Growing up in a family of farmers, Rasik Nakum was always looking for solutions to the problems they faced in the field.

Reading an article about the harmful effects of pesticides made the 33-year-old government teacher look for better alternatives and quit his job.

Rasik found the answer in hydroponics, a soilless cultivation technique that uses a water-based nutrient solution.

“We are staring at a big water crisis in the future and hydroponics vertical farming is a great solution for that. It uses less water and space to provide higher produce,” he explains.

After three years of trial and error, Rasik found the perfect method. It addressed two big problems–water scarcity and lack of space.

Today, he runs a thriving hydroponics farm on his terrace, where he grows over 25 varieties of vegetables.

Rasik uses the method of vertical farming by employing the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). This technique uses pumps to circulate a thin film of nutrient solution through shallow channels, where plant roots can dip to receive nutrients, according to Pure Greens container farms.

Through his venture, ‘One Farm Hydroponics’ in Rajkot, Rasik has taught over 5,000 people this innovative farming method.

“We are born to serve others. I’ve found my purpose through teaching a better way to grow plants,” he shares.

He has trained students and farmers in different universities in Gujarat and Karnataka. His training lasts for a month.

“The beauty of hydroponics is that it requires minimum water. The system consists of PVC pipes that supply nutrient-rich water solution directly to the roots of the plant. This water is then rotated and reused. Plants get nutrition through the water used,” Rasik explains.

Over time, he felt the need to provide this information to more people for free, and started the Maruti Nandan Charitable Trust.

You can support Rasik’s mission to promote a sustainable alternative to traditional farming by contributing to the Maruti Nandan Charitable Trust.

Maruti Nandan Charitable Trust A/c Number: 41803167622 IFSC code: SBIN0011001