Aeroponics: IIHR Scientists Plan to Grow Veggies, Fruits, Spices Without Soil

Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) scientists will launch a pilot project on 'aeroponics' to cultivate high-value vegetables and flowers in the air without using conventional mediums such as soil and coco pith, which could usher in a paradigm shift in the cultivation of a variety of vegetables and flowers.

An MOU will be signed on Friday to kick off the project in Bengaluru. The endeavour is considered India's first scientific study of aeroponics, with IIHR collaborating with Western Sydney University in Australia and the Indian Institute for Spice Research in Kozhikode.

While the technology is gaining traction in Western countries, it is still in its infancy in India, with isolated experiments conducted by private bio firms. Dr. Debi Sharma, director of the IIHR, stated in a communication, "Unlike the conventional method, roots are suspended in the air and irrigated with a nutrient-dense mist."

This contrasts with hydroponic systems, in which plant roots are regularly submerged in a nutrient-rich solution.  The pilot program will look into crop health monitoring technologies such as advanced sensors and cameras and ways to standardize pollination, which is a significant challenge in indoor cultivation."

According to a senior scientist at IIHR, the pilot will focus on growing high-value vegetables and flowers in addition to small fruits with technical assistance from Western Sydney University. "Inside a closed or semi-closed polyhouse setup, the plants will be suspended in the air.

"The roots will be sprayed with a nutrient-rich water solution, either manually or with automated sprayers. This will aid in increased nutrient solution aeration by delivering more oxygen to the plants, stimulating their growth, and protecting them from pathogen infection. Several studies, both on Earth and in space, have yielded significant results," the scientist said.