Hydroponics is making its way into various countries in the region with initiatives that combine technology, training and community action, including hydroponic gardensFrom social projects that install smart greenhouses to urban workshops and technical studies on key crops, the ecosystem is making firm strides towards more efficient and cleaner agriculture, with significant water savings and reduced use of inputs.
Joining the innovative wave are public administrations, educational centers and entrepreneurs who are committed to the transfer of knowledge and the adoption of soilless systems. This conjunction is accelerating the adoption of solutions that prioritize sustainability, while reinforcing the food security and producer autonomy in rural and urban contexts.
Hydroponics with a social seal in Peru
The Kallpa GreenZ project was selected among the ten finalists of the sixth edition of the PERUMIN Inspira award, a recognition that highlights high-impact initiatives in the country's mountains and jungle. The proposal, aimed at addressing the water crisis and improving productivity, combines greenhouses and hydroponic systems to support farming families in regions such as Áncash, focusing on a clean and highly efficient production.
With over five years of experience and a recent business formation, the team researches and perfects processes to ensure that technology and nature work hand in hand. Their goals include migrating from traditional models to a modern agriculture that achieves save up to 92% of water and obtain pesticide-free foods, also incorporating bio-inputs such as biol to nourish crops while respecting biological cycles.
On the growth front, the initiative seeks partnerships with the mining sector and impact investors through PERUMIN to finance community greenhouses, obtain AgTech validation, and access strategic advice. It also seeks to close the initial cost gap for hydroponic solutions and consolidate an agro-productive franchise, with the ambition of becoming a regional benchmark and generating revenue. green jobs and sustainable scalability.
Training and resilience in Panama
As part of the follow-up to the Zaratí River Sub-basin Project Profile, a workshop on the fundamentals of hydroponic production was held by engineer Rubén Ramos, from the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), in Olá (Coclé). The session brought together the educational community, families, and technicians, with the aim of promoting innovative practices that strengthen production and reinforce the adoption of soilless systems.
The activity is part of the project "Strengthening and training in soil regeneration through good agroecological practices," aimed at small producers and students. Promoted inter-institutionally by MIDA, MEDUCA, ARAP, and IDIAP, the action seeks to mitigate and adapt to climate change, focusing on producing more and better with lower environmental footprint.
Urban agriculture in Mexico City: from theory to table
In the Mexican capital, the masterclass “Cocina en Cosecha” by PILARES (Cuchilla del Tesoro headquarters) brought hydroponics and aeroponics to the public. Ángela Durand, Anabel Uribe and Priscila Moreira (urban gardens), Alberto Nájera (plumbing) and chef Luis Romano (gastronomy) participated, demonstrating how collaboration between disciplines enhances a practical and accessible learning.
The teams explained that these soilless techniques are viable in hydroponic crops at home, as they only require a few basic elements. To get off to a good start in hydroponics or aeroponics, it is a good idea to have adequate light, nutrient solution and supports for the roots.
- A well-lit place, avoiding direct sunlight.
- Balanced nutrient solution.
- An inert substrate or aeration system.
- Seeds or seedlings of the chosen species.
- Appropriate containers or receptacles.
The workshop participants indicated that, for operational reasons, they usually work with one monoculture per facility and it is advisable to avoid air currents, direct light, animals or organic waste near the systems, to prevent contamination and maintain stable sanitary conditions.
In the practical part, Alberto Nájera showed how to build containers with PVC pipes molded at less than 100°C, making perforations and integrating plastic bottles that house the solution or inert substrates. These homemade solutions allow for low-cost start-ups and provide secure support for the roots, promoting a efficient and reusable assembly.
To close, chef Luis Romano prepared a salad with products from urban gardens, illustrating the direct connection between cultivation and cooking. Currently, 90 PILARES centers offer urban garden workshops, combining horticulture, plumbing, and gastronomy to strengthen the food self-sufficiency in the city.
Research on semi-hydroponic strawberries in Argentina
In Tucumán, which accounts for around 34% of the national strawberry production, alternatives to traditional cultivation are being evaluated. The most widespread varieties in the province include San Andreas, Frontera, Camino Real, Benicia, Rábida, and Rociera, and semi-hydroponics is emerging as an option capable of providing fruit year-round, optimizing space, and reduce some of the agrochemicals.
A recent work focused on characterizing the physical-chemical properties of Fragaria in pineapple in Camino Real, Frontera, and Benicia cultivars under semi-hydroponics, providing technical data to improve quality and postharvest handling. The authors announced the availability of the technical poster for consultation, noting the growing interest in integrating scientific evidence for decision-making in this system.
What is happening in Peru, Panama, Mexico City, and Tucumán reflects the same direction: hydroponics is advancing as a tool to produce more with less, supported by partnerships, training, and science. With social projects, training, and applied trials, the sector is consolidating a path where water efficiency, clean food and scalability They cease to be promises and become reality.
