Efforts are underway in the Nalanda district of Bihar to modernise agriculture through aeroponics and hydroponics. With water being a scarce commodity in the region, agriculture scientists are promoting drip irrigation, vertical farming and the setting up of smart farms.
The above-mentioned initiatives are being taken by Bihar's only Centre of Excellence for Vegetables, located in Chandi. The Centre is taking the help of Israeli technology to promote exotic vegetable cultivation along with the traditional, crops that is expected to bring high remuneration to the farmers.
Agricultural scientists have been cultivating vegetables in the air without soil or water for many years here, growing potatoes and tomatoes along with other vegetables. This method is called aeroponics, where plants are grown in the air, without soil. It uses a mist of water rich in nutrients for the roots. This makes organic farming easier, and even exotic vegetables can be grown using this method. It is an advanced form of hydroponics where the roots are suspended in the air to provide nutrition.
The Centre is cultivating exotic leafy vegetables in water in a hydroponic unit. Shipments of lettuce, pokchoi and basil grown at the unit have been enhancing the palate of renowned hotels in Rajgir, Patna, Gaya and other parts of the country. A contract has been signed with Tokri Fresh Food Agency to sell these vegetables, and shipments will be sent to Patna by February 2026.
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