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Sustainability in 3rd world agriculture
"Jim Webster" wrote in message ... "James Curts" wrote in message et... . We use hydroponic systems in the disadvantaged areas because they are simple to set up, use relatively little water, produce much quicker and several times more volume than dirt farming. Also orientation is surprisingly simplified because there are no machines to operate and service and very few people are required to maintain a system keeping the training process to a minimum. I give hydroponics high marks for being in the forefront of the food producing industry as we move more rapidly into a world in which food is a cost and availability issue for everyone. Hydroponics will be the life saver of many in 3rd world nations as help becomes more available and accepted. Thank you how does the capital cost of starting up a Hydroponics system compare with a more conventional system? Jim Webster James Curts Systems such as the Australians use which are outdoors, of a gutter type supported on metal frames are not expensive to set up. The gutters which are about a $1.50 to 2.25 per foot, I am guessing here as I am a long way from there, are a significant expense while the other major expenses would be handling, cooling, packaging and shipping. Pumps, nutrient mixing and storage equipment are also of consequence. When setting up a greenhouse system which is more common the costs escalate in part because a controlled environment must be established and maintained at all times. Commercial greenhouse systems are computer controlled in practically every aspect from heating/cooling, supplemental grow light timing, nutrient mixing/feeding and in some instances even the continual movement of the plant containers along the tables. A single 3000+ square foot greenhouse could go as high as $40,000+ for a top of the line ready to plant seeds system. This probably would not include cooling for harvested produce and of course nothing beyond that point in the delivery to market. It is a good indication of the production one must expect in order to pay out on an investment of this nature. The single house must be handled quite expertly and often with specialized crops to enter into the commercial market with any degree of success. without some supplemental income. They are not an el cheapo project when on a commercial standing. They do certainly shine when considering that produce comes out of these places all year long and is of top quality and in amounts which surpass conventional growing methods many times over The systems which are introduced in some disadvantaged situations are very rudimentary, though functional and productive in varying degrees depending on the diligence of operation, quality of available water, etc. and are generally outdoors and seasonal. Quite a study of course but getting to be a serious consideration for more of the evolving nations and their people. James Curts |
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