K.V.Bhaskar Rao
Grower - Hydroponics Specialist,

Consultant, Mentor, Faculty,

Trend Setter And Speaker

During World War II the shipping of fresh vegetables to overseas remote islands was not possible; and also feeding the soldiers, where troops were stationed. They couldn’t be grown in the soil. Then, Hydroponic technology was tested as a viable source for fresh vegetables during this time. US Air Force built one of the first large hydroponic farms on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic, followed by additional hydroponic farms on the islands of Iwo Jima and Okinawa in the Pacific, using crushed volcanic rock as the growing medium and, on Wake Island west of Hawaii, using gravel as the growing medium. These hydroponic farms helped fill the need for a supply of fresh vegetables for troops stationed in these areas.

The American Army and Royal Air Force built hydroponic units at various military bases to help feed troops. In 1952, the US Army's special hydroponics branch grew over 8,000,000 lbs. of fresh produce for military demand. Also established at this time was one of the world's largest hydroponic farms in Chofu, Japan, consisting of 22 hectares. History says that in 1945 during the II world war, the US Air Force built large hydroponic facilities in Habbaniya in Iraq, Bharain and the Persian Gulf, to support troops stationed near large oil reserves. So, we know that hydroponic cultivation of vegetables was prevalent during that time in the Middle East and GCC.

Climate change, water stress & environmental degradation are affecting large populations around the world & represent a major threat to international hunger, human security & wellbeing. Technology development, implementation, indigenization to suit local conditions (labour and capital) along with skill development for personnel is the key to the success of agriculture in a rapidly urbanizing world. Based on predicted population growth and urbanization, food and water demand will create greater challenges by 2050. The world will be required to produce more food, with less water and a declining rural workforce.

Urban agriculture (CEA which includes hydroponics/ rooftop/ aquaponics/ aeroponics) is the new culture that is catching up everywhere and more in the GCC. We do have far too many participants in this industry who have too little actual crop production knowledge and / or experience. This challenge can be met with training/skill development to generate employment and food security with rational use of resources and thus producing safe, healthy & nutritious food. Educate individuals and companies to the new farming technology as innovation and capacity building is the only accelerators to this new endeavour.

Increasing awareness regarding the risks of consumption of contaminated food is a driving demand for crops and vegetables that are cultivated in a safe and controlled environment. Hydroponic plants are an ideal choice in this scenario as hydroponic systems eliminate the need for soil, which is where pathogens incubate. Moreover, the increasing rate of urbanization in developed regions is expected to cause a major shift towards a preference for hydroponic vegetables. Consumers with changing tastes are willing to pay a premium for an assortment of produce offering freshness, quality, flavour, safety, and convenience. Young and affluent Western food-loving consumers are driving the growth and demand for imported foods in the Middle East.

Locally grown vegetables, indigenous/ native herbs, microgreens, wheatgrass, salad greens, and the concept of “farm to fork” are becoming increasingly common in the marketplaces of GCC. Thanks to alternative agricultural practices such as hydroponic farming. Most GCC countries are now taking definite steps towards being self-sustainable with certain food items that often are served at the dinner table. RTE salad mix or even the snacking section like cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, and the likes are hitting the hypermarket shelves.

Many Arab countries rely heavily on groundwater to meet their water requirements for economic and social development, such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, and Libya, with more than 80% groundwater dependence. Even in countries with the relative abundance of surface water such as Syria, Egypt, and Iraq, which have flowing rivers, reliance on groundwater is increasing due to growing demand for water – sometimes due to up streams’ control of flow. Groundwater is facing depletion in many GCC countries, which threatens its sustainability and the existence of the sectors that depend on it.

Hydroponics in the GCC has the following “cut above the rest” pointers to establish long-term investment benefits in all ways. It is a “win-win” situation for all the stakeholders.

* Huge potential in areas with poor arable land like the Middle East. You do not have to use "New Technology" it is Proven.

* Offers the chance to Grow food 12 months of the year even in warm climates. Increased Yields - more product is grown and harvested per M2.

* A huge reduction in the quantity of water currently used in the food chain, reduction in the use of fertilizers and energy currently used to produce food.

* Opens immediate employment opportunities in harvesting, retailing, and distribution, thus, stimulates new markets locally and nationally.

* Satisfy local demand = less imports = greener solution thus zero carbon footprint. Increased turnover of produce - crops grow faster and more often.

* Harvesting takes place at a more comfortable height - no bending over and better ergonomics. Promote more favorable working conditions.

* A healthier crop using fewer pesticides provides health benefits to the consumer. Improved Quality of Yields - more nutritionally sound and therefore tastes superior.

* Complete control over nutrient balance - controlled growing creates a healthier crop.

* Closed recirculation irrigation system conserves water. Nutrient solutions may be re-used in other areas.

Few parameters that would enhance and enable the growth potential in this sector can be achieved by the following. 1. Single window clearances, without stringent regulations on the import of soil conditioners, hydroponic grow media (cocopeat), Plant Protection Chemicals (PPC), Seeds, grafted cuttings, rooted plants, tissue-cultured saplings, and all planting materials to enhance diversity and try incorporating new species for cultivation to feed the local population.

2. Create “Local” or locally grown stamp to help leverage local farmers for direct entry into co-operatives, supermarkets etc. First preference to locally grown produce.

3. Create “ugly produce” sections for local growers only (as unflavorable local weather conditions or other reasons lead to visual imperfections but with the same taste and nutritional values).

4. All local farms mandatory to adopt Global GAP methods of cultivation to ensure safe & hygienic food, instead of so-called “organic”. Training and educating farmers and cultivation labour to ensure food safety.

5. Source all farm-related services for infrastructure development like greenhouses, irrigation systems, cooling systems, indoor vertical farms, LED/grow lights etc from locally approved vendors – economy

gets stronger and remains within the country. According to a report, food consumption in the GCC is expected to grow at 4.2% CAGR, with cereals leading the regional numbers. A quick rundown of the fastest-growing categories, per country:

* Kuwait’s fastest-growing market is Fruits, at a 7.9% CAGR.

* Oman’s fastest-growing market is Dairy, at a 6.1% CAGR.

* Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing market is Dairy, at a 5.7% CAGR.

* UAE’s fastest-growing market is Fruits, at a 5.3% CAGR.

* Qatar’s fastest-growing market is Meat, at a 3.7% CAGR.

* Bahrain’s fastest-growing market is Cereal, at a 3.5% CAGR.

With a booming population growth, expected to increase 6.5 million by 2021, and shifting demographics, some key trends are unlocking new opportunities in the market:

* Youth heavily exposed to western diets drive a growing demand for international foods.

*The rise of working women led to growth in ready and packaged meals.

* A more tech-savvy population open new opportunities in retail, with advancements in e-commerce and new outlet concepts such as hypermarkets and food trucks.

* With some of the highest overweight population rates in the world, all GCC countries are looking at healthier products. n

Email: kazabhaskar@gmail.com

April 2021 Floriculture Today