Hydroponic farming is highly profitable. It is being considered a revolution in the farming or agriculture industry because of its capability to produce surplus food. Thanks to cloud technology, hydroponic farming has a lot of potential for economic viability, and can be an excellent food supply option for urban areas. Automated harvests and controls mean that hydroponics is less labor-intensive. Economies of scale help produce more crops in less time.
In case you don’t already know, hydroponics is a growing system that consists of producing vegetables without the roots touching the soil, growing them in water with the appropriate treatments. These types of systems, besides being easier and more flexible to use, work better with different crops.
Hydrosalad – A Hydroponic Farm Case Study
Anuradha Wasala decided to start his farm, Hydrosalad, in a 4000-square-foot polytunnel. He shared insights about his farming experience including:
- Skilled labor needed to operate and troubleshoot the hydroponics systems.
- Commercial hydroponics farms are most profitable in areas with drought conditions and/or infertile land.
- The most successful hydroponic commercial operations stick to just a few popular and highly profitable crops.
- The demand for hydroponic vegetables has risen dramatically in those markets.
Mushrooms are by far the most profitable crops that can be grown hydroponically, with a wholesale price of $8 per pound. It is important to compare the cost of setting up your hydroponics garden with the profits from running your farm. Ensuring you have a viable plant growing in each hole of your PVC pipes is crucial for maximizing profitability.
Hydroponics Versus Traditional Farming
Growing plants hydroponically is a sustainable solution that maximizes space utilization and minimizes the use of resources, making it an attractive option for commercial growers. Hydroponics farming has been expanding quickly and is not expected to slow down, with the global market predicted to grow at an annual rate of 8.5 percent from 2021 to 2027.
Hydroponics is not the same as greenhouses, and it should not be confused.
The Economics of Hydroponics
Is hydroponics commercially viable? Hydroponic gardening is possible even in areas with poor soil conditions, like rocky areas, balconies, and rooftops. This method of growing plants is useful in areas where soil-based cultivation isn’t viable. It shows much higher crop growth and yields which makes it very profitable.
What is the most profitable plant to grow hydroponically? Mushrooms have been identified as such, but in general, selecting high-yield crops and controlling input costs are key strategies for maximizing profitability.
An average acre of hydroponically grown crops can earn between $200,000 to $250,000 per year. Although the initial costs for hydroponics are higher, you can harvest year-round.
Maximizing Profitability with High-Yield Crops
Leafy greens like lettuce are the most profitable crops to grow in hydroponic systems due to their low operation costs. Basil is another profitable herb, selling for $14 per pound.