Mumbai-based Joshua Lewis and Sakina Rajkotwala are revolutionizing the traditional methods of farming. It all started when Joshua and Sakina visited Auroville in Puducherry. There they met Krishna Mckenzie, founder of Solitude Farm, developed with the concepts of Natural farming and permaculture. Inspired by Mckenzie, the couple decided to get into the farming business and resigned from their well-paying jobs.
Hydroponic is a soil-less farming technique which requires 80% less water than conventional farming. The plants are grown in a sterile environment and the macro and micro nutrients are dissolved in a water solution directly to facilitate plant growth. Understanding the business possibilities in hydroponic farming, the couple got down to business and set up Herbivore Farm. It is Mumbai’s first hyperlocal, hydroponic farm.
The Herbivore Farm, spread over 1,000 sq ft, grows over 2,500 plants in a temperature-controlled indoor setting. Harvested vegetables are delivered to customers’ homes in a few hours, maintaining freshness, nutrition, and flavour. Hydroponic farming has wide business possibilities in future as it is suitable for indoor cultivation.
