In a technology-driven farming initiative, uFarms.io, an agricultural startup established by eight youngsters, has extended its Internet of Things (IoT) farm automation system to set up a commercial hydroponic farm in the capital.
The fully automated Uptown Urban Farms, set up in 16,000 sqft at Karamana, uses the hydroponics method of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution without soil. Hydroponics is gaining popularity as a method to cultivate pesticide-free high-quality vegetables in very limited spaces. It ensures high yields and low water consumption besides, making agriculture possible even in areas without fertile soil.
With the help of sensors placed in the farm and a smartphone, the technology developed by uFarms is capable of automating nutrient mixing, dosing, fertigation, and climate control systems in the farm. The company, supported by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), claims that the system is customizable, flexible, and compatible with pre-existing fertigation pumps, valves, mixers, dosers, AC units, fans, and grow lights of varying power capacities.
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