Srinagar youth turns to small-scale hydroponics farming

Srinagar, Oct 27: Two months ago, Ashiq Hussain, a youth from Srinagar turned his small courtyard into a hydroponic farm that grows fresh vegetables.
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. This modern farm technology uses less water than traditional soil-based systems which allows for faster growth and higher yields than traditional soil-based growing systems.
With his new found knowledge in hydroponics, Ashiq now grows spinach, collard greens, coriander, mint, and many other vegetables, most of which are ready for harvest in just 45 days.
“It requires water and power 24/7 which can also work on the inventor and seeds are sown in the water and then we add the chemical to the water. It needs sunlight,” he said.
Ashiq was inspired by his friend who has also set up hydroponics farming. “A small family can do the farming at home easily. It is soil-less farming and does not require land,” he said.
He faced the challenge of not having land for traditional farming, leading his family to spend a significant amount on purchasing vegetables.
Then he converted a part of his courtyard into a hydroponics farm with guidance from the J&K government’s Agriculture Department. He used PVC pipes and a motor for the water circulation system.
A resident of Saida Kada,he said this innovative technique has allowed people like him to grow their vegetables efficiently.
“It requires minimal labour, eliminates the need to remove unwanted grass, and can be set up in various locations. Notably, it doesn’t rely on traditional manures and fertilizers, making it accessible even to those with limited farming knowledge,” he said.
The passionate youth said a lot of people especially those not having land for traditional farming have shown interest in starting hydroponic farming.