The Andaman and Nicobar Islands quietly crossed an important agricultural milestone this week with the successful harvest from the first high-tech hydroponic farming unit ever established in the archipelago. Located at Kalapathar in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), the unit marks the introduction of a modern, soil-free cultivation system uniquely suited to the ecological and logistical realities of island territories.
The pioneering initiative has been set up by Shri. Himmat Singh, a retired civil servant with long experience and domain knowledge in agriculture-led rural development and income generation. Conceived as a proof-of-concept, the project seeks to demonstrate how advanced farming technologies can be localised and adapted for island conditions, rather than remaining confined to mainland or metropolitan contexts.
The hydroponic unit was developed after careful site selection and land preparation, with Shri Sanjay Balan and Shri Johnny closely associated with the project from its formative stages. The emphasis throughout was on practicality—understanding island constraints, climate behaviour, logistics, and scalability—rather than merely showcasing technology.
The first successful trial crop, exotic spinach, has now been harvested, marking the operational validation of the system. Further trials are already underway for zucchini, lettuce, and bell peppers, crops that are in high demand locally but are currently dependent on mainland supply chains.
Read more at Andaman Chronicle
