Srinagar, Jan 13: Sameer Ahmad Bhat, a graduate in agriculture sciences always dreamt of setting up his farm to utilize his knowledge in growing exotic vegetables.
The lack of enough land has always been a concern for him. Soon after completing his graduation in 2023, he got in touch with a firm, which had expertise in hydroponic farming.
With an initial investment of Rs 30,000, he successfully set up a hydroponic vegetable farm on a small patch of land. The rest is history. He is one of the successful farmers who grow varieties of exotic vegetables including broccoli, and lettuce apart from the local vegetables.
“During my course, I came across this concept. I got in touch with a firm that provided me assistance and trained me in hydroponic farming. I grow varieties of vegetables in good quantities and earn a handsome amount of money,” he said.
Hydroponic farming over the years has witnessed a significant rise in Kashmir. This type of farming is mostly picked up in Srinagar, where farmers have limited land to grow crops.
Hydroponics is a soil-free farming method that uses nutrient-rich water to grow crops. This type of farming is quickly gaining traction in Kashmir, where farmers face challenges like limited arable land, harsh winters, and erratic weather patterns.
The method allows year-round cultivation, higher yields, and efficient use of resources, making it an attractive alternative for the region.
Kryzen, a national hydroponic farming firm, that provides assistance, training, and equipment for hydroponic farming, said this type of farming is growing popular in Kashmir now.
The firm has successfully set up several hydroponic farms across the region, empowering farmers to diversify their produce and increase profitability.
“We get a lot of inquiries from Kashmir. Farmers are keen to learn and adopt hydroponic farming. From guiding them on crop selection to providing technical support, we ensure a smooth transition to this modern farming method,” said Shubani, an official from the firm.
She said these crops, in high demand in urban markets, promise better returns compared to conventional farming.
As the popularity of hydroponics grows in Kashmir, experts believe it could transform the region’s agricultural landscape. “By enabling sustainable, year-round cultivation, hydroponic farming offers a glimmer of hope for a region looking to balance tradition with innovation,” said Irshad Ahmad Bhat, a botanist.
