Hydroponics is not the buzzword when speaking about the “future” of farming.

A new industry has emerged: hydroponics. This innovative method of growing plants in nutrient-rich water instead of soil has taken hold in Bhutan, offering a sustainable solution to the country’s food security challenges.

Bhutan Hydroponics is a local start-up founded by a woman entrepreneur, Kinley Wangmo. She has been at the forefront of this movement. She has set up several hydroponic farms at Changzamtok, Thimphu – using state-of-the-art technology and innovative techniques to grow a variety of crops, including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries amongst others.

Curious about growing vegetables in water, a mother of two, Kinley Wangmo, started Bhutan Hydroponics on a small scale in a greenhouse. She started the farm in February 2020 for self-consumption.

She said that she started hydroponics farming given our dependence on the neighboring countries for vegetables, which contain pesticides.

“I intended to start this business because I also had the curiosity of growing vegetables in water, without soil, which is extremely hygienic and no chemical pesticides are used,” she added.

Hydroponics farming is growing crops without soil, often called soilless farming. In hydroponics farming, the plant roots grow in a liquid nutrient solution. The liquid nutrient solution is a mixture of essential plant nutrients in the water.

Meanwhile, Kinley Wangmo has no formal training in hydroponics farming. Given her keen interest in farming in water, she said she took online training from the Chief Executive Officer of Urban Hydroponics Farm in Uttar Pradesh in India, Vikas Sigh Rajput.

According to her, the advantages of hydroponics farming are that it gives faster growth, more yields, no weeding is required, need not worry about pests, is hygienic, and saves 95% of the water, which is reusable as compared to traditional cultivation methods.

She said that she brings her raw materials and hydroponics kits and accessories from India.

“I have made hydroponics accessories myself since they are very expensive if we are to import readymade materials,” said Kinley Wangmo, who is currently growing strawberry, chili, tomato, cauliflower, and broccoli in her hydroponics garden.

In hydroponics, the roots of the plant have constant access to an unlimited supply of oxygen, as well as access to water. This is particularly important as a common error when growing food over or under-watering.

Hydroponics eliminates this error margin, as quantities of water, mineral salts, and oxygen are controlled. 

Other benefits of hydroponics technology include the ability to better control the plant’s nutrition, a visible improvement in quantity and yields, a shortening of the growth interval for many plants, a high propagation success rate, savings on fertilizers, the absence of pesticides and herbicides, and more efficient use of space.  

Though she has not approached any government organizations for any support, Kinley Wangmo said that many government officials have visited her place and given her assurance that they will support her in the future. 

Kinley Wangmo said that she had spent all her little savings on setting up the hydroponics farm, which had cost her around Nu 360,000.  

She said that Bhutan Hydroponics also focuses on His Majesty’s vision of self-sufficiency.  

“By doing hydroponics farming in our country, we no longer have to be dependent on others for vegetables,” Kinley Wangmo said, adding that she plans to approach schools, institutions, colleges, and Dratshangs and inspire them on hydroponics farming.  

She also has a plan to open a training center for hydroponics farming in the country. “I also have the plan to fabricate the hydroponics system and sell at minimal cost,” she said. Kinley Wangmo has also approached the National Credit Guarantee Scheme for a loan to upgrade her hydroponics farm. 

At one of their farms, rows of greenhouses dot the landscape, each containing neat rows of plants growing in water-filled channels. The air is thick with the scent of fresh herbs and leafy greens, and workers move carefully among the plants, tending to their needs.

“I started this hydroponic because I saw a need for sustainable agriculture in Bhutan,” says Kinley Wangmo, the founder of Bhutan Hydroponics adding, “Our traditional farming methods are limited by our geography, so we needed to find new ways to grow food.”

Hydroponics offers several advantages over traditional farming methods. Because the plants are grown in a controlled environment, they are less susceptible to pests and diseases, which means fewer pesticides are needed. The water used in hydroponic systems is also recycled, so it requires less water overall. And because the crops are grown in a soil-free environment, they are not subject to soil-borne diseases, which can be a major problem in Bhutan.

But starting a hydroponic farm is not easy. The upfront costs can be high, and the technology is still relatively new in Bhutan. Bhutan Hydroponics had to import much of its equipment and it faced a steep learning curve in the beginning.

“I had to do a lot of experimentation to figure out what works best in our environment,” says Kinley. “But now that I’ve got the hang of it, I am seeing some great results.” Indeed, Bhutan Hydroponics has been successful in producing high-quality crops that are in high demand across the country. Their produce is sold at local markets and to restaurants and hotels, where chefs appreciate the freshness and variety of the crops.

“We’ve been able to grow crops that were previously unavailable in the country,” says Kinley. “And because we’re growing them locally, we’re reducing our dependence on imports, which is good for our economy and our environment.”

Bhutan Hydroponics is also exploring ways to expand its business and make its technology more accessible to farmers across the country. They have started offering training programs for local farmers, and students who are interested in hydroponics, and they are working with government agencies to promote sustainable agriculture practices.

“I believe that hydroponics can play a big role in ensuring food security in Bhutan,” she said. “And I am excited to be part of this growing movement.” Bhutan Hydroponics, a startup founded in 2020, has been leading the charge in bringing this innovative technology to the people of Bhutan.

As an entrepreneur, Kinley Wangmo with a passion for sustainability and a deep love for his country. After studying hydroponics through YouTube and some of the expertise online, Kinley with the goal of introducing this technology to his fellow Bhutanese and promoting sustainable agriculture in the country. She began by setting up a small hydroponic farm in Thimphu, the capital city, and gradually expanded to other areas.

Today, the farms are designed to be as sustainable as possible, using solar panels for energy, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, and organic pest control methods to minimize the use of harmful chemicals.

One of the key benefits of hydroponics is that it allows for year-round cultivation, which is especially important in Bhutan where the growing season is short due to the harsh winters. With hydroponics, farmers can grow crops even in the depths of winter, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the year. This has significant implications for food security in the country, where much of the food is imported and subject to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.

But Bhutan Hydroponics is not just about producing food. The company is also a pioneer in the use of hydroponics for ornamental purposes, growing vegetables and plants that are used in festivals and other cultural events. This has helped to preserve traditional Bhutanese art and culture, while also promoting sustainable practices.

The success of Bhutan Hydroponics has not gone unnoticed. The company has won several awards for its innovative approach to agriculture. It has also attracted the attention of international organizations and investors who are interested in supporting sustainable development in Bhutan.

For Kinley and her team, however, the ultimate goal is not just to create a successful business, but to promote a sustainable way of life in Bhutan. By introducing hydroponics technology and promoting sustainable agriculture practices, they hope to inspire a new generation of Bhutanese farmers who can help to build a more resilient and self-sufficient Bhutan.

As Kinley puts it, “We want to show that sustainable agriculture is not just possible, but profitable too. By working with nature instead of against it, we can create a better future for ourselves and our children.” With Bhutan Hydroponics leading the way, that future looks brighter than ever.