Kashmiris embrace Hydroponic farming to overcome land shortages

Srinagar, Oct 18: Faced with the challenge of limited land for farming, many Kashmiris are turning to hydroponic farming as a solution.
Adil Ahmad, from Srinagar’s Rainawari area, decided to adopt this innovative method when he realized that his family was spending a significant amount on purchasing vegetables due to the lack of farming land. Introduced to the concept by a friend, Adil converted a small section of his courtyard into a hydroponic farm, with assistance from the J&K Agriculture Department.

With an investment of Rs 30,000, he set up a system using 10 PVC pipes, a stand, and a motor for water circulation on a 3×6 feet patch of land. The plants grow in nutrient-rich water instead of soil, making it an efficient use of space. “We have been growing spinach, coriander, mint, and other vegetables for the last two months,” Adil said, explaining that the setup allows him to cultivate his own food despite the lack of traditional farming space.
For Adil, hydroponics has been a way to pursue his passion for gardening. “The non-availability of land was restricting me from growing vegetables. Now, I can not only grow fresh produce for my family but also share it with relatives and friends,” he said, carefully tending to the water levels and nutrient solutions to create the ideal environment for his plants.
Adil explained the process of hydroponics: seeds are first germinated separately, and once they sprout, the young plants are transferred into PVC pipes where they are nourished by a solution of essential nutrients. A motor circulates this nutrient-rich water through the system, making it easy to maintain with minimal effort. “Compared to traditional farming, hydroponics requires far less labor and doesn’t need fertilizers or manure,” he said. Additionally, the method is effective during harsh Kashmiri winters, as the crops are protected from heavy snowfall.
Adil is not alone. Mehraj ud Din, from Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, became interested in hydroponics after seeing it online. Just a few months ago, he started his own hydroponic system using PVC pipes and a motor. “This method reduces the hard labor associated with traditional farming, like ploughing and weed removal. It’s ideal for busy people like me who only need to spend 20-30 minutes a day on maintenance,” Mehraj explained.
Experts are optimistic about hydroponic farming. A senior official from the Agriculture Department Kashmir highlighted that this method allows plants to grow without soil, making it accessible to people with little or no land. “We are seeing growing interest from people like shopkeepers and employees who want to start hydroponic farming,” he said, emphasizing the method’s potential to revolutionize farming in Kashmir.