Aquaponic and hydroponic systems set the standard for alternative agriculture on a global scale because they offer growers a vast array of essential benefits for plant cultivation while minimizing potentially hazardous environmental effects. Hydroponics is the cultivation of plants without the use of soil. In the hydroponic growing system, the nutrient-rich aquatic solution is flushed through the plant's roots to provide the plant with the resources necessary for optimal growth. Aquaponics is another innovative method of soilless plant cultivation. Nevertheless, it differs slightly from hydroponics. Aquaponics combines hydroponic and aquaculture techniques. The aquatic solution delivers the essential nutrients for plant growth directly to the roots, where they can be efficiently absorbed, as opposed to the soil.
The higher yield of the technology is one of the main factors driving the expansion of the market. Aquaponic and hydroponic food production systems increase the productivity and efficiency of a field. Aquaponic systems require 10% less land and 5% less water for vegetable and fruit production and fish farming than conventional methods. These systems include controls for temperature, heat, and water. Consequently, food and crop production occur in a greenhouse or climate-controlled enclosure. Hydroponic systems offer a 25% higher yield than conventional farming methods, which produce more than five times as much as hydroponic systems. Growers recognize the higher yield of aquaponic and hydroponic systems as their awareness of their benefits increases.
Medicinal plants are valuable natural resources. Unplanned development and overexploitation of medicinal plants derived from unmanaged natural resources have resulted in a worldwide demand for a greater variety of spices and the extinction of many species. It is required to domesticate and cultivate these plants or to take other ex-situ and in-situ conservation measures for their long-term use to meet the rising demand for them. Due to emergencies, these plants prefer to be grown outside their native climate zones. The hydroponic and aquaponic techniques are indispensable for the cultivation of medicinal plants because crops are grown in a well-managed cultivation system regardless of the season or temperature. In addition, the system is impervious to external environmental factors, such as diseases and pests, because it is completely sealed and climate-controlled. Thus, cultivating medicinal plants can provide an excellent opportunity for market expansion.
Europe is the most significant global aquaponic and hydroponic systems and equipment market shareholder and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 13.40% during the forecast period. The European market for aquaponic and hydroponic systems and equipment generates substantial revenue. Aquaponic and hydroponic techniques contribute to the agriculture industry because they are integral components of indoor and vertical farming, gaining tremendous popularity in the region. In addition, the growing concern for food safety and security among the populace is one of the key factors propelling the growth of the aquaponics market in the region. This increases the demand for alternative agricultural practices in the region. This drives the development of the region's aquaponic and hydroponic systems and equipment market.
North America is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 16.10% over the forecast period. The high growth of North America's aquaponic and hydroponic industry can be attributed to the increased emphasis on alternative farming techniques and technological advancement. Aquaponics and hydroponics are an ideal solution to the region's food demand due to their capacity to produce high-quality, nutrient-dense crops close to urban centers, which can then be quickly transported to the market. In addition, numerous leading companies, such as Nelson & Pade Aquaponics, Backyard Aquaponics, and Aquaponics USA, are headquartered in the North American region, which is anticipated to experience significant growth. Significantly contributing to the market development in the North American region is the presence of research institutes working on developing alternative farming techniques.
The key global aquaponic and hydroponic systems and equipment market players are AmHydro, Aquaponic Lynx LLC, Argus Control Systems Limited, Colorado Aquaponics, ECF Farmsystems, BetterGrow Hydro, Endless Food Systems, general Hydroponics, Hydrodynamics International, GreenTech Agro LLC, Hydrofarm LLC, LivinGreen, Nelson & Pade Aquaponics, Pentair AES, Perth Aquaponics, Pegasus Agriculture, and UrbanFarmers AG.