Agartala: Tripura is shifting its focus in hydroponic farming towards larger, commercial-scale setups, aiming to provide farmers with a more sustainable and profitable agricultural avenue.
Recognizing the need for climate-smart solutions, the state is moving away from smaller, portable systems in favor of units exceeding 500 square meters, aligning with national standards for hydroponic farms.
One such initiative involves a 560-square-meter hydroponic unit dedicated to cultivating high-demand leafy vegetables like lettuce, coriander, and strawberries, as well as flowers like marigolds. This project, supported by the Tripura government with an initial investment of Rs 55 lakh, is expected to yield significant returns within a few years, despite the initial high costs.
Rajib Ghosh, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Research Center, Agartala, emphasized the economic benefits for farmers. “The hydroponic that was in Tripura a couple of years before was portable and in small size. Now, to give a commercial shape or exposure it has to be of big size which should have a minimum of 500 square meters. So the return that will come from this area of cultivation or farming will be very beneficial to the farmers and upgrade the financial conditions of farmers,” Ghosh stated.
The shift towards larger-scale hydroponics is particularly crucial for Tripura, given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and flooding. Hydroponics offers a solution by minimizing the impact of natural disasters on agricultural production. Furthermore, this technology is particularly beneficial for farmers with limited land resources, as vertical farming techniques can maximize productivity within a smaller space.
The government’s commitment to supporting farmers is evident through its financial aid packages for those affected by recent floods. The promotion of hydroponic farming further strengthens this commitment by providing farmers with a more resilient and profitable agricultural model, ensuring long-term economic growth and sustainability in the state.
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