In what ways can hydroponic farming contribute to sustainable agricultural growth in water-scarce and urban regions, and how does it compare to traditional farming methods in terms of environmental impact, scalability, and economic viability?
Hydroponic systems use 90% less water than traditional soil-based farming. By recirculating nutrient-rich water in closed-loop systems, they minimize evaporation and runoff—critical in arid regions. For example, lettuce grown hydroponically requires just 1-1.5 liter of water per head compared to 20-25 liters in conventional farming. This efficiency is achieved through direct root nutrient delivery and reduced waste.