Hydroponics is on its way stop being an “exotic” activity to become a productive alternative available to everyone. Since this Wednesday, national and international leaders have been sharing concerns about this innovative technique in Córdoba. cultivation without soilwhich is in full development in our country.
The First Hydroponics Congress of Argentina takes place in the Reforma Auditorium of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the National University of Córdoba.
Organized by the Argentine Hydroponic Association, the event included dissertations and discussions by experts who addressed different topics, such as development of hydroponics worldwide; advantages and features; innovations in technology; market and trading tools; costs; analysis and opportunity.
The closing of the event is scheduled for this Saturday, with a visit to the facilities of the hydroponic vegetable producer Midory Hydroponics.
“This meeting is the corollary of a work that we have been doing since 2022, with a group of producers from all over the country. It is a meeting space, to get to know each other, analyze the sector, acquire new knowledge and exchange experiences,” he said. Sergio Guillaumet, owner of Midory Hidroponia and president of the Argentine Hydroponic Association, organizer of the event.
With more than 20 years of experience in hydroponic cultivation, the businessman spoke about the current situation of hydroponics in Argentina. He presented data collected through a survey carried out by the entity in 2023. At that time 175 hydroponic producers were surveyed in the country, which currently would reach 250, according to the information handled by the association. Of that universe, 25 are from Córdoba, although it is estimated that the number is higher, given the development of the activity in recent years.
“In Argentina there is a great potential to continue developing and growing in hydroponics. We have to continue working to publicize all the advantages of using this technique, to popularize hydroponics in the country. As producers and leaders we will continue working so that there are more and more hydroponics producers, on the one hand, and on the other hand, encourage the consumption of this type of products,” he added.
He also highlighted the importance of a meeting like the one taking place in Córdoba, to strengthen training and training actions. “Almost 74% of producers start in the technique without prior knowledge, as was my case; Therefore, we must continue to provide training opportunities and promote creation of more greenhouses“, said.
The manager also stated that he also working towards greater diversification of production, which today is mainly concentrated in green leafy vegetables (lechuga and arugula).
Among the top-level exhibitors participating in the Congress, the Brazilian stood out Jorge Barcelos Oliveriacreator of the Hydroponics Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, who shared his experience in the neighboring country.
With a motivating message, the specialist analyzed the current situation in the sector and predicted great development and growth. In his presentation, titled “The Hydroponics, getting stronger”, valued the holding of a first congress in our country. And he remarked that “Hydroponics must be popularized”so that more people know the advantages of producing and consuming hydroponic products.
Among his recommendations he mentioned the need to review concepts and train. He also suggested that it is important for the sector to have small, medium and large companiesfor a better development of their potential.
In the schedule of that first edition, presentations by the most important representatives of hydroponics in South Americaas Elcio Steydin (Brazil) and Carlos Hidalgo (Peru)accompanied by the most prominent producers in Argentina, who will share their knowledge, experiences and projects.
There is also stands of the main companies in the sector, where the latest news and advances of their products and services.
