Revolutionizing Turmeric Farming: From Naval Officer to Hydroponics Innovator

Q&A with Viswa Prakash Chandrasekharan and the road that led him to hydroponic turmeric farming.

Q: How did you become involved in hydroponics and turmeric cultivation?

My journey into Soilless Cultivation, also known as Hydroponics, began in 2000, shortly after relocating to Australia. Having transitioned from my career as a Naval Submarine Officer, securing employment in Australia proved challenging. With three years of prior experience in oil and gas logistics in the Middle East, I decided to establish my own consultancy firm, aiming to bridge Australian businesses with those in India and the Middle East.

My first significant opportunity came when I was approached by a company in Melbourne involved in the import and supply of coco coir (cocopeat) media substrates. During a visit to understand their business, I discovered that cocopeat was being utilized as a soil substitute in horticulture, offering remarkable benefits for plant growth. This piqued my interest, and I soon found myself deeply captivated by the potential of soilless cultivation.

The company hired me as a consultant to facilitate joint ventures with Indian coco coir manufacturers, and over the next three years, I helped them achieve their objectives. This initial exposure to hydroponics ignited a passion within me, and I committed myself to mastering the science. For eight years, I worked hands-on across various farms, gaining practical experience.

In 2008, with a solid foundation in the field, I returned to India to pioneer the concept of soilless cultivation. Since then, I have dedicated myself to educating others about this innovative approach, training over 16,000 students in the past 16 years.

My involvement in turmeric cultivation, however, was a fortunate coincidence. During the first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, my training center was left vacant as residential students returned home. A friend had sent me 50 kilograms of turmeric seed rhizomes for testing, and with time on my hands, I embarked on a Research and Development project. Despite the challenges posed by the lockdown, I pressed forward with determination.

By January 2021, the results were groundbreaking. A 60-gram turmeric seed rhizome, planted in a single grow bag, yielded an impressive 8.17 kilograms. Tests conducted by Eurofins Labs confirmed that the turmeric was free from chemical pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants. The product was not only of the highest quality but also boasted a curcumin content of 5.91 percent, a remarkable result for the 'Salem' variety, which typically contains no more than 3 percent curcumin when grown in soil. This was a true "Eureka moment" in my research.

Q: How does hydroponic turmeric differ from traditionally grown turmeric in India?

In contrast to the exceptional results obtained through soilless cultivation, traditionally grown turmeric in India faces several challenges. Yields from soil-based cultivation average between 700 to 800 grams per plant, and crops are frequently afflicted by diseases stemming from poor soil microbiology. These issues often result in significant losses by the end of the growing season.

Moreover, many soil-based turmeric farmers in India are unfamiliar with the concept of curcumin, the active compound prized for its health benefits. The widespread use of chemical pesticides and the presence of heavy metals further diminish the quality of soil-grown turmeric, rendering it unsuitable for export markets.

Q: Why is hydroponic turmeric important for India, a country renowned for turmeric production?

Soilless turmeric cultivation is crucial for India, especially in the context of turmeric and ginger production. India is the world's largest producer of these crops, accounting for 80 percent of global output. However, despite this dominance, there is considerable room for improvement in producing turmeric that meets the high standards required for both domestic and international markets.

Soilless cultivation offers a viable solution to the limitations posed by biotic and abiotic stresses in soil-based farming. It also provides an opportunity to address the urgent need for high-quality, disease-free, and genetically pure seed rhizomes, which are essential for sustainable growth in this sector.

In addition, turmeric has been celebrated for centuries for its medicinal properties. Curcumin, the primary bioactive compound in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It has been shown to benefit human health by supporting the immune system, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, and aiding in joint health and cognitive function. The significantly higher curcumin content in hydroponic turmeric further enhances these health benefits, making it a valuable ingredient for both medicinal and dietary applications.

Q: Have there been comparative studies between traditionally grown and soilless turmeric?

Unfortunately, this remains an area lacking substantial research. It is still somewhat unexplored.

Q: What are the benefits of hydroponic turmeric in dietary supplements compared to soil-grown turmeric?

Hydroponically grown turmeric offers several key advantages for dietary supplements. It is free from chemical pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants, ensuring a clean and safe product. Additionally, the higher curcumin content and other beneficial compounds make it a superior choice for improving human health.

Curcumin is known for its role in supporting cardiovascular health, enhancing immune function, and providing anti-inflammatory benefits. It also has potential neuroprotective properties, helping to improve cognitive health and reduce the risk of degenerative diseases. These health-promoting qualities make hydroponic turmeric a valuable addition to dietary supplements, particularly in the prevention and management of chronic illnesses.

Q: How does hydroponic turmeric address the environmental challenges associated with traditional turmeric farming in India?

As mentioned earlier, soilless turmeric cultivation mitigates many of the environmental and biological challenges that plague traditional turmeric farming. These include soil-borne diseases, chemical contamination, and unsustainable farming practices.

Q: What is the future of hydroponic farming, and do you see other botanicals benefiting from this method?

While still in its early stages, soilless cultivation is gaining momentum among progressive farmers, as evidenced by the increasing interest during my training programs. This method holds significant potential for growing a wide range of botanicals, including medicinal plants, herbs, and flowers. Crops like ginger, arrowroot, and ashwagandha are just a few examples that could benefit from this innovative approach.

The possibilities are boundless, limited only by our imagination.