The Horticulture Department of Madhya Pradesh has sent a proposal to the government to study the feasibility of hydroponic farming in the Bundelkhand region. After receiving approval, farmers will be encouraged to experiment with this new farming technique that relies on water instead of soil.
Hydroponic farming is typically adopted in areas with limited cultivable land or harsh soil conditions. For those living in metropolitan cities who are interested in growing their own kitchen gardens on rooftops, hydroponic farming is often a good option. However, the Horticulture Department aims to introduce it in the Bundelkhand region, which has ample farmland, with the primary objective of increasing high-value crop production and introducing new agricultural techniques.
Senior Horticulture Development Officer of Sagar, PD Choubey, says, "This soilless farming technique has been adopted in many places across the states. It is through the water supplied to the plants that its nutrition requirement is fulfilled." Hydroponic farming is likely more suitable for niche crops that have high market demand and since Bundelkhand has sufficient arable land, this could be just an alternative, but certainly a game-changer, the scientist said.
Hydroponic farming involves high initial investment costs as a complete set has to be prepared with plastic pipe systems or water tanks. So those wishing to take it up for large-scale production would need good financial resources. "Since Bundelkhand has sufficient agricultural land, this farming technique is not a necessity here. But it is profitable in case of high-demand crops. If the proposal gets approved, farmers wishing to adopt the practice will receive grants and training," Choubey added.
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