India: Hydroponics reshaping future of agriculture in Jammu & Kashmir

Agriculture in the Himalayan region has always been shaped by fragile ecology, limited arable land and extreme climatic conditions. In recent years, these challenges have intensified due to climate variability, irregular rainfall patterns and declining soil productivity.

Among the most promising of these innovations is hydroponics, an advanced soilless cultivation system in which plants grow in nutrient-rich water under controlled conditions. The technology allows crops to be produced with significantly less land and water compared to conventional farming while ensuring better control over plant nutrition and environmental factors. Globally, hydroponic cultivation has been practiced for decades.

A central figure in this scientific initiative has been Dr. Gurdev Chand, Professor and Head of the Division of Plant Physiology at the Faculty of Basic Sciences. Since 2015, he has been leading systematic research and demonstration programmes aimed at adapting hydroponic and aeroponic technologies for local crops and climatic conditions. His research integrates plant physiological principles with controlled-environment agriculture to optimize nutrient management, improve water-use efficiency and enhance plant growth under soilless systems.

While hydroponics itself is not new globally or nationally, its structured scientific development and demonstration in Jammu and Kashmir began through organized research initiatives led by Dr. Chand and his team. Over the years, hydroponic protocols have been standardized for several vegetables, medicinal plants, aromatic crops and high-value horticultural species, enabling farmers and entrepreneurs to explore alternative models of crop production.

Read more at State Times