Kochi group earns lakhs growing hydroponic salad leaves

KOCHI: A five-member group in Kochi is earning lakhs by growing salad and soup leaves hydroponically. The team grows different types of lettuce and supplies around 200 customers, including Lulu Market. They plan to export to foreign markets soon.

The success story belongs to Shijin, Amal Mathew, Athul Warrier, Appu Muralidhar and Adarsh Suresh. They started leaf cultivation six years ago under the venture name 'Ila Greens.' Their success has boosted marketing and farming efforts.

Cultivation and training

The group offers training to those interested and forms farmers' associations. They supervise farms until they become profitable. Farms can start from 100 square feet in homes. There are two farms of 1500 square feet each in Kakkanad, with an investment of 16 lakhs. These farms harvest 125 kg per week.

Seeds are planted in the Oasis Cube, sprouting in two days. They are then transferred to small plastic pots and later to UPVC pipes. Nutrient-enriched water is circulated from tanks through small pipes, requiring less water as it is recycled. Temperature is regulated by a cooling pad.

Subscription service

Ila's kit, which includes four types of leaves, four microgreens, one fruit and two herbs (basil and mint), costs Rs 1,999 for a monthly subscription. Weekly delivery is available within a 20 km radius. Ila Greens operates 12 farms across various districts:

- Ernakulam: 4

- Thiruvananthapuram: 3

- Pathanamthitta: 1

- Thrissur: 2

- Kannur: 1

- Kozhikode: 1

Ila Greens offers Romaine Lettuce, Bok choy, Lolla Bionda Lettuce, Lettuce Oakleaf Red, Kale, Tatsoi and Palak. After three rounds of cleaning (bubble, normal, cool wash), the produce is packaged and sold.