In a promising development, hydroponics, a sophisticated technique for cultivating vegetables and fruits without soil, is gaining traction in Pakistan as a potential avenue to bolster foreign exchange reserves.
This innovative method, championed by a known teacher, Dr Nazar Farid of the Department of Horticulture at Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture (MNSUA), holds immense promise due to its nutritional value, aesthetic appeal and popularity in European markets.
Farid, a leading proponent of hydroponics, explains that this technique involves vertically growing crops in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution.
Unlike traditional farming, hydroponics doesn’t rely on soil, instead, plants’ root systems are supported using inert mediums such as coco coir, perlite or clay pellets.
Read Hydroponics technology to ensure food security
The results are striking: tomatoes grown in MNSUA’s two-kanal hydroponic area exhibit not only superior nutritional content but also captivating aesthetics.
While the upfront costs of hydroponics are considerable, involving investments in both infrastructure and operations, Farid emphasised its long-term benefits.
Each plant receives precisely calculated nutritional inputs, tailoured to its growth stage, fostering healthy and efficient development. The use of clean irrigation water, facilitated by a reverse osmosis (RO) plant at MNSUA, further underscores the technique’s advantages.
In terms of profitability, Farid acknowledged the challenge of identifying specific markets for these premium crops. However, he highlighted the ready demand for hydroponically cultivated high-value crops in Europe and other international markets.
“Consumers are willing to pay a premium for vegetables and fruits that offer both exceptional nutrition and visual appeal.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2023.
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