Hydroponics is a type of hydroculture in which plants are cultivated without soil using a water solvent containing mineral and fertilizer solutions. Terrestrial plants can be grown only with their roots, with the roots exposed to the nutritive liquid, or with the roots physically supported by a medium such as gravel.
Many factors influence the profitability of a hydroponic farm, but some have the most effect. We'll take a closer look at those for you.
Crop selection For Your Hydroponic Farm
What are India's most profitable crops? Try to study your market demands if you're looking for a solution to this question. If a crop is profitable in one place, it does not have to be profitable in another.
Things to consider before selecting a crop for your hydroponic farm:
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The product should be in great demand in the local market.
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Crop varieties should be able to respond to environmental change.
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The produce should be economically valuable.
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It should be resistant to any potential root diseases
Market Trends
The following are the market prices for some high-value hydroponic crops in India:
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Cherry tomatoes cost between Rs.300 and Rs.350 per kilogram.
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Red cabbage costs between Rs.150 and Rs.200 per kilogram.
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Lettuce costs between Rs.200 and Rs.400 per kilogram.
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Italian basil costs Rs.50 per 50g.
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Bok Choy costs between Rs.400 and Rs.500 per kilogram.
Crop prices might fluctuate from the highest to the lowest depending on the area of your hydroponic farm.
Growth Media
The media used to cultivate crops must be carefully chosen.
The most common growth media are Rockwool, Stonewool, and Perlite. Perlite is a naturally occurring material with a high water retention capacity and pore spaces, making it an ideal growing medium for hydroponic crops.
Another popular growing medium in hydroponic farms is Rockwool. To avoid algae growth, cover this growing media from the side with plastic covers or sheets.
Quality of Water
The goal of a hydroponic farm is to maximize efficiency and control. The water of high quality will aid in the regulation of variables such as pH and EC (Electrical Conductivity). Higher yields require optimal EC and TDS (Total Dissolved Salts).
Nutrient Solution
Low yields and low harvest quality might serve as a warning to evaluate the composition of your fertilizer solution. There is no secret formula for determining the appropriate nutrition solution for your crops. This can only be obtained through trying various ways and strategies. The farmer should keep track of and study crop growth to determine which component is optimal for the crops.
The selection of nutrient solutions for the hydroponic crop is primarily determined by three factors:
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Nutrient and element requirements of plants
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Type of hydroponic system
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Rate of application
Grower Skill and Knowledge
After making everything as efficient as possible, skill and expertise might be the decisive factors in whether or not a hydroponic farm is profitable.
Even if the hydroponic farm has the greatest technology, it will be difficult to make your hydroponic business profitable if the grower lacks the knowledge and professional competence necessary to operate a hydroponic farm.
The success of Hydroponic Business is determined by procedural criteria rather than individual skill. The way you approach problems or hurdles on your hydroponic farm route to success will ultimately decide the future.
