With traditional farming on land becoming highly labour-intensive and spiking input costs, two brothers in Kerala have embraced tech-driven polyhouse hydroponics farming, turning their agricultural land into a highly profitable venture.
The innovative approach has not only brought them financial success, earning lakhs in revenue, but has also opened up opportunities to cultivate different varieties of exotic vegetables without worrying about erratic weather conditions, water scarcity, and diminishing soil fertility.
When P J Sukhdev and P J Jyothibasu of Pullpally in Wayanad decided to try their hand at hydroponics farming on their land after learning polyhouse farming in Dubai, they never expected their project would become a big hit. They formed a venture under the name Wayanad Exotic Fruit Farmers Producers Company and roped in like-minded farmers to join them.
“We launched the venture in 2020, and our first polyhouse hydroponics farm in an acre of land was set up in 2022. Our journey wasn’t easy. We invested nearly Rs three crore in setting up the polyhouse and purchasing hydroponic equipment. Initially, there were doubts about whether this method would work, but the results have exceeded our expectations,” Sukhdev told “Open Digest.”
The polyhouses, equipped with automated temperature and humidity controls, ensure optimal growing conditions for crops year-round. The farmers grow a variety of high-demand vegetables, including lettuce, capsicum, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. These crops are known for their premium quality and are pesticide-free, making them a favourite among health-conscious consumers.
Apart from exporting their produce to select Middle East countries, they also supply the produce to major hypermarkets across Kerala and neighbouring states, ensuring steady demand and premium pricing.
“We are the major suppliers to Lulu Hypermarkets. There is a growing demand for our freshly grown vegetables. Hypermarkets prefer our produce because of its consistent quality and freshness,” explains Sukhdev. “We’ve also tapped into the direct-to-consumer market by supplying fresh vegetables to local households. We harvest 400 kg of lettuce and 500 kg of tomatoes every month,” he said adding that their major produce is curly lettuce also known as ‘Lollo Bionda’ which is exported to Dubai.
Though the brothers were initially sceptical about the success of the project, the polyhouse hydroponics model has demonstrated how technology can transform agriculture. “It’s scalable, sustainable, and profitable—everything we need for the future of farming. We will break even soon,” he said.
The group has concluded a fruitful discussion with Reliance Fresh, which has agreed to purchase their fresh produce for selling through all its outlets in the state. “We will soon start supplying our produce to Reliance,” Sukhdev added.
The farmers have proved that with the right blend of technology and determination, agriculture can thrive even in challenging conditions.
