The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana has inked a pact 22.05.2024 with LS Industries, Bairsen, Solan for the commercialization of “Hybrid Hydroponics Technology with Improved Water and Nutrient Perforation and Re circulation System”. Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU and Mr Sanju Laroia, Senior Vice-President (Global Operations), LS Industries Limited, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Mr Akash Deep Sharma, Chief Strategy Officer, LS Industries, was also present on the occasion. The pioneering technology, coined as the first “swadeshi” (indigenous) solution in soilless farming, has been developed and patented by Dr VP Sethi, Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, PAU.
The invention stems from the amalgamation of two distinct soilless technologies, effectively harnessing their combined advantages. Highlighting the key benefits of the technology, Dr Sethi revealed that the enhanced nutrient availability through a perforated plate at the root’s base, along with increased oxygen supply, accelerates plant growth. The compact root system allows for closer plant spacing, optimizing land usage and potentially increasing yield per unit area, he said. The technology leads to the efficient utilization of water and nutrients, mitigating wastage through leaching, runoff, or evaporation. This aspect is crucial in light of declining water tables and rising soil toxicity, he observed.
Dr Manjeet Singh, Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, and Dr GS Manes, Additional Director (Agricultural Engineering), congratulated Dr Sethi for commercialization of hydroponics technology.
Dr Khushdeep Dharni, Associate Director of Technology Marketing and IPR Cell, PAU, stated that the University is disseminating its lab work to the masses by commercializing the technologies to industry, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.
Mr Laroia said that LS Industries is committed to harnessing the power of hydroponics to address the food security challenges and contribute to global sustainability agenda.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=datae&intID=9112
