Controlled Environment Hydroponic Research and Development Centre - Transforming Agriculture: Hydroponics for Year-round High-Quality Crops

The Controlled Environment Hydroponic Research and Development Centre (the Centre), a collaborative effort between the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Vegetable Marketing Organization, is leading the way in advanced hydroponic techniques.

Established in 2013, the Centre serves as a dynamic platform, showcasing state-of-the-art hydroponic technologies to industry professionals and potential investors. Through continuous research, strategic partnerships with academic institutions, and innovative practices, the Centre is revolutionizing the industry and ensuring a consistent supply of exceptional hydroponic crops year-round.

Furthermore, the Centre actively engages with students and the public through exhibitions, workshops, and guided tours, fostering education and attracting young talents to pursue careers and research in this field. This engagement not only expands the market but also contributes to the growth of the industry. The Centre’s second phase, launched in 2022, is dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge hydroponic cultivation techniques and facilities. It aims to facilitate knowledge transfer, foster agricultural technology exchange, and enhance the industry’s competitiveness.

Hydroponic Agricultural Technology Transcending Environmental Constraints

Hydroponic cultivation has two main categories: greenhouse-based and fully controlled indoor systems. By harnessing fully controlled indoor systems, hydroponic cultivation transcends environmental limitations. With precise control over temperature, humidity, nutrients, carbon dioxide levels, and light intensity, crops thrive regardless of seasons, pests, or diseases. This sustainable approach minimizes the need for pesticides and maximizes land usage through multi-layer systems. Ideal for urban areas and regions with limited land resources, hydroponics improves production efficiency and overall yield. Furthermore, energy-efficient plant growth lights, nutrient recycling systems, and insulation techniques contribute to eco-friendly, low-energy consumption practices.

Unleashing Potential with Mobile Hydroponic Cultivation System

The second phase of the Hydroponic Centre introduces an innovative solution: Mobile Hydroponic Cultivation System. These mobile racks optimize space utilization and production efficiency by allowing the installation of additional cultivation racks within limited workspaces. By expanding the cultivation floor area, crop yield is significantly increased. The racks also incorporate a remote-control system for real-time environmental monitoring and management, reducing labor costs and enhancing operational convenience.

Easy Access for Hydroponic Consumers

For consumers seeking hydroponically grown agricultural products, convenience is key. The “Local Fresh” 2.0 App and website offer a seamless ordering experience. Alternatively, a physical store located in D Park Tsuen Wan provides a hands-on shopping experience. With these accessible retail channels, hydroponic enthusiasts can effortlessly access their desired produce.

Enquiries

✉ cehrdc@afcd.gov.hk

🌐 www.iveggie.com.hk

Local Farmers Provide High-Quality Agricultural Products to Consumers Using Innovative Hydroponic cultivation Techniques and Facilities

HYDROGRO

Located in Ta Kwu Ling, Hydrogro harnesses the power of hydroponic methods within a sprawling greenhouse spanning over 10,000 square feet. Specializing in tomato cultivation, the farm offers a diverse range of varieties, including 4 types of cherry tomatoes as well as 8 to 10 varieties of Heirloom tomatoes and beefsteak tomatoes. With an average yield of approximately 400 kilograms per week, Hydrogro is committed to delivering high-quality produce.

Setting itself apart, Hydrogro Farm takes a natural approach to ripening its tomatoes, the farm carefully controls the ambient temperature, allowing the tomatoes to ripen naturally on the vine. This method not only enhances the texture and flavor of the tomatoes but also releases a delightful aroma from the tomato stems, adding an extra sensory dimension to the eating experience.

Product Categories

Tomatoes - Cherry Tomatoes, Heirloom Tomatoes
Microgreens - Red Amaranth, Mustard, Purple Pak Choi, Kale, Pea, Basil Cress, Coriander Cress, Green Amaranth, Broccoli Cress, Corn Shoot
Specialty Herbs - Nasturtium leaf, Dill Leaf, Red Sorrel, Lemon Balm, Pepper Mint, Purple Lucky Sorrel, Autumn Lucky Sorrel
Edible Flowers - Seasonal Mix, Viola, Pansy, Dianthus, Oxalis Flower, Pentas, Marigold, Gomphrena, Calendula, Borage, Sweet Alyssum, Begonia, Cornflower, Nasturtium, Dill, Gypsophila, Garlic Chives Flower, Dahlia, Tagete, Stock, Sichuan Button, Blue Butterfly, Forget-me-not, Linaria

FULL NATURE FARMS

Full Nature Farms, situated in Kwai Chung, is a leading vertical farming facility that embraces biomimicry farming techniques and leverages the power of Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) to cultivate microgreens, herbs, and edible flowers. By revitalizing industrial building spaces, the farm creates optimal cultivation environments for producing high-quality crops.

Utilizing aquaponics, the farm converts fish waste into nutrients for plant growth. Fish that are fed organic fish feed produce ammonia and solid waste, which are then nitrified and decomposed into soluble nutrients for irrigation. Excess water is recirculated back to the fish tank, ensuring the sustainable utilization of resources.