The Role of Hydroponics in Sustainable Agriculture and Water Conservation in India

The Indian economy relies heavily on agriculture, which accounts for around 17-18% of the GDP and engages almost 44% of the labour force. Yet, the very important sector is under immense pressure from reasons like land degradation, unpredictable climatic conditions, dwindling water resources, and increasing food needs. Conventional farming practices, which are dependent on soil and intensive irrigation, have resulted in excessive use of natural resources, leading to long-term environmental degradation. Considering the growing demand for sustainable agriculture, hydroponics is proving to be a viable option to counter food security and water conservation issues in India.