most commonly followed hydroponics method in India.

The trough is usually at an inclined angle, so that the water – pumped from the higher position of the system – is brought to the lower ends by gravity. Thus, during this movement, the nutrient-rich water forms a thin ‘film’ around the roots. To know more on how to design a NFT system, check out https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-an-NFT-Hydroponics-System/

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Advantages of NFT Channels

• Particularly significant for India, NFT warrants for less use of water. There is only a thin film
  of water flowing through the roots, while the actual plant is exposed to the outside air.
• NFT is easily manageable, also a plus for a country like India. It needs little labor and less
  operational cost. The environment and other factors are also controllable
• The raw materials needed to build and deploy an NFT system are
  available in the country. This adds to its feasibility as a suitable start for practicing
  hydroponics in India.
• Lastly, since the farmer can control most factors, there is every chance for a high yield.

Disadvantages of NFT Channels

• Although operational cost is low, the investment or capital expenditure is not cheap.
• NFT is only wholly successful for growing short-statured plan

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Deep Water Culture(DWC) for Hydroponics in India 

Deep water culture is a hydroponic method where the roots of a plant are immersed in a solution of minerals and nutrients, which also induces growth. An air pump is added to aerate the growing plants. There are also other ways to introduce air which are generally followed. To know more on how to design an DWC system, check out https://www.instructables.com/id/My-Indoor-DWC-Hydroponics-System/

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Advantages of Deep Water Culture

• The advantage of DWC is the same as that of NFT Channels. The only difference being that DWC has less capital expenditure.

Disadvantages of Deep Water Culture

• Those wanting to start hydroponics in India may keep in mind that DWC utilizes large amounts of water.
• Aeration is important to oxygenate the plants, but the process can be complex and tricky.
• Managing a DWC system requires much time and effort. It also lacks in providing space efficiency.

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Aeroponics in India

As the name suggests, air plays a role in aeroponics. The set-up is based on providing an aerobic atmosphere. There are different systems, which essentially comprise a collection container at the bottom, with the roots of plants hanging downwards while the shoots grow leaning upwards or towards the side. The water is misted or sprayed consistently around the growing plants using high-pressure nozzles. To build an aeroponics system, check out https://www.greenandvibrant.com/aeroponic-plans

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Advantages of Aeroponics

Always a perk of practicing hydroponics in India, aeroponic systems require less water.

Disadvantages of Aeroponics

• As simple as the set-up sounds, it is quite expensive to deploy.
• This many not be one of the most economically viable systems of hydroponic farming to try in India. Along with setting up, operational costs are also high.

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Vertical Farming in India

Vertical farming, as one can imagine, plays to growing plants in a vertical manner, stacked in rows above each other. In a country like India where space constraints are a reality, vertical farming may be a boon.

The most important part of a vertical set-up, in addition to water which is systematically diverted to each level, is the light. With plants stacked above one another, the exposure of sunlight may be unequal. Hence, artificial lights in an indoor set up are preferred. To know more on vertical farming, check out, https://zipgrow.com/ 

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Advantages of Vertical Farming

• It allows space to be used efficiently.
• Other methods suggested for practicing hydroponics in India pay less attention to volumes. Vertical farming is, by nature, a volumetric approach to hydroponics.
• It is also the simplest way to commence urban farming.

Disadvantages of Vertical Farming

• There is a high knowledge barrier in hydroponic farming or the vertical method, leading to the lack of one universally acceptable principle.

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A-Frame for Hydroponics in India

A-frame farming is also called the pseudo vertical method. It is similar in theory to NFT, except that the plants are grown in a set-up with the pipes in an A-shaped rack. The incline helps with the needed gravitational force but limits the height of the frame. To build an A- frame system, check out https://thehomestead.guru/hydroponic-aframe/

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Advantages of A-frame

• Low operational cost.
• Where height is less, the plant density increases per unit area

Disadvantages of A-frame

• Since its not a true vertical method, it does not reap all the benefits of either vertical farming or horizontal farming.
• The pipes used are typically round, and hence don’t oxygenate the plants as much as NFT.

Now, although the different advantages and points of concern for each individual method, there are still some more general, important, factors to take into consideration for the field of hydroponics in India. Agriculture in India is going to take a major shift from traditional farming techniques to Hydroponics and here it is why https://sustenance.co.in/problems-of-agriculture-and-advantages-of-hydroponics/

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Factors affecting Hydroponic Farming in India

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Hydroponics is still in a nascent stage in India. This can be a good thing, as there is room to experiment and learn, but it can also mean that there are fewer resources available.

Hydroponic methods require raw materials, and thankfully, most of them comfortably accessible here.

Most hydroponic techniques require careful assessment of the outside environment. Growing conditions in India are reasonably compatible, provided the necessary research has been undertaken.

Even though the natural environment may be suitable, there are steps to be taken to provide an ideal setting to grow plants. Sufficient space, timely labor, and proper heating/cooling systems need to be put in, which can be an expensive investment.

However, if all the necessary precautions are taken, hydroponic farming can be a real game-changer. It allows for good control over the process, eliminates using pesticide, and can provide a high yield of good quality.

After the hydroponic set-up is established and plants have grown, selling the crop can be explored. To determine an appropriate selling price, the market needs to be tracked properly.

Viable crops for hydroponics in India

Ideally, the plants chosen for hydroponics have a short life-cycle, with the yield growing within a month. This not only gives more produce but also leaves room and time for improvement if things don’t work according to plan. There are few crops which, by nature, better suited to be grown by hydroponic methods. On the plus side, most of these are also Indian staples-

• Herbs and micro-greens
• Green leafy vegetables: spinach, lettuce, etc
• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Bell peppers

Getting started with hydroponic farming in India

The depth of information in this article has merely scratched the surface of hydroponics. For those who want to get a better, first-hand look at hydroponics in India can avail to some of these:

Visit hydroponic farms: There are few established hydroponic set-ups in India, and a visit may help with obtaining direct knowledge. You could check us out at https://sustenance.co.in/ for more details. 

Resources: Books, videos, and even online courses are a good way to understand hydroponic science.

Trial and error: If sufficient knowledge on the subject has been gained, an attempt at hydroponics can be made. If it fails, the mistakes can be recorded and avoided next time.

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