CONTRIBUTION OF GOVERNMENT, RESEARCH AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROPONIC FARMING IN INDIA

In the world around 9 million people die because of hunger and its related diseases. Of the world population 24% live in an area where they cant get sufficient food to survive. ButIndia is a country which exports Rs.9,47,930.77lakh worth of fresh fruits and vegetables and floriculture worth Rs.69,603.49 lakh for the financial year 2021-22 and import exotic fruit and vegetables from other countries. This is because of enrichment in the agricultural methods and techniques that helps in increasing the productivity of the farmers and hydroponic method of farming is one among them. Hydroponic farming is the system of farming where crops are grown without soil but by using water, media and nutrient solution. In hydroponic faming water required is 80-90% less than the traditional farming or soil based farming. Land required is also only 20% of the land which is required for traditional farming to produce same quantity of output. Though the Initial investment and operating expenses are high to install and maintain hydroponic farming, yield and returns are also high.Since India started exporting more food produce and started growing exotic fruits, vegetable and flowers, this would boost the growth of economy of a country. To support, empower and encourage the farmers government of various states are providing subsidy facility up to 25%, 40%, 50% and 75%( percent vary from state to state), since the initial invest and operating expenses are high.Banks and financial institutions are providing loans and financial support with less interest rates and easy repayment modes. In few states, government is proving free training programs for women and physically disabled persons to empower them and to make them independent.