For city-based 21-year-old Anshul Jhunjhunwala, the vision to invest and explore deep into organic farming is his passion project. He has started with his new agri-venture named Gourmet Greens and the La Trobe University graduate hopes to expand with his initiative based on hydroponics and get more people to opt for a healthier alternative when it comes to vegetables and farm produce. Anshul decoded hydroponics for us...
Hydroponics
Essentially a modern-day farming method, hydroponics is where farming is done without soil. It is a water-based organic venture, where crops are produced with the use of mineral nutrients solely, usually in a controlled environment. “The practice ensures a decrease in water usage, and does not cater to the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals often used in the conventional methods of farming,” said Anshul. After devoting his time to extensive research regarding the same, Anshul carries out his organic farming at his own farm. The crops produced are usually healthier alternatives and lasts longer if refrigerated properly. “We take extreme care in harvesting the veggies, with proper sanitisation and responsible curation. It is extremely environment-friendly and most importantly, nutritious”, he adds.
(L-R) Hydroponics is where farming is done without soil. It is a water-based organic venture, where crops are produced with the use of mineral nutrients solely, usually in a controlled environment, Gourmet Greens salad boxes
Future of organic farming
“In a country like ours, where agriculture forms the bedrock of the economy, it is extremely essential that farmers are open to modern methods of farming, in an evolving market,” believes Anshul. With the process and the apparatus involved, hydroponics still remains a costly affair, but with more people coming to know of it, and its benefits, the market is certainly going to grow. With more producers in the market and increased competition in the near future, the prices are certainly to be moderated and almost at par with conventionally produced veggies. He added, “The market for organic products is already booming in countries like the USA, UK or Australia. But here in India, it holds promise. With people opting for healthier alternatives, I strongly believe hydroponics will be in strong demand and conversation, soon.”
Gourmet greens
Launched in April, Gourmet Greens focuses primarily on gluten and pesticide-free organic produce. For Anshul, it is his mission to make sure people eat healthy, by personally curating his farm and making sure the vegetables are delivered within 24 hours. He has recently introduced a new range of salad boxes with hydroponics and organically produced vegetables. “We have come up with two salad boxes: Mexican and Detox, comprising a variety of raw vegetables and two types of sauces. We have included Lollo Rosso, Oak Leaf, purple cabbage and a lot of other produces into the salad boxes. We have been supplying to a couple of prestigious clubs and few other places, and hope to continue growing”.
The promising venture based on an intensive curation process ensures the produces are fresh, healthy and at the same time cater to the taste buds. The details can be found on their Instagram page: @gourmetgreens_kol