INDUSTRY FEATURE FOCUS
Hydroponic Farming :
Pioneering Agriculture in the Fourth Industrial Revolution ( 4IR )
Entrepreneurs Awards on August 18th . Zandile emerged as the 2nd Runner Up in the small holder category , winning a prize of R30,000 .
When asked about her journey into hydroponic farming , Zandile reveals that it was a twist of fate . As a qualified Analytical Chemist , she had not initially envisioned her career taking this direction . Her introduction to hydroponic farming came through a friend already involved in this type of agriculture . Recognizing the minimal resources required to start the process , she decided to explore it further , leveraging her background in chemistry . She soon realized that this was her true calling .
“ I identified a gap that could meet the community ’ s needs . I discovered that I didn ’ t require vast plots of land or specific types of soil to cultivate healthy organic vegetables . I delved deeper into the science behind it , utilizing my chemistry background , and realized that this was indeed my path ,” said Zandile .
For millennia , the process of farming has remained unchanged , making it seem utterly absurd to envision cultivating organic plants without the use of soil . However , Zandile Kumalo is among the many farmers who have embraced the possibility of soil-less farming . As the CEO and Co-founder of the first Smart Vertical Hydroponic farm , she can attest to the potential of this cutting-edge technology in agriculture .
Hydroponic farming , as described by Agrifarming . in , is an agricultural method that involves growing plants in water instead of traditional soil . This innovative approach to farming is not only sustainable but also highly efficient .
Zandile operates two hydroponic farms , one located in the township of Sebokeng and another situated on the rooftop of the Morningside Shopping Centre . Both farms cater to niche
markets and supply esteemed establishments such as Signature Restaurants , Pomodoro Ristorante , Hussar Grill , Tashas , Food Lover ’ s Market , and local communities through open markets .
Her business provides employment opportunities for approximately 10 community members , many of whom join the business without formal training or education . Zandile offers them training , mentorship , and eventually integrates them into the casual labour force she provides .
Zandile ’ s work has garnered the attention of notable government departments , including the Department of Agriculture , Rural Development , and Environment . Agriculture , Land Reform , and Rural Development , in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture , Land Reform , and Rural Development , hosted the Women ’ s
Like any business , Zandile has faced several challenges in the industry . “ Most shopping centres in the country are constructed with zinc , with few built using concrete . Therefore , securing suitable space has always been a challenge . However , we ’ ve identified opportunities to utilize spaces within these shopping centres earmarked for waste , underutilized parking areas , and vacant spaces . Additionally , the ongoing energy crisis in our country presents a significant challenge , as we heavily rely on this energy source for plant growth ,” emphasized Zandile .
Her growth plans are straightforward : to scale up the business . The goal is to transition from being a small-scale farmer serving a limited clientele to becoming a large-scale farmer . She also aims to inspire more young people to join the ranks of hydroponic farming . Zandile calls on the youth to engage in the industry , emphasizing , “ There is tremendous potential for growth and expansion in the agricultural space . It ’ s not merely about land ; it ’ s a creative and technological industry . Young people should enter the industry with this mindset .”
34 | November - December 2023