Farming for the Future: How technology is paving the way for sustainable agriculture 

BY SHABIHA NUR KHATUN 

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 28: Every year on February 28, India celebrates National Science Day to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by the renowned physicist C.V. Raman, an achievement that earned him the Nobel Prize in 1930. This year, the theme is “Science for Sustainable Development: Promoting Green Technologies.” In line with this, we spoke to a few experts to explore the significance of sustainable farming practices and the transformative role of technology in creating better environmental outcomes. 

Cultivating Sustainability with Organic Farming 

Roop Ranjan Garnaik, an organic farmer from Angul, emphasizes the importance of green technologies in enhancing productivity while safeguarding environmental health. 

“The cornerstone of organic farming is soil health. We focus on enriching the soil with organic matter using compost, manure, and cover crops. These inputs nurture soil organisms, which decompose them into nutrients for plants. The more organic matter we add, the better the soil structure becomes—enhancing porosity, improving moisture retention, and supporting healthy root growth. We also adopt automated drip irrigation to optimize water usage,” Garnaik explains.  

He adds, “Cover crops and mulch are our best allies. They prevent soil erosion, regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture, and provide nourishment for beneficial microbes. Leaving organic matter on the soil surface allows it to decompose gradually, replenishing essential nutrients.” 

Revolutionizing Urban Farming with Hydroponics 

Asish Mohanty, Chief Farmer at Hydro Valley—Bhubaneswar’s first commercial hydroponic farm—shares insights into how they are redefining urban farming by integrating advanced green technologies with sustainable practices to produce fresh, nutrient-rich, and pesticide-free food. 

 “Our mission is to revolutionize agriculture by making clean, healthy, and sustainable food accessible to everyone. Through vertical hydroponic farming, we maximize space, minimize resource consumption, and ensure year-round cultivation—overcoming challenges like climate variability, land scarcity, and inefficiencies in traditional farming,” says Mohanty. 

Hydro Valley leverages cutting-edge technologies, including IoT automation, precision climate control, and water-efficient hydroponics, to boost productivity while minimizing environmental impact. In their indoor hydroponic system, plants grow without soil, absorbing nutrients from purified, mineral-rich water. This controlled environment offers several advantages: 

– Year-round cultivation unaffected by external climate changes. 

– Optimized space utilization, yielding 3-5 times more crops per square foot compared to traditional methods. 

– Pesticide-free and contamination-free growing conditions, ensuring cleaner and safer produce. 

– Minimal resource consumption, promoting sustainable and efficient farming. 

Advanced Green Technologies Driving Sustainability 

Hydro Valley’s innovative approach is powered by several advanced green technologies: 

– Hydroponics: Soil-free cultivation using RO-purified water, reducing water usage by 90% compared to conventional farming. 

– HVAC & Dehumidifiers: Maintain ideal temperature and humidity, enabling the growth of exotic leafy greens in Bhubaneswar’s coastal climate. 

– IoT & Automation: Remote monitoring and control through a mobile app, allowing precise management of climate, nutrients, and irrigation. 

– LED Grow Lights: Simulate natural sunlight with the optimal spectrum for photosynthesis, ensuring consistent and accelerated growth. 

– Automated Nutrient Delivery: Delivers the exact amount of nutrients required, minimizing waste. 

– Water Recycling & Filtration: A closed-loop irrigation system that recycles water, drastically reducing waste while supplying purified nutrients. 

 “These advanced innovations have enabled us to increase yield, maintain quality, and reduce our environmental footprint. Unlike traditional farming, vertical hydroponic systems work harmoniously with nature, reducing ecological damage and promoting sustainability by minimizing land degradation, protecting biodiversity, and lowering carbon emissions and water consumption,” says Mohanty.

By blending sustainable farming techniques with state-of-the-art green technologies, Hydro Valley sets a benchmark for modern, responsible agriculture—one that safeguards the planet, supports communities, and secures future food supplies. 

As we celebrate National Science Day, it is evident that technological advancements in agriculture are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. Through the collective efforts of forward-thinking farmers and innovators, we can achieve the vision of a greener, healthier planet.