Mike Straumietis believes that as the world’s population rises, so does the need for food. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations estimates that by 2050, there will be 9.1 billion people on the planet and that food production will increase by 25% to 70%. Mike also anticipates the desire for innovative agricultural techniques that produce significant yields quickly. In regions like Asia and Europe, where agricultural land and water are becoming scarce, alternative high-yield farming methods are being adopted more frequently, which projects to spur market expansion. The rising demand for food has initiated widespread innovation in the field of agriculture, and this innovation has led to the development of new technology and cultivation methods.
As hydroponics technology spreads, manufacturers and researchers are working to increase its effectiveness and the quality and quantity of the produce. To acquire cutting-edge technology that will boost output while also allowing for a more extensive range of cultivations, several companies are heavily investing in R&D. Strategic partnerships with academic institutions and research labs help the hydroponics business grow. Research has progressed along the route of expanding crop yield while minimizing the impact on the environment to ensure sustainable cultivation is possible well into the future.
Mike Straumietis thinks vegetable growers are increasingly turning to hydroponic farming because it is a labor-saving strategy for managing huge production areas and an efficient way to control inputs and handle pest and disease management. Because it eliminates the need for soil fumigants and can boost vegetable yields, farmers are adopting hydroponics. The sector is expanding due to the popularity of hydroponic gardening. Hydroponic farming techniques offer numerous other benefits, such as the possibility of adopting innovative space-saving layouts like vertical farming. This method of farming allows for crops to be planted in an upward structure, saving on the amount of space dedicated to the growing of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Hydroponic farming can also result in less waste and pollution, as water and crop additives are kept in the hydroponic environment rather than being returned to the soil.
Unfortunately, Mike Straumietis thinks the cost of technology is the major drawback for the hydroponics sector. Nevertheless, Straumietis anticipates that significant research and development efforts in this area will reduce the overall cost of this technology. A growing focus on food security, high profitability, and rising consumption of exotic vegetables and salads are all accelerating the sector’s rise. Like most technology, the more hydroponics technology is developed, the more likely it is to become more affordable. Innovations in design and functionality can lower the costs of parts and materials required for equipment production, reducing consumer prices over time.
Mike Straumietis explains that these techniques provide higher yields and that the food produced might also be marketed as a luxury good. So, despite higher initial investments, hydroponic farming could still be an ideal option to improve farmers’ profits in the food crop market. As time goes on, these practices will likely only become more common and affordable.