Vegetable Cultivation under Hydroponics in Himalayas : Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, Haldwani has successfully developed a hydroponics system by clubbing the soil less cultivation with rain water harvesting technology. The institute has also developed a suitable nutrient composition suitable for wide range of vegetables. Among the various varieties/hybrids grown in hydroponics, cucumber line PC 4C-8 exhibited the maximum fruit yield (448.3 q/ha). Among the various tomato hybrids, Avinash-2 exhibited highest yield (1052 q/ha) and number of fruits (154 per sq m) whereas TSS, total sugars, crude protein and minerals content were the maximum in tomato hybrid DARL-304. Interestingly, hydroponics system prolonged the harvesting period by 45 days in tomato. Plant population density of 6 plants/m2 was found optimum with the highest fruit yield in tomato and cucumber. Tomato hybrid DARL-304 exhibited higher fruit yield (6.5 kg/plant). Hydroponics system have been found successful in Auli (9000’ MSL), Joshimath with fruit yield of 2.25 kg/plant to 3.79 kg/plant in tomato. The yield was higher in rain water as comparison to river water. The article deals with the hydroponics technology in detail vis-à-vis efforts made at DIBER for standardization of hydroponics technology. It is envisaged that experience gained in successful cultivation of various crops in hydroponics using single nutrient solution at various altitudes through research stations of the institute.