Growing hydroponic without any experience: the secret lies in the formula
Karma Lam Dorji’s tech-driven poly-house Bhutan L-Farm, in Ngabiphu, Thimphu, grows more than nine varieties of lettuce and herbs. In a year, Karma can harvest crops four times. If grown in soil, the maximum cycle is twice a year.
“No dirt, no digging, weed, or pest. I don’t have to worry about weather fluctuations. The greatest advantage is that I don’t need helpers,” says Karma Lam Dorji, who started the project without any farming experience.
Karma started hydroponics when four Agriculture Research and Development Centres (ARDC) in the country were performing their first-ever hydroponics trials. It all began with a chance meeting with a friend in Delhi, India not so long ago who happened to be a hydroponics expert and consultant. What began as a pastime activity is now a serious venture.