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

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,

Bangalorewww.petbharoproject.co.in

• ‘More Crop Per Drop’

• In the Realms of Soilless/Hydroponics Cultivation

Global Water Availability

ONLY 1.5 PERCENT OF THE WORLDS WATER RESOURCES IS USABLE

AND THAT’S REALLY SCARY !!!

YOU CAN SEE HERE THE AMOUNT OF WATER USED IN GLOBAL AGRICULTUREINDIAN AGRICULTURE WITHDRAWS NEARLY 80 PERCENT OF ITS WATER

RESOURCES BEING AN AGRARIAN ECONOMY

Current Water Resource Usage- India vs World

The world uses 69 percent of its waterresources for agriculture, India uses 83percent.

As the Indian Economy and its Populationgrows , there will be more need for water forIndustrial and Domestic use, which will put agreat strain on resources needed inagriculture.

This means better water saving technologiesmust be adopted soon to mitigate this

Water use efficiencies in the Agriculture Sector

Litres of water used per $100 of output

Rice – 470,000Cotton – 160,000

Dairy Milk – 147,000Sugar – 123,900

Beef Cattle – 81,200Vegetables & Fruit – 37,900

Wheat & Grain – 24,500Hydroponic Crops – 600

Just look at the savings of water in Hydroponics…

• 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.

WHAT IS NEEDED ON PRIORITY

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

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.

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.

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…

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.

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

Different methods used in

Hydroponics

Hydroponic Techniques- Wick Method

Hydroponic Techniques- DWC Method

Hydroponics Techniques- Ebb & Flow/Flood & Drain

Hydroponics Techniques- Drip Systems-Recovery and Non-Recovery

Hydroponic Techniques –Nutrient Film Technique

Hydroponic Techniques- Aeroponics

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 drainpH and EC in both recovery and non-recovery systems.

2. Solid Substrates: Like Perlite, Coco Peat, Vermiculite, Volcanic Rock, River sand etc must bethoroughly washed to remove all traces of soil. Their EC and pH values must be tested beforeuse. Must be a sterile substance free of bacteria and viruses. The WHC (Water HoldingCapacity) of the substrate must be known and the AFP (Air Filled Porosity ) also is importantto know for better oxygenation in the Root Zone. Its very important to understand that thesubstrate must be designed and ordered to be crop specific.

3. Nutrients : Must be 100 percent highly processed “Technical Grade Nutrients” and of thehighest quality. Nutrients must be mixed as per crop requirement and as per stages ofgrowth. Chemical Antagonism can play truant by diminishing properties of other salts.

4. Planting Materials: Seeds, Cuttings, Root-stock, Runners & other transplants must be free ofvirus and bacterial infections and certification sought from the vendors.

Note: Non Compliance and Non-Adherence can be a certain recipe for disaster

Role of Nutrients in HydroponicsPlants 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.

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, rootdiseases, 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 andtransplanting .

• No Compromise when it comes to Root Zone.

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)

Photoperiod SensitivityLight 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

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.

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.

Note: Consult with your seed specialists/vendors before selecting seeds.

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

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 tensiometerto 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.

TENSIOMETER

Use of Sensors In GreenhousesMedium and High technology greenhouses make use of a range of sensors which link intoautomated control systems.

These systems can monitor temperature, relative humidity, vapour pressure deficit, lightintensity, electrical conductivity (feed and drain), pH (feed and drain), carbon dioxideconcentrations, wind speed and direction and even whether or not it is raining. The informationis used to control heating, venting, fans, screens, nutrient dosing, irrigation, carbon dioxidesupplementation and fogging or misting systems.

Good climate/irrigation control in the greenhouse is the ultimate aim of controlled environmenthorticulture. The most important benefit of control in the greenhouse is the efficiency andeffectiveness of your management decisions. There are a lot of other benefits too which savemoney and result in a better crop. These include greater energy and labour efficiency, moreefficient use of water and fertilisers and fewer pesticides. Better control also gives you a moreuniform crop so it costs you less to sell.

Correct operation of the automatic controllers is essential to management of an optimalgrowing environment. Emergency alarms and backup generators may be used in case ofproblems or power failure due to the large investments made in producing a crop.

GREENHOUSE ENVIRONMENT CONTROLLED BY SENSORS

TYPICAL NFT (NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE LAYOUT) COMMERCIAL HYDROPONICS SYSTEM

DRIP FED GRAVITY HYDROPONICS KIT FOR SMALL FARMERS/SMALL LAND HOLDERS

ZERO ENERGY SYSTEM

SMALL 96 BAG SYSTEM HOME HYDROPONICSON ROOFTOPS/BACKYARDS- Enough for a 6 member family

THE PET BHARO PROJECTSL 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

Optional18 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

HYGIENE

Waste Management

Entry Control

Fungicides

Insect/Weed management

Growing EnvControl

Plant Inspection

Disease Free Plants

GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT –IMPORTANT FACTORS

Hydroponics/Soilless cultivation ishighly process and procedureoriented and needs a high level ofdevotion and diligence on the partof the grower/farmmanager/agronomist and the farmassistants

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Training must includeLocation, 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.

SIMPLIFIED HYDROPONICS- FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND LIVELIHOOD

ROOFTOP HYDROPONICS FARMING- NEXT GEN AGRICULTURE

Waist height farming means

Happy & Productive

farmers

This is CV… and Thank You

Jai Kisan… Jai Hind

ceo@petbharoproject.co.in Emailwww.petbharoproject.co.in Website