Hydroponics, anyone?

Metro dwellers often bear the brunt of the high cost of vegetables during typhoons. In addition to the lean supply because of destroyed crops, what is left of it has to be transported to the city from very distant places, which contributes to doubling of its prices.

A seemingly inconceivable plan of urban farming is being proposed to ensure steady supply of affordable vegetables even in times of weather disturbances.

"Urban farming seems to have hope using the hydroponics technology," said Nathan Zulueta, president of the Quezon City Chamber of Commerce. Zulueta told The STAR that through this method of soil-less gardening where plants are cultivated in chemical nutrients the need for greater food production as the nation’s population increases will be feasible. In fact this technology which was pioneered by Dr. W. F. Gericke, of the University of California, was utilized successfully during World War II by US army units who had difficulty in transporting vegetables at various arid overseas bases, said Zulueta.

With the promise of soil-less agriculture where high yields of vegetables and flowers can be grown in surprisingly small areas, Zulueta endorsed the recently held workshop on hydroponics at the Nego-Eskuela compound in North Ave. by the Mother Earth Hydroponics.

Boy Guevarra conducted the workshop with the assistance of his trained agronomists. Guevarra has more than a decade of experience and training on hydroponics in Holland, US, and other parts of Europe. "This technology traces back in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon but it offers an alternative to contemporary farming considering the realities of our present environment," said Guevarra.

Guevarra is being referred to as the hydroponics guru for having trained thousands of Filipino farmers in this technology. Many of his students have become trainors themselves and successful farmers. He envisions that hydroponics will ensure vegetable source for every Filipino family, especially in the urban areas. " It is also a technology that can maximize yield in commercial farming, said Guevarra.

A free demonstration workshop will be held on Aug. 31 at Nego-Eskwela compound at North Ave. organized by Mother Earth Hydroponics. There will be greenhouses showcasing actual hydroponics technology and site visits to farms for the visitors to appreciate. A full blown seminar workshop is scheduled on Sept. 7 and 8. Interested parties may contact 9245111 or 09189057421.