What if someone took to a hobby so passionately that they swapped their IT office for a greenhouse, and the mouse and keyboard for hydroponic tubes and nutrient solutions? While it began as a curious interest on his terrace, growing a few chillies here and there, this man’s venture has turned into a thriving, tech-driven farming enterprise.
In Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Santhosh Kumar S carved out a unique niche for himself by doing exactly that! With over 20 years in the IT industry as a user experience designer, his passion for farming was not born from a family legacy but a chance personal experience.
“Eleven years ago, I was inspired to start farming after taking a few organic farming classes,” Santhosh, owner of FreshLeaves — a venture focused on growing microgreens and exotic plants through hydroponics, tells The Better India.
From terrace garden to cutting-edge hydroponic farm
Santhosh quickly realised that farming was more than a hobby to him. “Like a lot of people, I also started with organic farming on my terrace. The first thing I grew were chillies, and they turned out really well,” he says.
About six months later, he came across hydroponics, a method of growing plants in nutrient-rich water instead of soil and decided to start incorporating it into his little terrace farm. However, he faced a steep learning curve as hydroponic technology was still nascent in India. “In the beginning, there were barely any resources available. Most information on the internet was tailored to other countries, their climate, their soil,” he reflects.
Along with that, the humid climate of Kerala presented another obstacle. “Temperature control was a significant issue. It would often reach 38 degrees Celsius on my roof, so I had to protect my nutrient solution from heating up,” he shares.
Santhosh quickly turned to the internet, where he found a supplier in Bengaluru offering hydroponic nutrients. Using old plastic tubes and repurposed equipment, he set up his first hydroponic system. “It worked beautifully,” he says.
As his interest grew, he transformed his entire terrace garden into a full hydroponic setup. Three years ago, he took a major step forward by purchasing a 3,000 sq ft plot just 10 minutes from his home and office. Here, he installed a rain shelter and expanded his hydroponic operations on a larger scale.
However, during his first planting, he lost around 400 plants when the nutrient solution overheated. This experience highlighted the critical need for real-time monitoring in farming. “I realised I needed to know what was happening at all times,” Santhosh says.
To tackle this issue, he put his tech expertise to use, implementing open-source software to automate his farm’s operations. Now, equipped with advanced automation, the farm focuses on vine-type tomatoes, mint, spinach, microgreens, and more. This shift not only saved him time by automating irrigation and weeding but also allowed him to spend more quality moments with his family. “I work full time, so to be able to manage everything is a big deal for me,” he shares.
Santhosh integrated technology by installing sensors and probes to monitor key parameters like temperature, humidity, light intensity, and water temperature. The collected data feeds into a microcomputer, providing him with a real-time dashboard accessible from his phone or laptop.
“Once I got the data, I could analyse it and make necessary adjustments remotely,” he explains, adding that he was able to control systems like nutrient solution flow and sprinklers based on any temperature changes.
Making hydroponics accessible to all
The hydroponic technology Santhosh employs allows for efficient water usage, saving up to 80 percent compared to traditional farming. The system circulates nutrient-rich water, giving plants direct access to minerals in their purest form. Even the roots of the plants don’t grow too far because they get all the necessary nutrients, water and oxygen right in the water channels.
“We provide particular nutrient solutions to particular plants according to their needs. This also makes them grow faster and stronger,” he explains, highlighting the benefits of his method.
Santhosh does acknowledge that not everyone adopts hydroponics due to the initial setup costs and the need for technical knowledge. “Many people are interested, but they lack the understanding required to run the systems effectively,” he admits.
To bridge this gap, he started a YouTube channel aimed at educating urban people who wish to grow their own food but don’t have the time and space. “I want to make this knowledge accessible, so people can learn about nutrient and crop management in an easy-to-understand format,” he says.
Santhosh also designs compact hydroponic systems that can be assembled on-site, making it easier for beginners and children to learn about the process. “Some of these systems are already in the market, and they allow for simple, effective gardening — especially for urban settings,” he explains.
All his farming activities, research, and products are branded under ‘FreshLeaves’. By making hydroponics accessible, FreshLeaves also aims to inspire a community that values fresh produce and sustainable practices.
Santhosh’s work towards farming automation didn’t go unnoticed. He won the 2023 State Farm Award for innovation in agriculture — a recognition that validated his efforts in creating a scalable solution suitable for various farming methods.
Santhosh’s journey from an IT professional to a successful farmer showcases the potential when technology is combined with traditional practices. For those looking to innovate in agriculture, his journey proves that with passion, knowledge, and the right tools, anyone can cultivate their dreams — one plant at a time!
To check Santhosh’s YouTube Channel, click here.
Edited by Pranita Bhat; All Image courtesy Santhosh Kumar S.
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