AquaHarvest: Revolutionising the Food System

The Problem
Climate change, severe weather, natural disasters & conflict are
disrupting global food supply and reducing food security. We need to
produce 70% more food by 2050 to feed the growing global population,
but at the current erosion rates, only 10% of all farmable soil will be left by
2050.

The Solution
Hydroponics is a way to eliminate the need for soil by growing crops
directly in nutrient-rich water. To promote a sustainable form of agriculture
and food system in the long run in India and to provide a sustainability
initiative for corporations at the same time, we propose the following
business model:

AquaHarvest would be a business that provides end-to-end hydroponics

installation and management services to two key customer segments:
corporate buildings and residential households. By leveraging the benefits
of hydroponic farming, AquaHarvest aims to help its corporate clients
offset their carbon footprint, generate additional revenue streams, and
contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (UN SDGs).
1.Corporate Rooftop Hydroponics
AquaHarvest partners with corporate clients to design, install, and
maintain hydroponic farming systems on their building rooftops. This
service helps the corporate clients reduce their carbon footprint and
demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
2.Residential Hydroponics
AquaHarvest offers a turnkey hydroponics solution for residential
households, including system design, installation, and maintenance.
This service empowers individuals to become urban farmers,
contributing to food security and self-sufficiency.

Research Objectives

1. Evaluate the Viability of Hydroponics in India:

To determine the most suitable regions for hydroponic farming, it is

essential to analyze India's diverse climatic and environmental
conditions. This involves the mapping of climatic zones - identifying
areas with favorable temperatures, humidity levels, and sunlight
exposure that can support hydroponic systems year-round. The
quality of water resources is also important, as hydroponics relies
heavily on water efficiency and quality for nutrient delivery.

The best cities in India for hydroponics expansion are identified

based on various factors such as climate, urbanization, water
quality, and market potential. The top cities are:
1. Bengaluru

 Climate: Moderate temperatures and ample sunlight make it

suitable for year-round hydroponic farming.
 Water Quality: The water quality varies, with some areas facing
contamination from industrial and domestic waste.
 Urbanization: High population density and a growing interest in
sustainable practices among residents and corporations.
 Market Potential: Strong demand for fresh produce and organic
food options.

2. Mumbai

 Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity, which can be

advantageous for certain hydroponic crops.
 Water Quality: Water quality is generally good, but pollution from
industrial waste and sewage can be problematic in some areas.
 Urbanization: One of the largest metropolitan areas in India, with
significant rooftop space available for hydroponic installations.
 Market Potential: A large consumer base with increasing health
consciousness and demand for locally sourced food.

3. Delhi

 Climate: Seasonal variations, but with controlled environments,

hydroponics can thrive.
 Water Quality: The quality of water in Delhi is often poor, with
high levels of contaminants like heavy metals and industrial
pollutants.
 Urbanization: Rapid urbanization and a push towards green
initiatives in the National Capital Region.
 Market Potential: Growing interest in urban farming and
government support for sustainable agriculture.

4. Hyderabad

 Climate: Semi-arid climate with good sunlight, suitable for

hydroponics.
 Water Quality: Water quality in Hyderabad is often compromised
by industrial pollution and high levels of contaminants like
fluoride and nitrates.
 Urbanization: Increasing urban population and corporate interest
in sustainability.
 Market Potential: Emerging market for organic produce and local
food systems.

5. Chennai

 Climate: Warm climate with high humidity, beneficial for certain

crops.
  Water Quality: Water quality issues arise from saline intrusion
and pollution of surface water bodies.
 Urbanization: Significant urban development and interest in
sustainable practices.
 Market Potential: Rising demand for fresh vegetables and herbs.

6. Pune

 Climate: Pleasant climate with adequate rainfall.

 Water Quality: Water quality is generally good, but some areas
experience contamination from industrial waste and sewage.
 Urbanization: Growing urban population and a culture of
sustainability.
 Market Potential: Increasing interest in organic farming and local
produce.

7. Ahmedabad

 Climate: Hot and dry climate, making it suitable for controlled

hydroponic environments.
 Water Quality: The quality of water is affected by industrial
pollutants and high salinity levels in some areas.
 Urbanization: Rapidly developing city with a focus on sustainable
urban planning.
 Market Potential: Expanding market for fresh produce and green
initiatives.

8. Kolkata

 Climate: Humid subtropical climate, which can support a variety

of crops.
 Water Quality: The water quality is affected by industrial
discharge and domestic sewage, leading to contamination
concerns.
 Urbanization: High population density and interest in urban
agriculture.
 Market Potential: Demand for fresh vegetables and herbs in
urban settings.

2. Assess the Impact on Food Security:

Yield Comparison
 Hydroponic systems typically produce higher yields compared to
traditional farming due to controlled environments, optimized
nutrient delivery, efficient water use, and faster growth cycles,
with potential increases of 30-50%.
 Hydroponic systems can be stacked vertically, maximizing space
usage and further increasing yield per square foot.
 Hydroponics also allows for year-round production, independent
of seasonal changes, enhancing overall productivity. In contrast,
 traditional farming is subject to variable yields influenced by
climate and soil quality, resulting in longer growth periods and
less consistent output.

Nutritional Comparison
 Hydroponic systems provide precise control over the nutrients
delivered to plants, which can result in higher nutrient content in
the crops. Studies have shown that hydroponic vegetables often
contain higher levels of vitamins and minerals.
 The controlled environment of hydroponics leads to more
consistent quality in terms of size, taste, and nutritional content.
 Hydroponic farming typically requires fewer pesticides and
herbicides, resulting in cleaner and potentially healthier produce.

Dependency Reduction
Exploring how hydroponics can mitigate reliance on soil-based
agriculture in both urban and rural areas:

 Urban food security:

o Limited urban space is maximised with vertical farming and
rooftop gardens.
o Consistent food supply through year-round cultivation
regardless of seasonal changes or weather conditions.
o By growing food locally in urban areas, hydroponics reduces
dependency on distant agricultural areas and decreases the
carbon footprint associated with transporting food.
o Community-based urban hydroponic farms and gardens can
involve local residents in food production, foster a sense of
ownership, and ensure access to fresh produce. They can also
serve as educational centers, teaching residents about
sustainable agriculture and healthy eating.

 Rural Food Security:

o In areas where soil quality has been compromised by erosion,

salinization, or contamination, hydroponics provides a viable
alternative that does not rely on soil health.
o Hydroponic systems can be housed in controlled environments
such as greenhouses, protecting crops from extreme weather
conditions and pests that can devastate traditional farms.
o Hydroponics uses significantly less water compared to
traditional soil-based agriculture, making it a suitable option
for regions facing water scarcity. Efficient water use is critical
in rural areas where water resources may be limited. Closed-
loop hydroponic systems even recycle water.

3. Explore Urban Integration:

Rooftop and Residential Feasibility

 Assessing the practicality of hydroponic systems in urban
environments involves:

 Site Analysis: Evaluating the structural integrity and suitability of

rooftops and residential spaces for hydroponic installations.
 Cost-Benefit Analysis: Analyzing the economic viability for
homeowners and businesses to invest in hydroponic systems,
including potential returns on investment.

Social and Economic Benefits

Identifying the broader impacts of hydroponics on urban
communities:

 Job Creation and Income Source: Investigating the potential for

new employment opportunities in hydroponic farming,
maintenance, and distribution.
 Community Engagement: Exploring how hydroponic initiatives
can foster community involvement and education around
sustainable practices.

4. Evaluate Sustainability and Environmental Impact:

Carbon Footprint Reduction

To understand the environmental benefits of hydroponics:

 Emissions Analysis: Studying the reduction in greenhouse gas

emissions associated with hydroponic farming compared to
traditional agriculture.
 Resource Utilization: Evaluating the efficiency of resource use,
particularly water and land, in hydroponic systems.

Lifecycle Impact Assessment

A comprehensive analysis of hydroponic systems' long-term
sustainability:

 Lifecycle Analysis: Examining the environmental impact of

hydroponic systems from installation through operation to
decommissioning, focusing on waste management and recycling.

5. Assess Contribution to UN SDGs:

Assessing how hydroponics aligns with global sustainability

initiatives through measuring key indicators:
 SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Evaluating how hydroponic practices can
enhance food production and availability, particularly in food-
insecure regions. By enabling urban food production and
increasing access to fresh, nutritious produce, AquaHarvest can
contribute to food security and improved nutrition.
  SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Investigating how
urban hydroponics can contribute to sustainable urban
development and resilience. The rooftop hydroponic farms and
residential systems can help transform urban environments into
more sustainable and livable spaces.
 SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Analyzing
how hydroponic farming practices promote sustainable
consumption patterns and reduce waste. AquaHarvest’s circular
farming model promotes sustainable production and
consumption patterns by reducing waste and the use of
synthetic inputs.
 SDG 13 (Climate Action): Assessing the role of hydroponics in
mitigating climate change impacts through sustainable
agricultural practices. By offsetting carbon emissions and
promoting sustainable agriculture practices, AquaHarvest can
contribute to climate change mitigation.

Research Methodology

1. Literature Review:

 Comprehensive analysis of existing research on hydroponics,

sustainable agriculture, and urban farming.
 Review case studies of successful hydroponic implementations
worldwide and in India.

2. Surveys and Interviews:

 Interview local agricultural experts and institutions for practical

insights and validation.
 Engage with corporate entities and residential communities to
understand their perspectives.

3. Data Analysis:

 Utilize statistical and qualitative analysis tools to interpret data

collected from field studies, surveys, and interviews.
 Compare hydroponic yields, resource usage, and environmental
impact with traditional farming methods, and evaluate the
overall impact of the project.