INTRODUCTION

 

The Centre of Excellence, "Hydroponic Horticulture Training and Research Facility", a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing training and research in production of horticulture crops had been established at NSUT, Main Campus funded by Delhi Knowledge Development Foundation (DKDF) with a grant of ₹78,12,000, is poised to lead towards excellence in education and innovation.

 

The facility, covering an area of 709 square metres, boasts a state-of-the-art setup designed to accommodate various training and research activities. Key features include a classroom designed to accommodate 30 students for theoretical sessions on hydroponics, a polyhouse equipped with five distinct hydroponic systems tailored to different groups of horticultural plants, with  different kind of set ups and a dedicated area for plant germination. 

 

The primary goals of the Hydroponic Horticulture Facility are to establish a premier training and research hub, empower aspiring entrepreneurs and local farmers with the skills needed to set up, operate, and maintain hydroponic horticulture systems, focus on researching and developing innovative hydroponic cultivation methods for new horticultural crops, and build an ecosystem that significantly contributes to pollution control, water conservation, and the supply of fresh, healthy produce to the local community.

 

To support diverse learning needs, the facility offers various training programs, including a 2-day course providing an introduction to hydroponics and basic operational skills, a 1-week course offering in-depth training on hydroponic systems, nutrient management, and crop selection, and an 8-week course including comprehensive training with hands-on experience, advanced techniques, business planning, and maintenance strategies.

 

Objectives of the Hydroponics Horticulture and Training Facility at NSUT

 

1) To establish Hydroponics Training Facility.

2) To train ambitious entrepreneurs and local farmers to set up, operate and maintain hydroponic horticulture facility.

3) To research, design and develop suitable hydroponic cultivation system for new horticulture crops focusing Delhi, medicinal plants and exotic commercial crops for national/international market.

4) To build an ecosystem that will make significant contribution in controlling pollution, help conserve water and enable supply of fresh and healthy produce for local populace. 

5) To introduce UG and PG level Course in Hydroponics as foundation elective to empower them with a fast-growing entrepreneurial skill set.