A Sustainable Solution to hunger & Nutrition crisis: Aquaponics farm in Hyderabad
People are turning more and more to aquaponics fish farming as a means of producing food that is more sustainable and accessible to consumers.
Compared to other growing techniques, such as hydroponic farming in India, aquaponics fish farming is more sustainable, simpler to manage, and less expensive because of the symbiotic link between plants and fish. However, aquaponic agricultural practices in organic farming are exemplary. Additionally, because aquaponic farming doesn’t use soil, it takes far less space to grow the same amount of organic leafy vegetables. Therefore, it makes it perfect for food production and urban gardening. Both outdoor and indoor fish farming in India are suitable for it, and PonicOne may expand the aquaponic system to any size.
Aquaponics is particularly sustainable because it uses little space besides fish, uses feces as nutrient food input, and doesn’t destroy water sources or pollute the closed environment. Additionally, it utilizes up to 90% less water than conventional soil-based plant growing.
Setting up aquaponics in India requires very little space and can be done anywhere, as our country falls under the densely populated category. You can cultivate food closer to its intended market because of this.
Although the method of cultivation known as aquaponics is not a new word. The name is a mix of aquaculture, the practice of raising fish hydroponics, the technique of growing aquaponics plants without the need for soil in a solution of water and nutrients. In essence, aquaponic farming in India blends the two methods to reap many of their advantages and lessen their drawbacks.
An aquaponic system consists of a tank where fish are raised and given food and a healthy environment for growth. A part of the water from the fish tank is pumped up to an aquaponic fish tank where green leafy salads grow using a pump—bacteria process fish waste to convert it into nutrients that exotic organic vegetables can use. The plants will absorb the nutrients, promoting their growth and health. The water from the tank used for growing plants is then emptied and returned to the tank used for raising fish. The nutrient solution must be pumped from the fish tank to the plant cultivation tank using only one pump in aquaponics methods, which consumes very little active energy.
The concept behind aquaponic fish farming is that you can grow fish and plants for sustenance while benefiting from their mutual presence. The only water lost is by evaporation or transpiration, unlike traditional soil-based plant cultivation when all water is lost. As a result, 90% less water is needed than for cultivation on soil.
A Synopsis Of Aquaponic History
Under various names, aquaponics fish farming has been used for centuries. However, significant technological advancements have only been made to the idea in the last 50 years by the largest aquaponics farming company, leading to the growth of the present aquaponics business.
In China’s paddy fields, aquaponics has been used for thousands of years. In pastures that have been flooded, rice is grown, and fish are raised in the pools of water left between the rows of rice. The plants guarantee that the water remains clean so the fish can survive, while the fish offer natural fertilizer for the growing rice, reducing the need for artificial fertilisers.
The Aztecs in ancient Mexico had chinampa systems that used water-based farming methods. In swampy places, artificial islands were constructed where plants could be grown just above the water’s surface and encircled by irrigation and drainage canals filled with water. Over time, the sediment built up at the bottom of the irrigation channels was excavated and used as plant fertiliser. Due to the presence of fish in the irrigation canals, the sediment there became fertile with nutrients that aided in the growth of the plants.
Since it resembles the ecosystem of lakes and rivers, aquaponics has a long and successful history and is frequently quite productive. Therefore, it is commonly mentioned as one of the world’s most effective methods of food cultivation. Because of this, as time goes on, it will account for an increasing portion of our food production.
Hardships with Soil Gardening
The most common method for growing food for human consumption is still soil-based farming. Still, it has been improved very effectively and will continue to play a crucial role. However, aquaponics fish farming can lessen or even remove some drawbacks.
- Pesticides and fertilisers are typically needed for soil-based agriculture.
- A significant issue is a soil-borne illness, pests, and weeds.
- Vast amounts of water are required, much of which is squandered.
- Even with contemporary farming techniques, they are typically labor-intensive.
- Need crop rotation and soil modification to keep a favorable growing environment.
- Only in areas with good arable land can plants be grown. Geographically, this is frequently far from the produce market.
Benefits of Aquaponic Farming
- 90% less water is used than with soil-based production.
- All of the fertiliser that plants require is provided by fish.
- An efficient and sustainable way of food cultivation.
- No need for pesticides or herbicides.
- Antibiotics are not necessary for fish.
- Continuous food production is possible, with sporadic partial harvests.
- Zero chances of infection spreading.
- You can grow year-round if you employ indoor growing and extra lights.
- Minimal nutrients or water waste.
- Undersized physical work is necessary.
- An aquaponics system can be installed in practically any place.
- Scalable Plans for aquaponics in India can be as big or as tiny as you choose.
- Cultivates both plants and fish.
Primarily, a home aquaponics farm in Hyderabad can meet your food needs, giving both plant-based and meat-based nutritious food.
Disputes in Favour of Aquaponics Over Hydroponics
Nutrient addition is necessary for hydroponic systems; these additions must be made accurately and added to the system. The nutrient solution needs to be swapped out frequently. You only need to feed the fish in aquaponics ecosystems and keep an eye on the pH. A supervisor must periodically check the Total Dissolved Solids(TDS) and pH levels in hydroponic systems. However, once the course is balanced, less regular monitoring is required for aquaponics farm in Hyderabad.
In a hydroponics system, you must change the fertilizer solution often. Without this, unfavorable nutrient levels will rise and may harm your plants. The water in an aquaponics system doesn’t need to be changed. As the water evaporates, top it off. In contrast to hydroponic systems, which are more common, aquaponic systems have few instances of root rot. We, PonicOne- an aquaponics fish farming company based in Hyderabad, have come up with various nutritious green leafy vegetables for you and your family. We aim to create wellness and goodness by offering you the best and the freshest fish and salads produced to rejuvenate yourself with adequately balanced nutrition. Check out our best local produce for you to create your magical salad recipe.