Overview

Fostering Hydroponics Culture: The United Nations (UN) has projected the global population to reach nearly 10 billion people by 2050, with “roughly 83 million people being added to the world’s population each year until then.” In 2019 alone, an estimated 124 million people faced acute food shortages from climate-related events such as flooding, irregular rains, droughts, and high temperatures. Given that hydroponics can grow food in a controlled environment, with less water and in higher yields, it is breaking the paradigm of food production. Hydroponics in a nutshell is growing plants without soil. A seed is placed into a damp substrate to germinate. This could be shredded coconut mass, foam, or even a porous material like terracotta. It just needs to have a surface the roots can grip to. Once the seed has germinated the substrate is transferred to the hydroponics system where the magic happens. The roots are submerged in nutrient-rich water and artificial light is often provided. The plant can then grow quickly as all of its water, nutrients and light needs are met perfectly, 24/7. The advantages of using hydroponic systems are manifold. First, since there is no soil, there is no need to worry about having a plot of land, weeds, pathogens living in dirt, or treating the crops with pesticides. Water is also greatly conserved due to the nutrient reservoir because the same water can be reused over and over. Moreover, as most of these hydroponics farms are indoors, food can be produced all year round and even in the middle of a large metro city. Given all of these benefits, we may begin to see more hydroponic farms sprouting around the world because this method of farming holds much promise to revolutionize agriculture by using less water and other resources. There are currently ongoing projects to establish large hydroponic farms all over the world. And the best part is you can DIY at your home too!