Home-based hydroponic gardening seen to open entrepreneurial opportunities

Hydroponic gardening at home may help open entrepreneurial opportunities as demand for fresh produce is steadily increasing, an official of the Philippine Business Council – Qatar (PBC-Q) has said.
According to Jeacim Francis Adaya, head of Training & Education at PBC-Q, hydroponics, which grows plants in controlled environments using less water and space, also offers an innovative solution to sustainable agriculture and a promising market for entrepreneurs.
“Hydroponic gardening can encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in sustainable agriculture and food systems. By promoting hydroponic gardening as a viable business model, individuals can inspire and support the development of sustainable businesses and initiatives that promote sustainable development at a larger scale,” Adaya told Gulf Times.
He said: “Overall, knowledge of hydroponic gardening can help bring the mindset and practice of sustainability from one’s home to society by promoting sustainable practices, raising awareness, and inspiring innovation and entrepreneurship in sustainable agriculture and food systems.”
Qatar has an abundance of small businesses in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, many of which are promoting healthy living and eating a well-balanced diet, and demand for vegetables could be an opportunity for successful hydroponics garden owners to partner with such enterprises, Adaya pointed out.
“Hydroponic farming is a sustainable and efficient method of growing plants without soil, which can yield high-quality produce in a controlled environment. This method of farming has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to produce fresh vegetables year-round, regardless of climate or season.
“In Qatar, where the climate is hot and water is scarce, hydroponic farming can be particularly advantageous. By partnering with small businesses, a hydroponics garden owner can provide them with a consistent and reliable source of fresh produce, while also supporting the local economy,” Adaya explained.
But Adaya was quick to point out the importance of learning and educating one’s self of the regulatory requirements and guidelines for the production and distribution of produce in Qatar.
“The garden owner will need to ensure that they comply with all relevant laws and regulations in Qatar and obtain any necessary permits or licences before starting their business. Additionally, they will need to consider the logistics of delivering their produce to their small business partners in a timely and efficient manner,” he emphasised.
Adaya noted that hydroponic gardening is becoming very popular among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), especially those who want to bring their knowledge and skills in hydroponics back home and start their small businesses.
“Hydroponic gardening can be a feasible home business venture for OFWs in Qatar, especially for those who have a passion for gardening and sustainability. With proper planning and execution, hydroponic gardening can offer a viable source of extra income and can be a great way to support a variety of home businesses,” Adaya stressed.
The following are some potential home businesses in the Philippines for OFWs that could be supported or augmented by hydroponic gardening, according to Adaya: fresh produce delivery service, nursery or plant shop, landscaping and gardening services, and hydroponic gardening supplies.
“Hydroponic gardening can provide a reliable source of fresh and healthy produce that can be sold through a home-based delivery service, catering to the growing demand for locally sourced and sustainable foods. It can enable OFWs to start their own nursery or plant shop in the Philippines, offering a wide range of hydroponically-grown plants and produce to the local community.
“Hydroponic gardening can provide OFWs with the knowledge and expertise to offer landscaping and gardening services to residential and commercial clients, catering to the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly practices,” Adaya said.
He added: “With the increasing popularity of hydroponic gardening, there is a growing demand for hydroponic gardening supplies and equipment. OFWs can start a home-based business by selling hydroponic gardening kits, nutrients, and other supplies.
“While starting a hydroponic gardening business requires some initial investment and planning, it can be a feasible and rewarding home-based business venture for OFWs in Qatar. With the right combination of knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm, hydroponic gardening can provide a sustainable and profitable source of extra income while supporting a variety of home businesses.”