This method of farming helps the plants to grow at a very fast rate- approximately 50 percent faster than they can grow under normal circumstances. Added to this, fresh produce can also be harvested throughout the year in this set-up. There is a stark difference between hydroponics (soil-less gardening) and conventional soil gardening.

It is ideal for the environment and growing plants, which almost but completely removes the requirement for things like insecticides, herbicides, or even pesticides.

Perhaps the best part is that any water that is used in the gardening setup remains in the system and can be completely reused.

Yes, you can set up a small Hydroponic system on your terrace, balcony or in your garden/greenhouse easily.

There are various types of at-home setups to choose from (learn more here) along with various sellers providing different types of plantation setups starting up from Rs. 4000 for 18 plant NFT setup. You can check out one such provider here

The cost depends on a number of factors. The estimated cost can be shared post-selection of crop and crop growing schedule. The cost ranges from 10K to 50K, depending on the level of automation of the system for a small hydroponic system (18 – 250 plant setup) which won’t take more than 10 to 100 Sq.M. of space.

Whereas commercial hydroponics systems are built over 1 to 5 acres of land & the cost of investment can go up to Rs. 2 cr based on the level of automation & climate-controlled technology used. 

Given that Hydroponics is a new age technology that is fast becoming a new trend and source of investment, the profitability margins are huge with virtually no exact limit. 

Depending on the volume and size of the farm, and other market-related factors, one can drive a positive return on investment from 6 months to 2 years.

National Horticulture Board & NHM are the agency where you could get subsidies on the protected structure.

However the Govt. is considering bringing hydroponics under a subsidy scheme in the future.