Hydroponics: The Future of Efficient Crop Growth | Ryan Wu | TEDxYouth@YCYWShanghai

Industry Challenges & Opportunities - Traditional farming in Hong Kong faces challenges due to limited land (only 1.27% used as farmland) and high water import costs (20 million tons annually costing 200 million HKD) [1] - Hydroponics offers a revolutionary solution for efficient and sustainable crop cultivation with minimal resources [2] - Brownfield lands in Hong Kong present an opportunity for conversion into vertically spread greenhouses for hydroponics [8][9] Hydroponics Advantages - Hydroponics allows precise adjustment of pH values and nutrients for optimal plant growth [5] - Hydroponics has a high water efficiency, with about 90% of the water being reused [5] - Hydroponics can be set up vertically or in a compacted way, saving space [6] Comparative Analysis - Netherlands, despite its small size (41,850 square kilometers, one-quarter of Guangdong), produces 54 tons of vegetables per hectare, exceeding the US and China [6] - Hong Kong has a population density nearly 13 times higher than the Netherlands, suggesting hydroponics could maximize food production to meet shortages [8] Implementation & Call to Action - Setting up hydroponics is remarkably simple, requiring minimal materials [3] - Individuals can start hydroponics at home to inspire wider adoption and promote self-sufficiency [11][12]