Apr 25, 2019
High performance AmHydro NFT leaf crop system, ready to plant
CONTENT SOURCED FROM HORTIDAILY
On April 9th, Farms 2050 of Bangalore and AmHydro of Arcata, CA celebrated the grand opening of what is the largest commercial hydroponic farm in India to date. A rich agricultural heritage that has been challenged by a harsh climate, water scarcity and a rapidly growing population to feed has created an urgent need for newer, more sustainable farming methods in the region. In response to this need, Farms 2050 and AmHydro partnered to develop effective controlled environment agricultural (CEA) facility that provides local growers with the ability to produce large volumes of nutritious, high quality crops, all while using 95% less water than conventional farming techniques.
The first (of many) new hydroponic farms in Bangalore include a 45,000+ square foot climate controlled greenhouse, highly productive AmHydro hydroponic growing systems, and a 5,000 square foot packing house with processing, cooling, and shipping facilities. Each technology was carefully chosen to provide the highest level of performance while also remaining economically sustainable and providing growers with a fast return on investment. The initial farm features systems to produce both leaf crops (culinary herbs, lettuce, and greens), as well as vine crops (peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers).
Prior to the grand opening event, AmHydro CEO Jenny Harris and VP Joe Swartz traveled from California, USA to Bangalore to fine tune and test the greenhouse and hydroponic growing system. When this was complete, they trained the local farming team in all aspects of high level hydroponic crop production; from proper seed selection, germination, crop production techniques to harvest, processing, storage and food safety. Professional film crews were on hand to assist in the production of instructional videos, providing present and future farmers with growing guidance and information.
In a lavish public ceremony, Farms 2050 and AmHydro then signed a mutual MoU with the support of Indian government officials to develop additional sustainable, high producing hydroponic farms across the region. Sharing the stage with the Minister of Water Resources, Minister of Revenue, and the Minister of Agriculture, Farms 2050 CEO Basan Patil and AmHydro CEO Jenny Harris signed a historic MoU to develop more hydroponic farms and controlled environment agricultural technologies in various locations within India. The primary goal of this venture is to dramatically improve the economic empowerment of local farmers as well as providing high quality vegetables, greens, and fruits to their communities.
On the final day of the visit, local religious leaders stopped by to bless the new operation with good luck and success. Planting is now underway and plans for the next farm are already in development.
