Role of Hydroponics in Improving Water-Use Efficiency and Food Security
Ram Naresh
ICAR-Atari Zone III, Kanpur, India.
Sagar K Jadav *
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Waghai- Dang, Navsari Agricultural University, India.
Monika Singh
Genetics and Plant Breeding, Maharishi University of Information Technology, Lucknow, India.
Abhimanyu Patel
Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture and Research Station, Kunkuri Jashpur, MGUVV, Raipur CG-492001, India.
Barinderjit Singh
Department of Food Science and Technology, I. K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala, Punjab, 144601- India.
Shreedhar Beese
Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Dr. Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and forestry, Nauni Solan (Himachal Pradesh), India.
Shivam Kumar Pandey
Rashtriya Raksha University, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Hydroponic agriculture offers a soilless cultivation method that can enhance crop yields and sustainability. With decreasing arable land and water availability, hydroponics is positioned to complement conventional farming approaches to support global food security. This paper reviews the current status and future innovations in precision hydroponic technologies. Leading application crops, geographic adoption patterns, growth potential in developing countries, and technological advances are analyzed. Key challenges limiting widespread implementation are discussed, including infrastructural costs, lack of expertise, and inadequate research investments. Proposed legislation and standardization efforts in major markets are outlined. Ongoing improvements in automation, renewable energy integration, biocontrols and tailored crop varieties can further overcome limitations. The paper offers recommendations to promote hydroponics through targeted research initiatives, public incentives and localized equipment development. With appropriate regulatory support and sustained funding commitment, hydroponic systems can bolster food ecosystem resilience. The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the interlinked risks in concentrated, centralized agriculture. More decentralized precision approaches can enhance stability. Hydroponics and vertical farming innovations can enable sustainable intensification to meet future nutritional demands. Adoption efforts to date have focused on profitable vegetable and herb markets in advanced economies, but expanding technical skills training and appropriate technologies globally would support wider implementation. With further commercial maturation and policy regulations keeping pace with innovations, hydroponics can be an integral strategy for sustainable crop production worldwide.
Keywords: Hydroponics, precision agriculture, food security, sustainable intensification, agricultural innovations