With the turn of 21 st century, technology has taken over most of the spheres of our lives. From waking up, to travelling, having food, talking over phone, to sleeping, each and every aspect has been touched by advanced science. One of the revolutionary turns took place when technology allowed individuals to grow their own food within the periphery of their home space. Thus, home farming came into being. The fresh-nutritious results are what the new generation strive for while looking for a meal. For the upcoming generation, it is about how healthy the meal is. Junk food are a choice of the past.
Various environmental challenges have risen over the last few years. Right from global warming to the pollution of soil, water and air, has been a contribution of mankind. Shortage of food and water is abundant. While talking about growing food, the primary problem of the vegetables or greens, available in the market are produced using pesticides to fulfill high demands. Organic farming comprises of cultivation of plants and rearing of animals using natural and biological substances, bereft of synthetic additions. Yet, organic farming, unable to meet the higher demand of the market falls behind in terms of farming. Thus, Home
farming is the key when it comes to hassle-free, non-toxic and eco-friendly farming.
Hydroponics is the art of soilless farming, a subset of hydroculture, where plants are grown using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent in the absence of soil. The plants are grown in a controlled environment. Thus, the fear of pests and bugs ravaging through the produce is no longer a worry. The probability of plant diseases gets reduced from carrying it over to the next range of crops. Due to the choice that growers have regarding which seedling is to be planted and grown, the growth of weeds is curtailed when it comes to hydroponics.
This in turn also reduces production cost, if adopted. In Hydroponics, the seedlings are planted by hand thereby weighing out the possibility of weed at all.
Hydroponics being a mean of indoor farming, with controlled temperature and light system, the possibility of crop failure is nil. Also, the plants being immersed in water that contains nutrients, it directly derives the nutrients without having to absorb it from the soil. Absence of sunlight doesn’t affect hydroponic plants. They receive light from LEDs as long as the grower is willing to provide or day and night. Thus, they grow a lot faster than traditional farming. The water and nutrients required by a plant in the process of hydroponics, can be regulated. The desired amount of nutrients required by the plants is mixed with water
solution. It enables the plant to absorb the nutrients directly. Hydroponics ensures conservation of water and electricity.
In terms of sustainability, Hydroponics is the answer to a lot of questions. Also, optimum utilization resources not only make sure a sustainable production pattern but a healthy consumption pattern as well, straight from one’s home space.