Hydroponics Technique Suitable For Urban Farming

By admin - March 11, 2018

HAVING large fertile lands is not a precondition for growing crops. Hydroponics technology has made this possible, particularly for urban farmers, who have limited access to land for agricultural purposes. This technique enables farmers to grow plants without soil. Instead, a nutrient-rich solution is used to deliver water and minerals to the roots of plants.

While this technology is not new, it is now gaining popularity in the global farming community. Locally, several farmers have incorporated the technology into their farming practices, contributing to Guyana’s green agriculture agenda. One such farmer is Bharrat Ramsundar, of Dowding Street, Kitty. For the past four years, Ramsundar has been utilising the hydroponics technology.

He became familiar with the technology through a partnership initiative between the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Partners of America. This partnership was further strengthened through the Organisation of American States (OAS). The OAS Project: Organic, Hydroponic and Hybrid-System Growing for Caribbean Schools and Modeling for Local Caribbean Entrepreneurship Project saw the construction of a hydroponics facility at NAREI in 2015 and the training of several local farmers.

Thanks to that initiative, Ramsundar is currently operating a successful agri-business at home. He was able to construct the hydroponics facility himself using PVC pipes, metal frames, pumps, reservoirs, and timers. The construction of a 60-ft long bed to accommodate 750 seedlings costs approximately $250,000. However, recouping the cost of the initial investment could happen within a short period, he noted.

Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, Dr Oudho Homenuath, during a recent visit, pointed out that the facility is a good example of urban agriculture. He noted that the farmer through the use of technology is demonstrating that producing high-quality food in an urban setting is possible.

In a district known for retail commercial activities, Ramsundar has converted a section of his concreted yard into a modern farm. Every 21 days, he harvests fresh disease-free green lettuce and celery. The majority of his crops are sold to two supermarkets on Sheriff Street. The remainder is sold to a resort and neighbours.

“Planting using hydroponics is better than farming in open fields…I find the crops to be of a better quality…My lettuce could last up to two weeks in the fridge…There is little or no disease or pest infestation…Also, there is no need for crop rotation or resting of the soil…I can plant continuously, which is important for me to supply my customers,” he noted.
Speaking on the day-to-day operations of the farm, Ramsundar said the hydroponics facility is not technical to operate. However, proper management of the crops from seedlings to harvest is essential. Because there is no weed and hardly ever any pests, he is able to manage the farm by himself.

Ramsundar’s next project is to construct a seedling nursery producing hydroponic seedlings. Currently, he is sourcing seedlings from private nurseries for his operations. However, since they are not hydroponic seedlings they take sometime to acclimatise to their new environment.