Fodder for thought

Suited to the varied Indian climatic conditions and the water-stressed community, 8220;the Ayurvet Hydroponics Machine uses a controlled environment to ensure a high-value feed all year round,8221; says B.K. Gupta, the man behind the innovation and adviser to the RKGIT.

The fodder machine produces fresh, green, highly nutritional stock food regardless of the seasonal conditions. It works with wind/solar energy and grows fodder at a wider temperature and humidity range without fungal growth. As opposed to the globally desirable temperature range of 20-22 degree Celsius, 8220;we have developed a chamber where the temperature ranges between 15-32 degree Celsius. Seeds are soaked in ozonated water and the fodder is harvested on the seventh day, against the 30-45 days by conventional method,8221; says Gupta.

The system requires 300 sq ft of land for producing 1,000 kg of fodder against the 2,700 sq ft required otherwise. Besides, producing 1 kg of hydroponic fodder would require three litres of water, whereas the conventional method uses 80 litre/kg. The fodder is also free of contamination compared to the conventional one.