India’s farming sector is getting a high-tech upgrade with a new initiative from the Netherlands. This project aims to help Indian farmers produce pesticide-free food using modern greenhouse technology. The goal is to grow crops in a way that is safe from climate changes.
The Dutch government is working with Indian partners on this project. A group called HortiRoad2India, made up of Dutch companies and government bodies, is leading this effort. They have spent five years studying India’s farming needs. Now, they are ready to work with Indian farmers and businesses.
Tiffany Meijer, the project manager for HortiRoad2India, explained that the plan is practical and covers all aspects of farming. It includes advice on technology, training for farmers, and help with selling their produce. Desh Ramnath, a director for the project, added that they have even set up financial plans with Indian banks, supported by the Dutch government.
The Dutch technology offers two levels of greenhouses: mid-tech and high-tech. These are advanced glass houses, better than the usual plastic ones, for efficient and climate-resistant farming. The choice between mid-tech and high-tech depends on what crops farmers want to grow.
For example, high-tech glass houses are suggested for growing crops like strawberries, colourful capsicum, cherry tomatoes, microgreens, and lettuce. Mid-tech greenhouses are suitable for growing tomatoes.
Mr. Ramnath highlighted the benefits of this technology. It uses 96% less water compared to farming in open fields. Farmers can get up to 30 times more yield, especially for crops like tomatoes. The system avoids chemical pesticides by using natural methods to control pests. They also do not use genetically modified crops, preferring hybrid varieties that are resistant to diseases.
“We want to generate clean food that does not need washing,” Mr. Ramnath stated. The project also aims to create clusters of these high-value crop greenhouses near big cities. This will reduce the amount of food lost during transportation.
Projects are already planned in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Punjab. Farmers are investing in the infrastructure, and the Dutch team is providing the technology.
I. M. Meijer from the Dutch government pointed out that a lot of food is wasted in India after harvest. The Dutch initiative will also help set up cold storage facilities to tackle this problem.
Ewout de Wit, the Dutch Consul General for South India, believes this project will provide clean, pesticide-free food for consumers. It will also ensure stable incomes for farmers and make farming a more technical and modern profession. He also mentioned that these production units can be set up near ports or markets, which is good for exports.
One farmer, Ramakrishna, who is starting a strawberry greenhouse project near Bengaluru, shared his experience. He currently grows strawberries on 12 acres but faces challenges meeting demand due to seasonal production. He hopes the Dutch method will help him increase his yield.
Pieter Jan Robbermont, a Dutch entrepreneur, feels this initiative can bring significant changes in farming technology and sustainability. He encourages Indian business leaders, especially those in the IT sector, to invest in these advanced greenhouses to make Indian horticulture more sustainable.