Vaishali: In Sumerganj village of Chehrakalan block, Vaishali district, a young farmer’s innovation is transforming the way crops are grown. Arun Kumar has adopted hydroponics—a soilless farming technique that uses nutrient-rich water instead of soil—to cultivate vegetables and train fellow farmers in this modern agricultural practice.
Hydroponic farming involves placing plant roots directly into water infused with essential nutrients and oxygen. This method, still rare in rural Bihar, allows crops to grow faster and healthier while reducing dependence on fertile land.
Inspired by a Mobile Video
Arun Kumar’s journey into hydroponic farming began two years ago when he watched a video on his mobile phone showing a money plant thriving in water. “I thought, if a money plant can grow like that, why not vegetables?” he recalled.
He began experimenting with a small piece of PVC pipe, drilling several holes and planting four to five vegetable seedlings in it. With proper water and fertilizer management, the plants flourished and began yielding fruits within weeks. Encouraged by the results, Arun researched advanced hydroponic systems online and even learned about Israeli farming techniques through Google.
Innovative Use of PVC Pipes and Small Motor System
Explaining his setup, Arun said he now uses PVC pipes 8–10 inches thick, with 2-inch diameter holes drilled along the surface. The pipes are connected and supplied with water using a small motor. Each seedling is placed inside a small plastic cup fitted into the holes, with a cotton wick below the cup ensuring that moisture reaches the plant roots consistently.
Shift to Organic Fertilizers
While Arun initially relied on chemical fertilizers, he soon transitioned to organic methods. For the past year, he has been using turmeric powder and mustard cake as natural fertilizers, producing healthier crops without harming the environment.
Grows Over a Dozen Crops on Rooftop
Using hydroponic techniques, Arun now grows vegetables year-round—including eggplant, spinach, chili, cucumber, cabbage, kidney beans, beans, tomato, chickpeas, peas, and coriander—on his rooftop.
“This method lets us grow fresh vegetables anywhere, even in limited spaces,” he said. “It’s ideal for urban households where land is scarce.”
Inspiring Farmers Across Bihar
Arun’s success story is spreading rapidly. Farmers from nearby villages are visiting him to learn about hydroponic cultivation. He has also started conducting informal training sessions to guide others in setting up similar systems.
When Arun initially approached the Agriculture Department with his idea, officials reportedly dismissed it, saying hydroponic farming was “not possible in Bihar.” But his determination proved them wrong. “I wanted to show that with the right knowledge, anything is possible—even without soil,” Arun said with pride.
With agricultural land shrinking due to urbanization, Arun Kumar’s innovation offers hope for a sustainable, space-efficient future in Bihar’s farming landscape.
