Hydroponics in India: Advantages and Commercial Viability

Copyright of ISH, India
Hydroponics
Nikhil Savaliya
140570116036

Private & ConfidentialCopyright of HGTIPL, India
Agenda
Executive summary
What is Hydroponics
How is it implemented
Hydroponics in India
Commercial Viability
How can we help
Success stories

What does a plant need to grow ?
Soil is just a medium to provide nutrients to the plant. Water is as good a medium as soil.
Sun Light
Nutrients
Soil
Water

Executive Summary
The Issue facing us
Need for a solution
Introduction to Hydroponics
Advantages of Hydroponics
Today Indian farmers face the following challenges
1) Drought conditions and unpredictable weather
2) Rising temperatures
3) Polluted water systems
4) Lack of irrigation
5) Poor water management
6) Under-nourished or over nourished crops
India today needs food security which entails that all people at all times
have physical and economic access to safe and nutritious food to meet
dietary needs.
Lack of water for agriculture leads to production of lesser food which
means more hunger and malnutrition
We are going to highlight the need for technology in agriculture that
can contribute towards water savings and have a positive impact on
food production and availability.
Hydroponics is one methodology of soil-less cultivation.
It is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in
water, without soil.
The earliest published work on growing terrestrial plants without soil
was the 1627 book Sylva Sylvarum by Francis Bacon.
Some of the reasons why hydroponics is being adopted around the world
for food production are the following:
• No soil is needed for hydroponics
• The water stays in the system and can be reused
• It is possible to control the nutrition levels accurately
• It is stable and provides high yields hence economically viable
• Pests and diseases are easier to get rid of
• Ease of harvesting
• It is better for consumption

Presentation aims to
Hydroponics
Make you aware of
Describe advantages of
Implementation strategy of
Commercial viability of

What is Hydroponics

Basics of Hydroponics
Vegetables grown from simple hydroponics
in Bangalore
What is Hydroponics
It is the practice of growing plants without soil.
• Plants can be grown in plain nutrient solution or in sterile substrates,
therefore microbe free.
• Hydroponics uses less than 1/10th - 1/5th of the water used in soil
cultivation. It saves a lot of water.
• No weeds to deal with. Less space, higher yields.
Nutrient rich
water
Air Stone
Water Pump
Plants
samplings

Types of hydroponics – based on water flow
Static solution culture Continuous flow culture
In static solution culture, plants are grown in containers of nutrient
solution, such as glass jars, plastic buckets, tubs, or tanks. The solution
is usually gently aerated but may be un-aerated. A hole is cut in the lid
of the reservoir for each plant. There can be one to many plants per
reservoir. A home made system can be constructed from plastic food
containers or glass canning jars with aeration provided by an aquarium
pump, aquarium airline tubing and aquarium valves.
In continuous-flow solution culture, the nutrient solution constantly
flows past the roots. It is much easier to automate than the static
solution culture because sampling and adjustments to the temperature
and nutrient concentrations can be made in a large storage tank
together. A popular variation is the nutrient film technique or NFT,
whereby a very shallow stream of water containing all the dissolved
nutrients is recirculated past the bare roots of plants in a watertight
thick root mat, which develops in the bottom of the channel.
Subsequent to this, an abundant supply of oxygen is provided to the
roots of the plants.

Types of hydroponics – disposal of nutrient waste
Run to Waste (Open) Recycled (Recirculating)
Nutrient
Reservoir
Waste
Tank
“Run-to-waste” describes those systems where the excess nutrient or
“run-off” is not re-circulated. Conventional ‘soil culture’ is a type of run-
to-waste system. Media with a high water holding capacity are used
(e.g. soil, coconut fibre, Rockwool). Feeds are small and infrequent. The
‘run-off’ is either drained directly onto the ground or is collected.
Collecting the run-off allows feed volume and frequency to be calculated
more accurately. This helps prevent under-dosing or over-dosing.
Water Flow
In a re-circulating or recycled system the water is pumped from a main
reservoir to the plant root system , the excess water and nutrients are
then returned to the reservoir. Trace elements are topped up as used
and regularly dumped and refreshed to keep the system stable . They
are more cost effective in both water and nutrients. Because of their
nature and the methodology used to top up the nutrients, re-circulating
systems tend to require more regular checking and correcting of pH ,
and EC levels which adds that little bit more maintenance time spent in
the grow room
Nutrient
Reservoir
Water Flow
Water Flow
Water Flow

Types of hydroponics – based on medium / substrates
Expanded clay aggregate Growstones
Baked clay pellets, are suitable for hydroponic systems in which all
nutrients are carefully controlled in water solution. The clay pellets are
inert, pH neutral and do not contain any nutrient value.
Growstones, made from glass waste, have both more air and water
retention space than perlite and peat. This aggregate holds more water
than parboiled rice hulls.
Coir Perlite
Coco Peat, also known as coir or coco, is the leftover material after the
fibres have been removed from the outermost shell (bolster) of the
coconut. Coir is a 100% natural grow and flowering medium. Coconut
Coir is colonized with Trichoderma Fungi, which protects roots and
stimulates root growth.
Perlite is a volcanic rock that has been superheated into very
lightweight expanded glass pebbles. It is used loose or in plastic
sleeves immersed in the water. It is also used in potting soil mixes to
decrease soil density.
Sand Gravel
Sand is cheap and easily available. However, it is heavy, does not hold
water very well, and it must be sterilized between use.
The same type that is used in aquariums, though any small gravel can
be used, provided it is washed first. Indeed, plants growing in a typical
traditional gravel filter bed, with water circulated using electric
powerhead pumps, are in effect being grown using gravel hydroponics.
Gravel is inexpensive, easy to keep clean, drains well and will not
become waterlogged.

Types of hydroponic systems
Nutrient Film Technique Ebb and flow
Nutrient film technique (NFT) is a hydroponic technique wherein a
very shallow stream of water containing all the
dissolved nutrients required for plant growth is re-circulated past the
bare roots of plants in a watertight gully, also known as channels. The
depth of the recirculating stream should be very shallow, little more than
a film of water, hence the name 'nutrient film'. This ensures that the thick
root mat, which develops in the bottom of the channel, has an upper
surface, which, although moist, is in the air. Subsequent to this, an
abundant supply of oxygen is provided to the roots of the plants.
In this, there is a tray above a reservoir of nutrient solution. Either the
tray is filled with growing medium (clay granules being the most
common) and planted directly or pots of medium stand in the tray. At
regular intervals, a simple timer causes a pump to fill the upper tray
with nutrient solution, after which the solution drains back down into
the reservoir. This keeps the medium regularly flushed with nutrients
and air. Once the upper tray fills past the drain stop, it begins
recirculating the water until the timer turns the pump off, and the water
in the upper tray drains back into the reservoirs.

Types of hydroponic systems
Drip Method Deep water
Drip Irrigation is a great water-saving solution for hydroponic gardens.
The basic premise is that nutrient solution is pumped out of the reservoir
by a main line, usually 1 inch, which is divided into ½ inch lateral lines
that run directly alongside the plants. These lateral lines contain a
dripper (emitter) for each plant, which is placed directly at the plant base
and provides a controlled flow of water directly to the roots.
The hydroponic method of plant production by means of suspending
the plant roots in a solution of nutrient-rich, oxygenated water.
Traditional methods favor the use of plastic buckets and large
containers with the plant contained in a net pot suspended from the
centre of the lid and the roots suspended in the nutrient solution. The
solution is oxygen saturated from an air pump combined with porous
stones. With this method, the plants grow much faster because of the
high amount of oxygen that the roots receive

Primary benefits of Hydroponic cultivation
Reduced labor time of digging and
weeding
Reduced fungal disease, little
exposure to moisture
Greater control on environment, yields are
predictable and budgeting is easier
Tailored macro and micro nutrition
for humans, even distribution
Effective recycle resulting reduced
water usage
Land
Labour Nutrition
Diesease &
Pest Water
There are two chief merits of the soil-less cultivation of plants. First, hydroponics may potentially produce
much higher crop yields. Also, hydroponics can be used in places where in-ground agriculture or gardening
are not possible.

Secondary benefits
Plants in hydroponics gain in
• Plants are protected from UV radiation as they are within a green
house
• Offers safe biological control of insects and pests
• Water is reused effectively
• Allows nutrients to be reclaimed, re-balanced and re-used
• Can be protected from unpredictable weather patterns
• Have a good root system that is not at risk from contaminants and
diseases
• Make efficient use of labour, which is increasingly expensive
• Produce outstanding crops by using optimum nutrient
formulations
• Production in Off season possible when market prices are highest.

Sample yield numbers (conservative)
Crop Soil Agriculture
Avg Per Acre
Hydroponic Agriculture
Avg Per Acre
Lettuce 9-10 tons 300 – 400 tons
Strawberries 20 – 25 tons 50 tons
Cucumber 15 – 20 tons 200 tons
Tomato 10 – 12 tons 180 – 200 tons
Bell Pepper 10 – 12 tons 120 – 140 tons
Potato 8 – 10 tons 60 – 70 tons
Cabbage 6 – 7 tons 10 – 12 tons

Market takers for hydroponic plants
1 Retail chains
2 Private investors
3 Hotel chains
4 Fast food chains
5 Processed food industry
6 Railway catering
7 NGO’s
8 Foreign retail companies
9 Defense establishments
10 PPP Partners

Hydroponic agriculture – the global outlook
Global acreage under cultivation
• There has been massive growth in hydroponic cultivation in a
number of forward thinking countries.
• For instance, in Australia, the area under hydroponic crop
production went from 155 to 2500 hectares from 1990 to 2008.
• The world commercial hydroponics industry has grown 4 to 5 fold in
the last 10 years and is currently estimated at between 20,000 and
25,000 hectares with a farm gate value of US$6 to $8 Billion.
Future belief
• The future lies in locally grown and sold produce limiting the ‘road
miles’.
• This method of growing our food is a more sustainable model than
those currently practised.
• The consumer is becoming increasingly concerned over health
issues, environmental issues, even water consumption cost and
availability……… these all are drivers for the further development of
hydroponic growing techniques.
Global reach
Main countries using hydroponics are Holland, Spain, Australia, USA,
Canada, NZ, Italy, Canada, Mexico, China. Even our neighbor
Pakistan has adopted Hydroponics cultivation with major government
support.
Main crops are Cucumbers, Tomato, Lettuce, Strawberry, Herbs,
Capsicums, cut flowers etc. but not limited to these alone.

How is it implemented

Standards
Laws
Water
Source
Container
System with
Air pump
Seedlings
Customers
People
Land
Nutrients
Green House The resource universe for a
hydroponic system involves
some capital intensive items like
setting up of a container system,
seedlings, nutrients in the form of
fertilizers, people to train and
manage the farm along with
respective standards and laws
which govern the production of
the crop. The most important
aspect of the entire operation is
the identification and
management of customers to
whom this would be sold to. The
organization needs to understand
customer and market
expectations and develop
interactions for a profitable future.
Resource universe of commercial hydroponic agriculture

Plants grown in hydroponic systems
Tomato's Lettuce Bell Pepper Cucumber
Strawberries Water Lemon Potato Onion

Nutrient Solutions / Fertilizer
Introduction
Plant nutrients used in hydroponics are dissolved in the water and are
mostly in inorganic and ionic form. Primary among the dissolved cations
(positively charged ions) are Ca2+ (calcium), Mg2+ (magnesium), and K+
(potassium); the major nutrient anions in nutrient solutions are NO− 3
(nitrate), SO2− 4 (sulfate), and H 2PO− 4 (dihydrogen phosphate).
Nutrient recipe
Numerous 'recipes' for hydroponic solutions are available. Many use
different combinations of chemicals to reach similar total final
compositions. Commonly used chemicals for the macronutrients include
potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, potassium phosphate, and
magnesium sulfate. Various micronutrients are typically added to
hydroponic solutions to supply essential elements; among them are Fe
(iron), Mn (manganese), Cu (copper), Zn (zinc), B (boron), Cl (chlorine),
and Ni (nickel).
Pre-mixed concentrated nutrient solutions are generally purchased from
commercial nutrient manufacturers by hydroponic hobbyists and small
commercial growers, several tools exists to help anyone prepare their
own solutions without extensive knowledge about chemistry.

Implementation process
The HGTIPL assisted implementation process is a pro-active methodology designed for quick
installation while keeping parameters in mind such maximum optimization of space and costs. It
is designed to ensure smooth functioning of Hydroponic business functions, recovery of revenue
and adding value to the to the business, in a optimized and sustainable manner.
Sustain
Implement Procure
Design
Plan
Implementation
Framework
HGTIPL Implementation Lifecycle
The HGTIPL methodology of implementation of
an end-to-end hydroponic system will assist you
in quick recovery of your investment while keep
environmental factors unaffected. Some of the
key benefits of our methodology is :-
• Easy and quick installation
• Assess the climate and suggest best crops
• Less time to go to market
• Clean build to operate procedures
• Training of people to manage operations
• Identify opportunities for go to market
• Assist in growth areas in your region
• Prepare sustenance procedures
• Yearly audits for maintaining higher yields

Implementation process details
Land
Water
Seeds
Fertilizer
Container
System
Manpower
PLAN DESIGN PROCURE IMPLEMENT SUSTAIN
Identify
Land
Identify
Water Source
Determine
Size
Identify
Plants & Nursery
Identify
Fertilizer &
Source
Identify
Resource
Train
Resource
Procure
Operational
Items
On Job
Training
Manage
Operations
Get
Sampling
Transfer
Sampling
Growth
Design
Water
Collection
Purchase
Pumps &
Generators
Install
Pumps
Run
Pumps &
Generators
Blueprint
Layout
Green House
Equipment
Set Up
Green House
Maintenance
Blueprint
System
Procure
Components
Install
Components
Maintenance
Identify
Quantity &
Schedule
Procure
Fertilizer
Install Initial
Amounts
Add as
required

Hydroponics in India

Opportunity in India
• Production and labor costs in developed countries are
increasing thereby need to import high quality cheaper
produce is increasing.
• India has rich climatic conditions positioning us favorably to
market such produce.
• Labor costs in India as well as inputs makes India an ideal
destination for food outsourcing.
• Indian producers can address both domestic as well as
International markets such as ME/EU/USA/Far East.
• Has intelligent manpower. Can learn fast the operating
protocols.
• Usually gets a better price based on looks, texture, taste,
consistency on daily basis, high nutrition value, reliable
supply year round etc.
• A country that can produce super-computers, satellites can
definitely adopt Hydroponics easily in the author’s view.
Development in India Marketing channels in India
• Wholesale Channels
• Retail Channels
• Supermarket chains/Export markets.
• Cooperatives to help sell their produce.
• Producers specialize in one or two types of produce mainly
and have full control over their produce.
Outside India
• Sales opportunities abound from Indian producers due to
better production costing achievable.
• Markets are in USA, EU, Far and Middle East.
• India has excellent connectivity to above by land, sea and
air.
• Freight costs from India are high at this time and with better
governmental support can be alleviated.

Catalyst for hydroponic farming in India
1
2
3
4
Big growth markets
• High population mean higher consumption capability
• Trend moving towards quality of food rather than price / quantity
• Organic and clean foods getting preference
Low cost of labor
• Manual labor is easily accessible
• Low cost to setting up and maintaining operations
• Easy communication and teaching arenas
Access to technology
• Easy access to green-house and hydroponic technologies
• Access to water pumps and HVAC systems
• Easy access to fertilizers and IPM technologies
Knowledge
• Good knowledge of hydroponic methodologies
• Knowledge of markets and customers
• Understanding of crops cycles and related diseases & pests

SWOT analysis for hydroponic farming
► Makes any land with water source useful for production
► High Yields from lesser spaces
► Produce can get premium prices
► Less labor means lesser costs
► Effective IPM possible
► Brand, package and sell produce
as clean, healthy and unique
► Creation of more growth products such as
gingers, saffron, turmeric etc. which are cash crops.
► Gaining good traction in India
► Can be raised to sell niche markets which high returns
► No industry association or bodies in hydroponics yet
► High Capex
► Needs more diligence and devotion
► Cannot compete with soil grown produce
► No dedicated standards and laws in India
► Must not compete on price, but on quality.
► Perception that Hydroponics is unnatural.
► Certain soil grown produce are being marketed
vigorously and may be a threat to hydroponic
produce. E.g. Calyx-On Tomato
► Inconsistent supply arrangement can ruin market intake
SWOT
Hydroponics
in India
Weakness
Threats
Strengths
Opportunities

Challenges in India to overcome
• Capital costs
• Trained Manpower
• Education required
• Attention to shifting market demands
• Attention to crop growing or cultural practices
• Knowledge of IPM
• Knowledge of Environment Controls in GH
• Knowledge of Climate Controls
• Knowledge of Bio-friendly insects
Indian hydroponic practitioners needs to overcome
Body of knowledge
We need to convene an association in India for Commercial
Hydroponic Growers even before we start the first commercial system
in our country.
We have a student of Simplified Hydroponics already having an
association called Indian Hydroponics Pioneers Association.
Formulate industry standards
We need to use foreign Hydroponic experts to start with. This is an
absolute must as there are no resource people in India at this time.
Industry standards will be established as time goes by and more
Indians adopt this kind of cultivation.
Marketing of hydroponic produce
It is marketed more on the quality and consistency, rather than the
method of production.
More and more Indians are demanding high quality, pesticide free,
fresh produce. Money not the criterion.
People are aware of dangers of pesticides, global warming and its ill
effects. Media plays an important role.
Consistency, quality and yields possible only by modern techniques of
cultivation.

Commercial Viability

Cost buckets
Capital costs
Operational costs
Drip
System
Land Green
House
Soil
Preparation
Mulching
Sheet
Project
Constancy
Poly
Bag
Coco
Pear
Trellising
Clips
Nutrients Seeds
Seedling
Salary Electricity

Revenue flow (when land is owned)
Revenue Maps (with capital cost equated over 5 yrs)Capital costs
Assuming land is currently owned by the owner the capital costs per
acre required would include
• Cost of land Rs 0 lakhs
• Cost of Green House Rs 19 lakhs
• Drip Irrigation Rs 5 Lakhs
• Soil preparation Rs 40,000
• Mulching sheet Rs 20,000
• Project consultancy Rs 6 lakhs
Grand Total (Every 5 yrs) Rs 30.5 lakhs (approx)
Operational costs
The operational costs of a hydroponic farm growing tomato's for 1 acre
per year would include
• Poly bags Rs 24,000
• Coco pear Rs 1,35,000
• Trellising thread and clips Rs 25,000
• Nutrients per cropping cycle Rs 1,00,000
• Organic Pesticides per cycle Rs 30,000
• Seeds Rs 1,44,000
• Salary for 2 Employees Rs 240,000
• Electricity Rs 60,000
Grand Total (per year) Rs 9.0 lakhs (approx)
Revenues
Assuming tomato growth for 1 year per acre assumptions include
• Number of Kgs yield per plant 5 Kg
• Number of plants per yield 12,000 plants
• Number of yields per year 2 yields
• Price per Kg sold in the market Rs 20 per kg
• Total calculation 5 * 12000 * 2 * 20
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Costs
Revenues
Profits
* Equated profit about 19 lakhs per year

Revenue flow (when land is bought)
Assuming land has been bought by the owner the capital costs per acre
required would include
• Bought land Rs 20 Lakhs
Operational costs
• Seeds Rs 1,44,000
Revenues
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Costs
Revenues
Profits
* Equated profit about 15 lakhs per year

Revenue flow (when land is leased)
Assuming land is currently leased by the owner the capital costs per
acre required would include
Operational costs
• Rent of Land Rs 2,40,000
• Seeds Rs 1,44,000
Revenues
* Equated profit about 16.5 lakhs per year
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Costs
Revenues
Profits

How can we help

How can we help
• Setting up of Turnkey Commercial Hydroponics/Soil-less
Greenhouse systems for fruits, vegetables, herbs, aromatic and
medicinal plants
• Consultancy for Hydroponics/Soil-less Cultivation, Feasibility
studies and Project Reports.
• Training in Basics of Commercial Hydroponics
• Setting up broad acre Hydroponics/Soil-less Food Parks with all
facilities.
• Supplies of Backyard Greenhouse systems Supply of
Hydroponic nutrients and soil-less substrates like Coir
Peat/Perlite etc.
• Conducts seminars with foreign experts on Hydroponics/Soil-
less cultivation from time to time.
• Water testing facilities and reports rendered.
• Supply of testing equipment's for pH/TDS/EC/Temperature
probes etc.
Our key activities

Success Stories

Some successful commercial installations
Hydroponic Strawberry System
The Institute of Simplified Hydroponics Bangalore, India is proud to
announce the setting up of the first Hydroponics Commercial Strawberry
Production system measuring one acre of climate controlled
Greenhouse. This is the first Pilot and is expected to increase by
hectares in a couple of years after the success of the first one.
Hydroponics Lettuce/Herbs System
ISH bagged on 23rd March 2011, its second Commercial Hydroponics
Lettuce/Herbs order" from a client in Coimbatore. This within three
months of its first commercial hydroponics greenhouse order to set up a
strawberry greenhouse at Bangalore. The state of the art Lettuce/Herbs
Greenhouse will initially start with a one acre pilot expanding to 4 acres
in next one year.

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Hydroponics in India: Advantages and Commercial Viability

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