Vikram's High-Tech Hydroponic Farm Setup
August, 2019
Background
Vikram, a 38-year-old businessman from Pune, had been successfully managing a chain of distribution businesses for over a decade. While his core business was profitable, he wanted to enter a sector that was future-focused, sustainable, and capable of delivering consistent income. During his research, he discovered hydroponics — a method of growing plants without soil, offering higher yields, faster growth cycles, and pesticide-free produce. Impressed by its potential, he approached Kamala Farms to design and execute a complete turnkey hydroponic farm setup.
Farm Setup by Kamala Farms
- Polyhouse Construction: A modern climate-controlled polyhouse was constructed to protect crops from extreme weather while providing optimal light, temperature, and humidity.
- Polybag Growing System: High-grade UV-stabilized polybags filled with sterilized cocopeat were used to ensure uniform root development and minimize soil-borne diseases.
- Automated Drip Irrigation & Nutrient Delivery: A precision drip irrigation system with automated nutrient dosing was installed, ensuring plants received the exact amount of water and nutrients they required.
- Professional Trellising & Crop Support: Strong galvanized trellis structures were set up to support vine crops, allowing maximum vertical growth and ease of harvesting.
- Advanced Climate Automation: Integrated exhaust fans, foggers, and climate sensors were implemented for round-the-clock monitoring and control of temperature and humidity.
- Power Backup & Efficient Layout: The system was supported with power backup and an efficient farm layout to ensure uninterrupted operation.
- Training & Knowledge Transfer: Kamala Farms provided extensive hands-on training for Vikram's team, covering everything from planting and pruning to pest management and harvesting.
- Agronomist Support: A dedicated professional agronomist from Kamala Farms was assigned for regular visits and on-call support to guide crop cycles and troubleshoot issues.
Outcome
Within 90 days, Vikram's farm was fully operational and ready for the first planting cycle. The setup was capable of year-round production with minimal manual intervention, thanks to automation and professional guidance. By entering into a buy-back agreement with Kamala Farms, Vikram secured a guaranteed market for his produce, eliminating marketing risks. Today, his hydroponic farm not only generates a stable income but also positions him as a forward-thinking agripreneur contributing to sustainable food production in his region.