Since its establishment in 2018, HidroBio has continually developed within Paraguay's agricultural sector. Specializing in high-performance hydroponic crops, the company is addressing the local demand for fresh, high-quality produce through agroecological methods.
"Our mission is to provide flavorful, premium vegetables year-round while upholding responsible practices," says Maximiliano Samaniego, co-founder of HidroBio and the main promoter of the recently launched HidroBio Academy. This initiative aims to advance sustainable agricultural practices across Paraguay through high-quality education and training.
The HidroBio Academy: improving education within agriculture
In November 2024, HidroBio officially launched the HidroBio Academy, a comprehensive training platform offering both in-person and online courses in sustainable agriculture. The academy's goal is to equip farmers and enthusiasts with the knowledge and skills needed to optimize their farming methods.
"For us, the reason behind creating the HidroBio Academy is to develop competencies in sustainable agriculture," says Martha Pampliega, COO of HidroBio. "We aim to become a leading reference for high-quality training that encourages the growth of growers and their communities."
The main course, titled "Strategies for Successfully Growing Hydroponic Lettuce in Summer," took place on November 23, 2024, at the Antina Event Hall in Nueva Italia, Paraguay. Led by Maximiliano and fellow hydroponic expert Wilson Sánchez, the program included both theoretical instruction and a hands-on visit to HidroBio's farm. Participants learned techniques such as climate control in greenhouses, selecting heat-tolerant varieties, and managing diseases like Pythium sustainably.
"This course offers practical solutions tailored to Paraguay's conditions, enabling farmers to tackle challenges like hot climates and maximize crop profitability," notes Maximiliano.
Growing through market challenges
"Paraguay's horticultural sector faces great volatility, with seasonal peaks and troughs leading to price fluctuations. Oversupply during peak seasons lowers prices, while off-seasons bring shortages and higher costs," explains Maximiliano.
HidroBio tries to combat these challenges by maintaining consistent, year-round production. "We want to ensure a stable supply of high-quality vegetables, earning the trust of, and building relationships with retailers, wholesalers, and consumers. We provide reliability in an unpredictable market," he adds.
Empowering growers through collaboration
Beyond growing vegetables, HidroBio is focused on empowering other local growers through the HidroBio Academy. By sharing technical expertise in hydroponics and traditional farming, the academy develops partnerships that benefit mutual growth.
"Our mission is to build a community of agricultural professionals ready to tackle modern challenges," says Maximiliano. Courses cover essential topics like crop nutrition, pest control, water management, and post-harvest techniques, tailored to both local needs and global trends.
By integrating the latest agricultural technologies, HidroBio helps growers enhance efficiency and adopt more sustainable practices. "Through collaboration and knowledge transfer, we aim to optimize performance and create opportunities for farmers to thrive," Maximiliano adds.
Precision horticulture
HidroBio specializes in precision horticulture, a method that maximizes resource efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. "We focus on optimizing water, light, and nutrients to boost production sustainably," says Maximiliano. These techniques are applied according to Paraguay's unique climatic conditions.
Paraguay's abundant renewable energy, ample water resources, cost-effective labor, and location provide good potential for hydroponic farming development. "With 100% of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources, 99.68% of which is derived from hydropower, Paraguay enjoys some of the lowest energy costs globally," Maximiliano says. "Around 80% of Paraguay's potable water supply comes from underground sources, supported by the fact that the country is home to the world's second-largest freshwater aquifer. This combination ensures a reliable and clean water supply for the nation," he adds.
Paraguay's central location in South America also provides the potential for the country to become important for agricultural development. "The Bioceanic Corridor, a major infrastructure project connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via Paraguay, can greatly assist with trade opportunities," Maximiliano notes. "This corridor gives farmers direct access to major export markets," he explains. Lastly, Paraguay's low-cost labor force provides a foundation for large-scale hydroponic operations.
Hydroponics in an ever-changing market
There is a continuous rise in demand for fresh, healthy, and traceable food in Paraguay's agricultural sector. "Hydroponics offers consumers the assurance of cleaner, safer produce by minimizing pesticide use and maintaining strict environmental controls," explains Maximiliano.
Through the HidroBio Academy, local farmers gain access to these advanced techniques, empowering them to improve crop quality and competitiveness. "We're not just professionalizing agriculture; we're aligning it with the market's increasing focus on health, sustainability, and traceability," he adds.
Expansion and projects
"In 2025, HidroBio will expand its operations with the addition of a new hectare of cultivation, enhancing our production capacity and market presence," Maximiliano says. Meanwhile, the HidroBio Academy will continue to offer specialized courses designed to address both local challenges and global agricultural trends.
"Our vision is to create solutions that help growers overcome climatic challenges while improving the quality and profitability of their crops," Maximiliano concludes.
For more information:
HidroBio S.A.
Leonismo Fernandino 315
110308 Fernando de la Mora
Paraguay
+41 78 974 4766
[email protected]
https:hidrobio