From innovation to impact, how hydroponics is shaping the future of food

The Indian agricultural sector, traditionally dependent on soil-based farming, is increasingly adopting hydroponics, which uses water and nutrient solutions to grow plants without soil. According to the latest data, India’s hydroponics industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 13.53 per cent from 2020 to 2027, highlighting its potential in addressing food security and sustainability challenges.

At the forefront of this transformation is Vivek Raj, CEO of Panama Corporation Ltd. Recognising the gaps and inefficiencies in conventional farming, Raj has championed hydroponic farming as a solution to many of the sector's pressing issues. “Hydroponics, alongside other indoor farming techniques, offers a controlled and resource-efficient method that significantly reduces dependency on natural resources like soil and water," says Raj. "I believe this technology will play a pivotal role in revolutionizing global agriculture, offering sustainable ways to feed the world in the face of growing environmental challenges."

The Role of High-Value Crops in Hydroponic Farming

Hydroponics enables the cultivation of high-value crops like saffron and medicinal plants, which have specific environmental needs. Traditional methods struggle with crops like saffron, requiring precise light, humidity, and temperature. “Growing saffron hydroponically was challenging. We developed advanced LED lights and used sensors to monitor real-time changes in temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels,” says Raj.

Panama Corporation addressed these challenges with data-driven farming and AI, optimising conditions to achieve higher yields and premium-quality saffron. This showcases hydroponics' potential to transform high-value crop production through controlled environments.

Hydroponics also eliminates the need for synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, reducing pollution and promoting sustainability, supported by organic pest control and biodegradable growing mediums.

Scalability and Efficiency: Hydroponics at the Forefront of Modern Agriculture

Hydroponics, once seen as niche, is now becoming scalable for large-scale agriculture due to advancements in automation and environmental control. “With IoT, automation, and fertigation systems, hydroponics has become highly efficient and scalable,” says Raj.

Panama Corporation uses automated fertigation to deliver precise water and nutrients, minimising waste.

Water Conservation: A Solution for a Global Crisis

Hydroponics' water efficiency is one of its key advantages, particularly in a world facing water scarcity. By using closed-loop systems, hydroponics recirculates water and can save up to 90 per cent more compared to traditional farming. Raj highlights that growing crops like saffron traditionally requires up to 3,000 liters of water per kilogram, whereas hydroponics achieves the same yield with just 300 liters. This significant reduction makes hydroponic farming essential for sustainable food production in water-scarce regions.

Balancing Innovation with Environmental Responsibility

While innovation drives hydroponics, sustainability remains central to Panama Corporation’s practices. Raj highlights the company's commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint. “We use solar panels and energy-efficient LED lighting to reduce our carbon footprint. Closed-loop water recycling conserves water and prevents chemical runoff, ensuring environmental responsibility,” he says. 

Panama Corporation's innovation extends far beyond sustainability. As the holder of the SMART ORGANIC LED FARMING SYSTEM BASED ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & MACHINE LEARNING MODEL patent, the company stands at the forefront of revolutionizing hydroponics. This groundbreaking technology, which integrates AI and machine learning, is poised to reshape the future of farming by optimising growth conditions in real-time, enhancing yield, and reducing resource use. By holding this patent, Panama Corporation isn’t just advancing hydroponics—they’re defining the future of sustainable agriculture.

Hydroponics: A Key Player in Food Security

Hydroponics is crucial for food security in areas with extreme weather or limited arable land, ensuring year-round production unaffected by droughts or floods. Indoor farming provides stable cultivation despite climate unpredictability. By maximising vertical space and reducing the need for large plots, hydroponics suits urban farming and lowers the carbon footprint from food transportation, enhancing sustainability and resilience.

Adopting Hydroponic Farming as the Future of Agriculture

“The future of hydroponics is incredibly promising, with exciting innovations such as AI-powered crop monitoring, robotic harvesting, and advances in aeroponics—where crops are grown with their roots suspended in the air and misted with nutrients,” says Raj. He is eager to incorporate vertical farming into urban landscapes, turning cities into productive hubs. These advancements could deliver up to 300 per cent ROI by maximizing yields and reducing costs through automation. Panama Corporation aims to implement these technologies globally, remaining a leader in sustainable, scalable indoor farming.

Hydroponics isn’t just an alternative—it’s the future of agriculture. By understanding the need for innovative agricultural solutions, Vivek is driving a movement toward sustainable farming practices that could reshape the future of food production in India and beyond. 

For more information, please visit - Panama Corporation Ltd. 

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