Farming can go beyond the premises of growing food for income. To some, it connects them to their roots and jumpstarts their journey toward self-sufficiency. It’s why RJ Z. Seradoy, 44, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Qatar, enjoys farming.
He began his farming journey in 2020 amid the pandemic. He realized the relevance of having a reliable food source and being self-sustaining during uncertain times. Eventually, he turned the free space in their villa into a vegetable garden. Since Qatar has a desert climate, Seradoy had to find the ideal farming method that could allow him to grow fruits and vegetables in tight spaces and at any time of the year.
“I chose hydroponics farming because we have space on our villa’s rooftop, and soil is scarce and expensive in Qatar. Hydroponics allows me to grow vegetables efficiently in a small space, even indoors, and ensures pesticide-free produce,” he told Manila Standard Agriculture.
Besides being suitable for small spaces and being soilless, hydroponics can also help preserve water and create a curated growing environment for plants so farmers or growers can grow specific varieties year-round without having to worry about the weather or pests. Moreover, hydroponics ensures that the plants receive the nutrients directly in their roots, which helps cut costs usually intended for pesticides and fertilizers.
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