Presentation made at the Global Agro Meet 2015 at Kochi in Kerala India. More Crop per Drop in the Realms of Hydroponics/Soilless Cultivation.

1. A Saga of Tenacity……… An Audacity of Hope… A Journey like no
Other……….

2. Global Agro Meet 2014
Presented by Lt Cdr CV Prakash (retd) , Farmer-in-
Chief & Founder of the
“Pet Bharo Project” under Hydroponic
Greenhouse Technologies India Private Limited,
www.Bpeatbnhagroaplroojreect.co.in

3. • ‘More Crop Per Drop’
• In the Realms of Soilless/Hydroponics
Cultivation

4. Global Water Availability
ONLY 1.5 PERCENT OF
THE WORLDS WATER
RESOURCES IS USABLE
AND THAT’S REALLY
SCARY !!!

5. YOU CAN SEE HERE THE AMOUNT OF WATER USED IN GLOBAL AGRICULTURE
INDIAN AGRICULTURE WITHDRAWS NEARLY 80 PERCENT OF ITS WATER
RESOURCES BEING AN AGRARIAN ECONOMY

6. Current Water Resource Usage- India vs World
The world uses 69 percent of its water
resources for agriculture, India uses 83
percent.
As the Indian Economy and its Population
grows , there will be more need for water for
Industrial and Domestic use, which will put a
great strain on resources needed in
agriculture.
This means better water saving technologies

7. Water use efficiencies in the
Agriculture Sector
Litres of water used per $100 of output
Rice – 470,000
Cotton – 160,000
Dairy Milk – 147,000
Sugar – 123,900
Beef Cattle – 81,200
Vegetables & Fruit – 37,900
Wheat & Grain – 24,500
Hydroponic Crops – 600
Just look at the savings of water in Hydroponics…

8. WHAT IS NEEDED ON PRIORITY
• Improve performance of irrigated and rain-fed
production.
• Smarter water-saving agricultural practices.
• Better & Productive water management techniques
are urgently needed.
• The technical solutions to produce 'more crop per
drop' exist but investments and political will are
often lacking to improve rain-fed production and
modernize irrigation systems.
• National governments and funding agencies must
make strategic choices in favour of agricultural
water management.

9. Problems in Flood Irrigated Soil based Horticulture- Vegetables &
Fruits- A
Vegetables & Fruits contain nearly 80-95 percent water. Right
Irrigation methodologies alone ensures yields and quality
• Drought affects Yields and Quality
• Lack of soil moisture affects shallow rooted vegetables
• Effective irrigation means toughness, flavour, size and shape of the
fruit/veggie
• Prevents poor tip and pod fill
• Prevents cracking, blossom end rot, misshapen fruit
• Too much water reduces soluble solids in muskmelons and peppers
• Untimely or Delayed irrigation causes water stress
• Stretching of acreage may reduce water reaching extremities of field
• Irrigation timings and flow rates must be based on crop stage
• Uneven soil moisture distribution causes non-even growth & yields

10. Problems in Flood Irrigated Soil based Horticulture-
Vegetables & Fruits- B
• Watering is not based on scientific methods.
• Excessive flow rates in drip method causes run-off, leaching of nutrients &
root diseases.
• Excessive flow rates in flood or drip causes erosion of top soil and bares
roots.
• Soil moisture is very important for max seed germination & Vegetable
transplants.
• Each irrigation event must consider the rooting depth otherwise the entire
root system may not be irrigated.
• Soil Moisture is hardly measured by farmers resulting in excessive untimely
watering resulting in root diseases.
• Amount and timing between irrigation is rarely considered.
• Inadequate soil moisture during fruit set causes poor fruit quality and
affects yields.
• Use of Tensiometers to ensure adequate soil moisture is unheard of.
• Leafy vegetables are very susceptible to drought stress.

11. Ground Reality
• The Indian farmer is poorly informed. Still follows methods passed down from
generations.
• Lack of Extension is a cause of poor skills among farmers.
• Reluctance to share knowledge among intellectuals and among farmers have
caused huge gaps in skills.
• Farmers have little idea of irrigation/drip scheduling, flow rates et al.
• Lack of understanding of weather patterns, soil conditions, key criteria have not
allowed them to progress.
• Poor Greenhouse Management techniques.
• Inputs like seeds, fertilisers, pesticides from dubious and cheap sources have
effected farmers yields.
• Lack of understanding of fertiliser and pesticide regimes and dosages and when to
apply them.
• Inability to understand cultural practices/ package of practices of crop(s).
• Poor disease and pest identification skills.
• Two farmers cannot get along and share water resources. Each one to himself
mentality.
• Over irrigation in the minds of farmers seems to be the mantra.
• Farmers waste a lot of water unnecessarily.
This is just a partial list.

12. Enter Soilless/Hydroponics Cultivation
No horticultural method of growing vegetables, herbs and
certain fruits have possibly undergone such minute study,
research, scrutiny and inherent understanding as
Hydroponics/Soilless Cultivation in the past century. It is
by far the most efficient technique to help plants reach
their ‘Genetic’ potential.
The future of horticulture is embedded within the
womb of this wonderful science
If More Crop Per Drop is what you desire you are here at the
right place at the right time…

13. What is Hydroponics/Soilless Cultivation?
• Hydroponics, simply put, is the art of growing plants
without soil.
• Hydro in Latin Means Water, Ponos in Greek means
working. Water Working or Working in Water
• Hydroponics is a subset of Soilless Cultivation. Its very
loosely used like we use the word ‘Xerox’.
• Any sterile substrate with/having similar properties to soil
can be used in this method to grow plants.
• Since most of the worlds soil are depleted of nutrition,
have soil borne diseases, Soilless Cultivation is an answer.

14. Benefits of Hydroponics Technology
• Healthy growth
• Off season production
• Higher consistent yields
• Excellent quality
• Superior hygiene
• Reduction in growing area
• Free from weeds
• Free from soil borne diseases
• Water can be recycled
• Predictability of crops
• Pests kept to minimum
• Use of all macro & micro nutrients
• Traceability possible
• Produce high In nutrition
• Produce Is export worthy
• No tractor required
• No need to replace soil
• Quick turnaround between crops
• Excellent ergonomics
• Least labour
• Least water
• Is the smart way to grow and earn
good money by selling quality crop

15. Different methods
used in
Hydroponics

16. Hydroponic Techniques- Wick Method

17. Hydroponic Techniques- DWC Method

18. Hydroponics Techniques- Ebb & Flow/Flood
& Drain

19. Hydroponics Techniques- Drip Systems-
Recovery and Non-Recovery

20. Hydroponic Techniques –Nutrient Film
Technique

21. Hydroponic Techniques- Aeroponics

22. No Compromise- The Four Factors
1. Water Quality: The quality of the water used in Hydroponics has to be of a very high quality.
Tolerable EC < 0.3, pH- between 5.5-6.5. Must be free of micro-biological infections.
Paramaters must be tested in a reputed laboratory. It is very important to monitor the drain
pH and EC in both recovery and non-recovery systems.
2. Solid Substrates: Like Perlite, Coco Peat, Vermiculite, Volcanic Rock, River sand etc must be
thoroughly washed to remove all traces of soil. Their EC and pH values must be tested before
use. Must be a sterile substance free of bacteria and viruses. The WHC (Water Holding
Capacity) of the substrate must be known and the AFP (Air Filled Porosity ) also is important
to know for better oxygenation in the Root Zone. Its very important to understand that the
substrate must be designed and ordered to be crop specific.
3. Nutrients : Must be 100 percent highly processed “Technical Grade Nutrients” and of the
highest quality. Nutrients must be mixed as per crop requirement and as per stages of
growth. Chemical Antagonism can play truant by diminishing properties of other salts.
4. Planting Materials: Seeds, Cuttings, Root-stock, Runners & other transplants must be free of
virus and bacterial infections and certification sought from the vendors.
Note: Non Compliance and Non-Adherence can be a certain recipe for disaster

23. Role of Nutrients in Hydroponics
Plants need balanced nutrition and must be given as per stage of the crop and nutrient
solutions must be prepared accordingly. The pH/EC must be monitored to ensure that there is
no nutrient toxicity and salt stress at the roots.
Nutrient solution analysis is absolutely necessary in a closed system, where the solution is re-used,
and recommended in an open system to verify concentrations of macro and
microelements. Plants take up nutrients in varying amounts depending on their needs. Although
monitoring pH and EC will give an indication of changes in the nutrient solution, it cannot
indicate changes in preferential uptake of particular ions. In a closed system, if no analysis is
possible, then the nutrient solution should be completely changed every two weeks.
Quality of nutrient salts as said earlier must be of a very high order. It must be well processed to
remove insoluble material and must be 100 percent water soluble. Micro-Nutrients play a very
huge role in fruit quality and nutrition.
Plant tissue analysis allows the grower to detect a problem in the uptake/assimilation of
nutrients which may not be apparent in a nutrient solution analysis.
Foliar Nutrient sprays can be applied for a faster response, however burning of the plants may
result. It is best to test a foliar spray on a few plants and wait several days to observe the effects
before spraying a whole crop.
Remember : Good Nutrient Management is only a part fulfilled of plant growth.

24. The Root Zone
• Plant roots are arguably the most important part of a plant.
• Continuous Monitoring and Good health of the Roots means better yields and no diseases.
• White Roots indicate Good Health at Root Zone.
• Root Zone Temperature must be maintained at optimum levels to prevent stunted growth, root
diseases, better nutrient uptake and create a microsystem for friendly bacteria to thrive.
• Salt Stress at Root Zone must be monitored to avoid poor growth and resultant yields.
• Oxygen at the Root Zone is very important and a leading cause of root diseases and death.
• Porosity and Drainage of Irrigation water is a must and must not result in ponding.
• EC/ TDS & pH of nutrient water must be controlled and gradually increased.
• Root-Microbe Symbiosis climate must be excellent.
• Beneficials at Root Zone like Bacillus, Mychorhizal Fungi, Nitrosomonas Bacteria, Nitrobacteria,
Streptomyces, Trichoderma are essentials for good root zone health.
• Root Pathogen Control – Friendly bacteria must be used with the substrates during seeding and
transplanting .
• No Compromise when it comes to Root Zone.

25. The importance of Light
Light is the most important factor in plant growth, Without good and plentiful light, a plant
will not be able to perform photosynthesis, chiefly the main principle by which a plant
converts food into energy.
The wavelengths between 400-700 Nanometres is ideal for photosynthesis also
known as PAR (Photo-synthetically Active Radiation)

26. Photoperiod Sensitivity
Light intensity and duration are important for crop growth and development
• Photosynthesis uses light- Low light causes plants to be long and this (spindly), small leaves,
bud blades, poor pollination and poor fruit quality.
• Photosynthesis is stopped at high light intensity depending on species.
• Plants differ in light requirements.
• Certain seeds require light and break dormancy.
• Some plants are sensitive to photoperiod or day length.
• Short day plants flower rapidly when the days get shorter.
• Long day plants flower when days are longer.
• Short days hasten tuber formation in potato, root enlargement in sweet potatoes.
• Long days and high temps keep plants in Staminate (phase) in cucurbits.
Note: Its important to regulate light duration and Intensity and this crop-wise

27. HUMIDITY CONTROL AND MONITORING-IN
PROTECTED CULTIVATION ENVIRONS
Humidity plays an important role in plant growth.
Low Humidity conditions reduces Turgor Pressure and causes loss of water
High Humidity and High Temperature conditions , plants can get overheated
because transpiration is reduced, thus restricting evaporative cooling
Humidity also influences plant diseases, especially fungi and moulds that grow and
spread rapidly when humidity is high. Low Humidity can also affect the fruit set of
some plant species e.g. , the Bean.
In hot and humid conditions the use of Foggers, Fan & Pad cooling only increases the
humidity further and creates a negative environment for plant growth and creates a
microsystem for diseases.
In environments like Kerala use of circulation fans in such conditions is highly
recommended even in naturally ventilated greenhouses.

28. TEMPERATURE INSIDE GREENHOUSES – THE NEED FOR CONTROLS
Photosynthesis – Within limits, rates of photosynthesis and respiration
both rise with increasing temperatures. As temperatures reach the
upper growing limits for the crop, the rate of food used by respiration
may exceed the rate at which food is manufactured by photosynthesis.
Temperature influence on growth –Helps or Inhibits seed germination.
Temperature also influences Pollen formation, causes Blossom drop,
affects fruit flavour.
High temperatures increase respiration rates, reducing sugar content of
produce. Fruits and vegetables grown in heat will be less sweet.
In heat, crop yields reduce while water demand goes up.
In hot weather, flower colours fade and flowers have a shorter life.

29. Irrigation Water Temperature and
Effects
Plants need an ideal Irrigation water temperature between 18-26
Degrees Celsius at the root zone.
Cooler the water > the Oxygen
More Oxygen > nutrient uptake
More Oxygen > lesser root diseases
More Oxygen > friendly bacteria will thrive
Cool Root Zones are known to act as ideal Heat Sinks that lower the
overall body temperature of plants thus reducing heat stress especially
on very hot days.
Root Zone cooling also helps grow temperate plants in Tropical regions

30. Tensiometer-based Irrigation in greenhouses
Irrigation in greenhouses can be controlled using a system which measures moisture tension of
the soil medium and irrigates based on this measurement. Such a system uses a tensiometer
to sense the moisture tension and an automated irrigation system to deliver water to the
desired locations.
This is a very useful way to decide when irrigation is necessary.
Irrigation must be calculated by time and quantity and also depends upon the Rooting Depth
of the plant as per crop being grown.
Most often what happens is the Root Zone has not been wetted completely leaving the
possibility of dry roots at the bottom.
A tensiometer can sense the lack of sufficient substrate medium tension and cause irrigation
to be performed to avoid root /plant death.

31. TENSIOMETER

32. Use of Sensors In Greenhouses
Medium and High technology greenhouses make use of a range of sensors which link into
automated control systems.
These systems can monitor temperature, relative humidity, vapour pressure deficit, light
intensity, electrical conductivity (feed and drain), pH (feed and drain), carbon dioxide
concentrations, wind speed and direction and even whether or not it is raining. The information
is used to control heating, venting, fans, screens, nutrient dosing, irrigation, carbon dioxide
supplementation and fogging or misting systems.
Good climate/irrigation control in the greenhouse is the ultimate aim of controlled environment
horticulture. The most important benefit of control in the greenhouse is the efficiency and
effectiveness of your management decisions. There are a lot of other benefits too which save
money and result in a better crop. These include greater energy and labour efficiency, more
efficient use of water and fertilisers and fewer pesticides. Better control also gives you a more
uniform crop so it costs you less to sell.
Correct operation of the automatic controllers is essential to management of an optimal
growing environment. Emergency alarms and backup generators may be used in case of
problems or power failure due to the large investments made in producing a crop.

33. GREENHOUSE ENVIRONMENT CONTROLLED BY SENSORS

34. TYPICAL NFT (NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE LAYOUT)
COMMERCIAL HYDROPONICS SYSTEM

35. DRIP FED GRAVITY HYDROPONICS KIT FOR SMALL FARMERS/SMALL
LAND HOLDERS
ZERO ENERGY SYSTEM

36. SMALL 96 BAG SYSTEM HOME HYDROPONICS
ON ROOFTOPS/BACKYARDS- Enough for a 6 member family
THE PET BHARO PROJECT
SL ITEM QTY
1 Coco Peat Low EC 12
2 Seeds 20 types
3 Nutrients 1 set
4 Seedling Trays 20
5 pH Test Indicator Strips 1 set
6 Rose Can 1
8 Hydroponics DVD 1
9 Horticultural Poly Bags 96
10 Measuring Spoon 1
14 Spray Bottles 2
15 Neem Oil Spray 1
16 Insect Trap 1
17 Sponge 1
Optional
18 Bluelab EC/pH/Temp Combo Probe 1
19 Consultancy 24 Times a Year Package 1
Not Included items are
1 Road Transport at actuals
2 5 pc tax on agri items
3 Shade/Polyhouse/Cover 200 Sq Ft
4 Thermocol sheets

37. GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT –IMPORTANT FACTORS
HYGIENE
Waste Management
Entry Control
Fungicides
Insect/Weed
management
Disease Free
Plants
Plant Inspection
Growing Env
Control
Hydroponics/Soilless cultivation is
highly process and procedure
oriented and needs a high level of
devotion and diligence on the part
of the grower/farm
manager/agronomist and the farm
assistants

38. Information Technology in Greenhouse
Cultivation
Although the computer takes over a lot of control from
the grower these days, the grower must still carefully
follow how plants react. The expert’s eye, the many years
of experience and the grower’s passion make the
difference and can never be taken over by a computer.
Maintaining the biological balance in the greenhouse also
continues to be manual work and demands a lot of
experience

39. MYTHS ABOUT HYDROPONICS
• It’s a new technology
• It’s hard to learn
• Its rocket science
• Is artificial /unnatural
• Hurts the environment
• Is only for the rich farmer
• Plants grow faster
• Is expensive to grow
• Is used for Illegal purposes
• Only for Indoors
• Needs no Pesticides
• Uses dangerous chemicals

40. Hydroponics – For Whom It is Not
• For the Lazy Procrastinating variety
• For those who don’t believe in structure, process
and procedure
• For those who will leave the operation to a
manager
• For those whose only interest is making a fast buck
• For those whose life is about short cuts
• For whom quality does not matter – work or
material
• For those who wont work with their hands

41. What can go wrong?
• Over-confidence on the part of a grower- I-Know-It - All attitude
• Carelesssness on part of grower to follow procedures laid down
• Procrastination- Postponing scheduled jobs to a later time
• Cutting corners by doing jobs half heartedly
• Failing to look for insects , pests and signs of disease or nutrient
deficiencies
• Cutting costs by using inferior substrates, seeds, poor water and
nutrients.
• Unhappy staff due to poor welfare conditions.
• Poor maintenance of the Greenhouse like torn poly-film as example.
• Non-observance of Greenhouse Hygiene Management principles.

42. HGTIPL- Products & Services
 Training in Simplified Hydroponics
 Consultancy for setting up of SH systems
 Turnkey Commercial Projects
 Supply of Seeds
 On The Job Training during Commercial Projects
 Agronomy Support On-site
 Hand-holding till first or second crop
 Continuous auditing
 Remote Agronomy Support
 Supply of Hydroponic Nutrients,
 R&D of plant varieties in Hydroponics/Soil-less systems
 Water Testing Facilities
 Supply of Hydroponics Substrates and Accessories & Equipment
 Linking Growers and Buyers

43. More Skill … More Thrill
Government support for the industry in the form of assistance with an appropriate
legislative environment, training and information provision.
Industry education and training at a grass roots level of production is important. This might
include education on climate control, crop environmental requirements, and IPM programs
within greenhouses.
State government must look at subsidising different kinds of greenhouses not just the same
ones that have been subsidised since independence.
Governments must give support to private companies to set up demonstration
greenhouses and training centres of world class quality.
There must be systems that fill every bill, the small , the medium and large famers.
WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGY IS OF NO USE

44. Training must include
Location, Siting & Layout of Greenhouse Systems. Greenhouse Structures &
Environmental Management .Water Quality, EC & pH .Basic Hydroponic Systems &
Components .Crop Varieties, Media Types &Characteristics. Plant Structure, Nutrition
& Nutrient Management. Common Greenhouse Pests & Diseases &IPM. Quality
Assurance, OH&S, I.T. & Production Plan. Light and PAR adjustments in Greenhouses.
Irrigation, growing media’s manager. Plant Management, physical and cultural
requirements .CO2 enrichment of greenhouses. Practical EC & pH Measurements in
Crops. Implement a Hydroponic Maintenance Program. Implement a Plant
Establishment Program. Implement a Pest & Disease Control Program for Hydroponic
Systems. Implement an IPM Program. New Greenhouse Investment & Technology
Considerations. Implement a Plant Monitoring Program. Introduction to Plant
Physiology, Monitoring and Management. Nutrient Uptake Influences. Seedling
Propagation Management. Acid & Chlorine Sterilisation Worksheet. Dripper timing
Calculations. Greenhouse Management Program. Greenhouse Crop Protection
Principles. Greenhouse Climate Management. Greenhouse Environment Management.
Identifying Plant & Fruit Problems. Influence of Greenhouse Temperature. Initial
Greenhouse Crop Targets. Maximising Greenhouse Efficiency & Energy Conservation.
Nutrient Deficiency Chart. Plant Photosynthesis & Temperature Relationships. Plant
Transpiration Principles. Plant Vigour & Balance Chart. Spray System for Greenhouse
Crops. Treatment Spray Chart for Greenhouse Crops. Nutrient Feed Solutions for
Greenhouse Vegetables. Irrigation in Protected Cropping & Soilless Culture.
Greenhouse Ventilation Techniques. Managing Plant Balance. Radiation Transmission
through Greenhouse Claddings. Maintenance Program for Closed Hydroponic Systems.
Operating Pressurised Irrigation Systems. Production scheduling. Harvest timings,
Sorting, Grading and Packing.

49. SIMPLIFIED HYDROPONICS- FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND LIVELIHOOD

50. ROOFTOP HYDROPONICS FARMING- NEXT GEN AGRICULTURE

51. Waist height
farming means
Happy &
Productive
farmers

53. This is CV… and Thank You
Jai Kisan… Jai Hind
ceo@petbharoproject.co.in Email
www.petbharoproject.co.in Website