Hydroponics production and it sustainability

Presently the UN have a statistics that the world is on the brink of its worst food crisis and likely famine in 50 years. The global food industry is searching for a more sustainable and accessible system for producing healthy food, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables. Techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics, vermiponics and vertical farming may provide the solution by maximizing overall output and minimizing the use of space, water, soil, and other resources but what exactly is hydroponic farming? And is it actually sustainable? Can this scientific and vast method feed the world with the proposed increase population in some years to come?
Over the time now in Nigeria we have seen a lot of youth venture into the hydroponics system and while some are there because of it beautification some are there because of the technological advancement the system brought and some are into hydroponics because of the production rate. We have seen how a greenhouse has produced what an acre of land can’t produce and the produce from hydroponics system are always well taken care off with little or no disease infestation at all. The science of Hydroponics is a technology that allows for plant production without the use of soil. It grows plants in a water solution filled with nutrients.
Soil-less farming techniques, in general, are typically more resource-efficient than Field farming methods. Hydroponics can use up to 10 percent less water than field crop irrigation. By operating a closed-loop system and recycling rainwater, high-tech greenhouse developers up to 90 percent less water than Field farming methods. Most hydroponic farms utilize closed-loop systems that contain and preserve water. This control over the water system also allows for delicate adjustments to the environment. PH levels, amount and type of light, and quantity of nutrients can all be modified to enhance the growth of crops. Emphasizing perennial agriculture particularly in combination with vertical farming and hydroponics can further maximize both production and nutritional content in a plant. Many perennials, which can be maintained all year round with no replanting, are extremely nutrient-low.
The startup costs for hydroponic systems are typically greater than for Field farming methods farming. But overall, it produces much greater output with fewer and lesser resources. It also allows farmers to produce food anywhere in the world. Thereby reducing the carbon emissions generated through transportation, and allowing for all-year-round production in even inhospitable environments or bad weather conditions. In general, hydroponic systems can produce a much greater yield of fruits and vegetables. This is in part due to the controlled environment that is: an environment where the temperature and humidity are well controlled to the requirement of each planted crop, but also because plants can be housed much more densely than Field farming methods. This both increases the overall output and reduces the quantity of land required. In the end, made farmers more profitable.
To provide enough food and vegetables for the global population which is expected to increase massively by 2050 and to maintain a healthy diet, food production would need to triple and this also means local farmers and educated farmers will have to be on top of their games. Alternative methods such as vertical farming and hydroponics could provide a resource-efficient and accessible way of revolutionizing the global food industry and meeting the needs of each of the world. We have seen how this scientific method is important to food production, how then do we make sure that this technology is highly sustainable and efficient for coming generations to enjoy? How do we farmers advance from where we are to where we should be? Are we doing hydroponics right in Nigeria?
Hydroponics has not been the major trending farm system in Nigeria but compared to the developed countries, Nigeria is still learning and trying to catch up with the advanced food production technology. The following process will make hydroponics sustainable:
Hydroponics should be taught in schools and higher institutions, lecturers should advance their skills and learn hydroponics so that youth can know of this scientific method of planting in the developed country so that Nigerians too can be ready to combat food scarcity by 2030 – 2050. The next thing in an average Nigeria mindset is must we do all that the white is doing? Well, my answer is no but we can master the secret and technique behind their rapid development especially in the food production arena. After learning we can sit and think of how our indigenous method can work out for us.
Hydroponics materials should be locally produced, one of the many reasons people don’t do hydroponics and one of the reasons hydroponics can go into extinction in generations to come is the fact that materials for setting up this system cannot be managed by and so the materials need to get produced locally.
In conclusion, Hydroponics is simple and easier to get done especially when it comes to the area of bountiful harvest but we should not be distracted from its disadvantage and focus on how to make it sustainable to make sure all Nigerians are well fed by 2050.