A greenhouse with state-of-the-art technology for growing crops without soil has been set up at Rajendrapur in Gazipur. Fruit and vegetables grown in the light- and temperature-controlled greenhouse are already being marketed.

Like any other electricity-driven, technology-based industry, agriculture is now moving into closed rooms. Following Europe and America, the Middle Eastern countries, with their rough land of sand and gravel, took up greenhouse technology eagerly. With the advantages of production planned like a factory and fully organic methods in mind, the technology has now come to Bangladesh, a country of fertile soil.

More plants grow in relatively less space, and the same amount of nutrient-rich water reaches every root. Organic methods are used to control insects and pests, and a cooling system for the large room runs along the walls.

The entrepreneurs say the system was built with the aim of producing completely toxin-free crops.

China is providing commercial support for this future-oriented farming technology, from setting up the greenhouse to its operation and management. The entrepreneurs, however, want more opportunities for importing greenhouse technology and materials.

Source: Shykh Seraj, Hridoye Mati O Manush. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.