A Kochi-based start-up has set out to tap the urban population’s newfound interest in kitchen gardens and urban farms and increased awareness about nutritious food to build immunity in the wake of the pandemic.
PlantMe Agro Solutions Private Limited aims at promoting hydroponics-based sustainable urban farming. Founded by four entrepreneurs a year ago, the technology-driven agri start-up offers a whole bouquet of state-of-the-art gardening solutions, seeds, and semi-grown resilient plants.
The start-up facilitates kitchen gardens both for maximum yields in limited space and farming across larger space. The home kits ranging between ₹2,900 and ₹16,900 comprise high-quality seeds, nutrient solutions, TDS (Total Dissolved Salt) meter, along with hydroponic training.
“We are also providing a buy-back facility for customers who have excess produce. It is currently available only in Kochi but will be launched in other cities in Kerala soon. It also reduces the carbon footprint by curtailing long-distance transportation of produce,” said Ashwin Ramachandran, co-founder and CEO.
The NFT system involves circulating nutrient-rich water through food-grade UPVC pipes for a richer yield and is best suited for leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and mint, and other exotic vegetables. It recycles the water facilitating water conservation while also avoiding the formation of salt deposits near the roots.
“The solutions at PlantMe Agro Solutions Private Limited were developed with the help of technology and rigorous research to allow the average city farmer to optimize their yield,” said Nithin Kumar, co-founder and COO.
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