Is Hydroponics and GMO Inter-related?

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

So, due to all this hesitation and skepticism about GMOs, other methods of growing food in an “unnatural” environment are also put under the microscope. Today, we shall talk about GMOs and Hydroponics.

Is Hydroponics and GMO related in any kind?

First of all, HYDROPONICS means no GMOs, they simply aren’t allowed under Hydroponics production.

I personally dislike GMOs not because of any human health issues in their consumption, my concern is that their release endangers the international commons of open-pollinated seed pools and the communities relying on these seeds who didn’t get any say in the GMO development and release process.

The companies selling the products cash in big time, while potentially taking away the livelihood and rights of impacted communities.

Genetically Modified crops are designed to withstand pesticides, therefore more pesticides are used. While Hydroponics, for example is a method of growing plants, vegetables, and fruits in a very controlled, soil free environment.

This systems rely on nutrient solutions to provide all of the plant nutrition; they usually rely on refined mineral fertilizers. The system may rely on sunlight, either outdoors or in a greenhouse, or it may use artificial lighting.

Hydroponic systems can result in higher yields in shorter growing times, because every aspect of growing can be controlled. It can be grown anywhere, in soilless, and the result is in better crop quality, and using traditional hydroponic nutrient solutions reduces the probability of bacteria-transmitted diseases. Hydroponic systems do not use manure like grow in soil which is a potential source of bacterial contaminants. Because all the required nutrients are supplied in controlled amounts, many growers argue that hydroponic vegetables are more nutritious than traditionally grown crops, including organic crops.

While there is no soil used in hydroponics, a system that uses microbial activity to produce the plant nutrients can meet certified organic standards. Such a system has been developed using the nutrient film technique (NFT).

Both hydroponic and organic gardens are more environmentally friendly than traditional gardens. Organic growers use only natural methods of pest control, while most hydroponic gardeners reduce pest problems by growing crops indoors and avoiding infested garden soils. Hydroponic gardeners may choose to use natural pest control or traditional chemicals when needed.

Secondly, do we really want chemical companies controlling our food? NO. The only correlation there is money, not health. Current GMOs are corn, soy, canola, sugar beets, cotton, rice, potatoes, peas, dairy products, papaya, some zucchini and yellow crookneck squash, and alfalfa (cattle feed).

Hydroponics seeds are always Non-GMO. These are all simple changes that can be done to keep you and I GMO free. Together, we will make a difference.

Many countries in the Middle East do not have the privilege of land so have to go with Hydroponics (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar to mention a few), you must take it that with the vast land we have in Nigeria and some African countries, Saudi Arabia still donate food to the Nigerian government during Ramadan!

Some states in the USA adopted Hydroponics because they do not have the privilege of good weather, the only see the Sun may be two months out of twelve calendar months, should they result to begging “No” they had to adopt hydroponics which simply means control of the weather through advanced technology by use of grow light which mimics the sun.

Hydroponics method of farming ensures food production all year round without depending on the rain or the sun, weather cold or hot, it doesn’t matter to this method.

Let us not take GMOs and Hydroponics has the same.

We should embrace Hydroponics and compliment with the conventional farming method like it is done many parts of Europe, East African and Israel.

We are open to any further questions, comments or opinions.

Yours in the garden Farm2Markt