History of Hydroponic Agriculture in Bangladesh
The vegetables that are being planted in the floating beds in the southern part of Bangladesh
can be said to be a common form of hydroponic method. In our urban areas, the long-
standing tradition of keeping creepers in bottled water and grilling them on the verandah
is also the key to hydroponic management. Many times the branches of the deciduous tree
were cut off, left in bottled water, the roots sprouted and then planted in the ground. Added
to this old concept is the management of commercial crop production by mixing plant
nutrients in water and controlling other environmental influences. Other countries of the
world have started cultivating crops using modern hydroponic methods long ago.
Bangladesh started research on hydroponic methods only a few years ago. Scientists at the
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute first started thinking about this method in 1997.
It took until 2005 to gain a thorough idea, overall review and experience on the subject.
Then came the real research on hydroponic culture in 2006. At the end of 2006, research
on hydroponic methods compatible with the climate of Bangladesh began with tomatoes,
capsicum, lettuce and strawberries. One more year later, in 2008, he was joined by
cucumbers, cucumbers, marigolds and eggplants. Thus, in 2009, dwarf beans, cauliflower,
cabbage, broccoli and chrysanthemum were also included in the research list. Since then,
in the 2011-12 financial year, the company has been able to produce twelve economic crops
using hydroponic culture, which has grown to sixteen. Research for hydroponic culture is
also being carried out in various regional centers of Bangladesh Agricultural Research
Institute. Research has been started by various universities. In addition to research, various
government and non-government organizations have been involved in hydroponic crop
extension activities. Interested farmers are coming forward.
Current status of hydroponic cultivation in Bangladesh
Research on hydroponic culture in Bangladesh has come a long way. Hydroponic farming
management is also moving forward. Several organizations are working on the
implementation of this method. The hydroponic method yields two to three times more
than normal cultivation. Therefore, considering the advantages of this farming method,
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute has made some progress in crop production
using hydroponic method. Scientists at the Patuakhali substation in Bari have provided
hydroponic watermelon production technology at the farmer level throughout the year.
Bari's hydroponic technology has been provided to BARC and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural
University. Efforts are continuing at the city level in Mohakhali, Dhaka to cultivate crops
in this manner. Many extension workers have also been trained in this regard. Research on
cultivation management at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University has
progressed considerably.
Work is also underway at Patuakhali Science and Technology University and Rajshahi
University.
Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Mymensingh is conducting research on
aquaculture culture method. In this method fish is being farmed in the water tank with
pellet food. Vegetable cultivation is going on with cockshit on water. Vegetables are being
cultivated in this way throughout the year by making seedlings in different places. At the
same time fish fry are stored in the water. Tomatoes, lettuce, mint can be grown in winter
and potato, spinach and grapefruit in summer. Gift tilapia and monosex tilapia in winter
and Thai koi, Vietnamese koi, sarpunti and red tilapia are being cultivated with it in
summer. It is hoped that this method will gain popularity among farmers.
Hydroponic crops of Bangladesh
Among the leafy vegetables grown in Bangladesh by hydroponic method are lettuce,
gimakalmi, coriander and cabbage. Fruits include tomatoes, eggplant, cauliflower,
cucumber, cucumber, capsicum, melon and squash. Fruits include strawberries and flowers
can be produced in anthrax, marigold, rose, orchid and chrysanthemum. Many more new
crop names may be added to the list in the future. By following this method, the common
people of our country will be able to produce vegetables using trays, plastic buckets, water
bottles and earthen pots on the roof, veranda and open space. This method can be cultivated
in greenhouse, plastic house, phenyl house.
Initiatives to expand the system
Efforts are being made by the government to encourage hydroponic farming. Besides, some
NGOs have come forward to spread the technology across the country. BRAC is educating
landless farmers on hydroponic farming techniques. In 2012, the institute trained 100
landless farmers in Chandpur, Netrokona and Manikganj. These farmers were provided
with ten buckets and nutrient solution for hydroponic cultivation. They have continued this
initiative. Green Leaf Agro sells nutrient solutions for hydroponic farming at its cell center
in Mohakhali. Alpha Agro Prantik has also started cultivating in this manner. Hydroponic
culture has also attracted the attention of print and electronic media. It has been widely
publicized in various media. Plans are also afoot to set up a multi-storey hydroponic firm
at the private level. Although such farming management has not yet been developed, it is
expected to be developed soon. Then agriculture will no longer be confined to the field but
will be expanded to controlled multi-storey hydroponic farms. Agriculture in Bangladesh
will be considered as an industry.
Recommendations
In addition to research on hydroponic methods, urgent steps need to be taken to spread the
technology. Adequate publicity initiatives need to be taken for the spread of technology.
Attempts can be made to increase agricultural production by using this technology on the
basis of cooperatives. Landless farmers need to be trained in this regard. They need to be
encouraged to adopt this farming method. If people understand that they will benefit from
using this method, then they must accept it. Low interest loans can be arranged for
hydroponic farming and farm development at all levels. The Department of Agriculture of
the government should be on full alert to assist those who are interested. Bangladesh will
undoubtedly succeed if it goes ahead according to the plan adopted keeping in view the
socio-economic condition of Bangladesh.
A Low Cost Hydroponic System for Rooftop Garden
Pertinent To Bangladesh
A hydroponic system can provide a year-round source of food without requiring a major
investment. If you’re on a budget, try a deep-water culture system, a setup that is basically
a small pond with the plants suspended above it. Start with one container and then add
more as your budget permits. Even if you have to buy everything this is an inexpensive
way to grow, and if you are resourceful you can get going for practically nothing.
Recycled Containers
A container for a basic hydroponic system doesn’t have to be fancy, expensive or even a
certain size. One was to save money when setting up your hydroponics system is to use
recycled materials to hold your plants. Foam containers used to ship fish will work well,
as will an old ice chest, a child’s wading pool or a simple plastic bucket. When choosing a
container, make sure it doesn’t leak and that it hasn’t had anything hazardous in it like
weed killer or paint, since these can taint or kill your plants.
Purchased Containers
Plastic storage bins, such as the type sold in most discount stores, are inexpensive and easy to find.
These have the advantage of coming in many different sizes so you can choose the one that best
suits your needs and space. Buy the opaque ones to retard the growth of algae, since algae can clog
your system as well as rob your plants of the nutrients they need. Five-gallon buckets are also easy
to find and work well for larger plants such as tomatoes and eggplant.
Nutrients
Your hydroponic plants are totally dependent on the nutrients you give them, since they can’t send
their roots out into the soil to find the things they need. Hydroponics suppliers offer a large range
of nutrients, some of which are specialized and some that aren’t. These can end up costing quite a
bit and aren’t necessary for a basic hydroponic setup. Make your own nutrient solution by adding
two teaspoons of water soluble fertilizer and one teaspoon of Epsom salts to each gallon of water.
Stir until the solids are dissolved and pour it in.
Light
For the absolute cheapest method of growing put your hydroponic system outside and take
advantage of the sunlight. If that doesn’t work for you, move your plants indoors and hang a four-
foot fluorescent shop light just a few inches above the plants. Maintain the distance between the
light and plants by raising it as they grow. Shop lights are inexpensive to buy, maintain and operate.
They provide adequate lighting for all kinds of greens, but if you want to grow anything that
flowers or fruits you’ll need to get a fluorescent grow light instead.
Support
Plants in hydroponic systems need some type of support to hold them in place. Net pots are readily
available, inexpensive and reusable. To save even more, poke plenty of holes in plastic food-grade
containers and use them to hold your plants in the hydroponic system. Keep plants upright within
the net pots using sterilized pea gravel or coconut coir, both of which are inexpensive. These
substances are also reusable after sterilization, making them even more affordable.
Course Name: Advanced Olericulture
Course Code: HRT-5103
Course Teacher: Dr. Prosanta Kumar Dash, Associate Professor, Agrotechnology Discipline, KU.
Name: Sheikh Nymur Rashid Lekhon
ID: MS-200809
Degree: MS in Horticulture (1st year, 1st term)
