Hydroponics in India has quietly grown over the last five years from a niche hobby to a practical farming solution that many are embracing today, says Som Kumar, founder of commercial farm specialist Aquahyd. "It used to be just a few startups experimenting, but now hydroponics is catching on fast. More farms, hotels, businesses and even hospitals want to grow fresh, pesticide-free vegetables that do not depend on season or large parcels of land. Plus, it uses way less water, which is becoming crucial."
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Kumar points out that leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, basil, kale, and herbs such as mint and coriander dominate hydroponic crops. "They mature quickly and keep coming through the year. Tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, and capsicums are also grown at a good scale. Whether it's a small balcony system at home or a commercial farm for hotels and supermarkets, hydroponics adapts well to all sizes."
Aquahyd offers integrated services, from farm design and system installation, including NFT, DWC, Dutch bucket, and vertical towers, to nutrient supply and ongoing maintenance. "We train growers at all levels to help them learn each step of hydroponic farming," Kumar maintains.Their clients span premium hotels, corporates, celebrities, schools and urban dwellers, all wanting fresh food closer to home.
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An example is their recent hydroponic farm at The Leela Hotel in Gurgaon: "During the off-season, the hotel's greens options were limited. So we created an onsite farm where chefs can hand-pick fresh lettuce, basil, herbs and micro-greens daily. This has enhanced dish quality as well as created a unique sustainable dining experience for guests," Kumar shares.
According to Kumar, "Hydroponics is also trending in schools as learning projects, corporate offices for green workspaces, hospitals for fresh patient food, and even in wedding décor, where live hydroponic plants add a refreshing touch."
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Investment plays a big role, Kumar highlights. "Hydroponic farming needs infrastructure, tech, and skilled support, so investors help it scale faster. The market is ripe for global investment too, with rising demand for clean, locally grown produce."
Looking ahead, Kumar sees hydroponics becoming part of daily city life, not just for big hotels or commercial farms. "The technology is getting easier and more affordable, so anyone who wants fresh, clean vegetables at their fingertips can give it a try. We will work on making it possible for anybody to grow food even if they have hardly any space or experience."
For more information:
Som Kumar
Aquahyd
Tel: +91 82 87 593 806
Email: [email protected]
www.aquahyd.in