hydroponics

“The yield is almost 3 to 5 times more than what is grown in soil in the same area. So one can do wonders in small areas too."

From delivering fresh chemical-free greens to resorts and even at the doorsteps of customers in South Delhi and Gurugram, Red Otter Farms is one of India’s earliest and fastest-growing aquaponic farms.

His alternative farming journey began with a small 100 sq ft unit on his terrace in Navi Mumbai. Its success led him to purchase a 15-acre land in Raigad.

In a room less than 1,000 sq ft, with over 1,000 plants, they grow seven varieties of lettuce (lollo rosso, oakleaf, French romaine, summer crisp, butterhead), three varieties of Swiss chard (red, yellow and white), two types of rocket (wild and cultivated) and four varieties of kale.

From fresh strawberries to Egyptian Lolla Rossa lettuce, the startup has been producing an array of vegetables and fruits in Delhi, Mumbai and Haryana.

“It was only two years ago that the concept of hydroponics caught my eye. It started as a hobby because vertical farming in a limited space piqued my curiosity,” shares Rahul.

It all began two years ago when the Pallipuram Service Co-operative Bank (PSCB) decided to launch a pilot aquaponics project with the sole objective of helping farmers grow chemical-free food.

Run by a Kerala teacher-student duo, Shijin V S and Amal Mathew, both electrical engineers, Ela Sustainable Solutions helps urban farmers set up hydroponic farming systems and mini-polyhouses in spaces as small as 100 sq ft!

“How many of us know where our food comes from? At a time where everything we pick from the grocery store is laden with pesticides, growing our own food can help cut down health risks and also ensure our children get their food in its freshest form.”

After working for 17 years in the aviation industry, Ann Vinya Thomas decided to set forth on a revolutionary path by becoming a small-scale urban farmer.