Brio Hydroponics, an Ahmedabad-based agritech startup, has formed a partnership with Israeli firm Pic-Plast Limited to develop a rain protection technique that will allow plants to be grown hydroponically all year. "We're acquiring the patented technique from Israel." This will ensure that the plant's yield is not lost even in hot and humid conditions. "This technique can help grow plants all over India," said Amit Kumar Verma, CEO of Brio Hydroponics.
He described the technique as "applying a rain protection layer on the hydroponics plant during rains and removing it when there is no rain," adding that it will be a "game-changer in protected cultivation."
In India, the technique has been introduced. "With the Solarig Net House kit, we are constructing India's first Rain Technology Nethouse." It will be operational by the end of March in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. "We're installing it in a few other places, including another in the Ahmedabad district and in North India," Verma explained.
"This will improve crop quality, increase yield, and aid in rainwater harvesting." "This will help increase output with minimal investment," Verma explained.
Venturing into Blueberries
According to Brio Hydroponics founder Pravin Patel, the startup is venturing into hydroponically growing blueberries, a good anti-oxidant, and has obtained a license from an overseas firm.
"We will harvest high-quality blueberries from this, which will help us meet domestic demand." Blueberries are currently imported and can cost up to $3,000-3,500 per kg. We can offer it at a lower and more reasonable price because we grow it here. "It would be affordable to the middle class," Patel said.
Huge Potential
Verma stated that the licensed blueberries will be grown at a joint venture facility in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in addition to its Mumbai farm. "Blueberries are making a big comeback in India. "We're bringing in one of the best breeders," he said.
According to Patel, the startup has signed an agreement and the project will begin in September. "The orders have been placed. "We'll get matured plants because it takes 16-18 months to harvest," he said.
Brio Hydroponics, a division of Brio Agri producer firm, was founded in 2014 with the goal of capitalizing on the huge potential for hydroponics to grow at a 13.5 percent CAGR until 2027.
Though hydroponics has been around for over two decades, it has only recently gained traction in the United States. "There are two ways to do hydroponics. The first is pure hydroponics, which uses a nutrient water-soluble film instead of growing media. Through the nutrient film technique (NFT), it aids in the cultivation of the finest leafy vegetables," Verma explained.
