CityGreens Hydroponics - Blog #nft channelsCityGreens Hydroponics - Blog #nft channelshttps://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/tag/nft-channelsSat, 11 Apr 2026 09:00:52 +0530http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[How to choose the best NFT channel for your hydroponics system?]]>https://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/post/how-to-choose-the-best-nft-channel-for-your-hydroponics-systemIn this blog, we will understand some of the key factors that need to be considered when choosing the NFT channel or gully for your hydroponics farm.]]>

An NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) channel is a component of a hydroponic system that provides a narrow, shallow channel or trough for growing plants. The channels are typically made from different kinds of plastic and are designed to hold a thin film of nutrient-rich water that flows continuously over the plant's roots.


In this blog, we will understand some of the key factors that need to be considered when choosing the NFT channel or gully for your hydroponics farm.

1. Material

The NFT channel should be made of a durable, food-grade material that can withstand exposure to nutrient solutions and sunlight.

NOTE: Using PVC pipes and C-PVC pipes is not good as they have lead and chlorine as stabilising materials respectively. These can leach into the nutrient solution and can be absorbed by plants.

2. Maintenance & Cleaning

NFT channels will have algae, and some debris & need cleaning after every harvest cycle to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and pathogens.


An openable channel is good to maintain & clean. But wait, are all openable channels the same?

Some bad NFT channel designs, though they are openable!

Cleaning and sterilising the entire NFT hydroponic system is a must after every harvest cycle because of the algae and different kinds of debris. When the channels are either not openable or very difficult to open, the entire cleaning process becomes too labour-intensive. This impacts the cost of the operations and delays the start of the next crop cycle.

What can be the best design?

3. Size & Depth

The NFT channel should be wide enough to provide adequate growing space for the plants, but not so wide that the nutrient solution becomes too shallow. The depth of the channel is dependent on the variety of plants you grow.
Ideal depth of NFT channel for growing different plants
1. 50mm for lettuces and exotic crops.
2. 65mm for growing Indian greens like spinach, amaranthus, methi etc.
3. 100mm for plants like strawberries

Overall, when choosing the NFT channel for your hydroponics system, consider the material with which the channels are made (prefer a channel made of plastic which is both lead-free and food-grade). Always opt for a channel that can be both opened and closed very easily to make the process less labour-intensive. Finally make sure to use the correct size of NFT channel based on the crops you intend to grow to reduce your capital cost.


]]>Wed, 03 May 2023 17:00:00 +0530<![CDATA[Comparing Two NFT Hydroponic Technologies, Horizontal Beds and Vertical A-Frames.]]>https://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/post/how-to-choose-the-best-nft-channel-for-your-hydroponics-system2In this blog, we will understand some of the key factors that need to be considered when choosing the NFT channel or gully for your hydroponics farm.]]>

Horizontal NFT

Horizontal NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponics is a type of hydroponic system where plants are grown in a flat, shallow trough or channel filled with a thin film of nutrient-rich water. The plants are suspended above the water, and the roots are exposed to the flowing nutrient solution. The water is recirculated through the system, delivering nutrients to the plant's roots and flowing back into a reservoir.

A-Frame NFT

A-frame NFT hydroponics is a type of hydroponic system where plants are grown on angled frames in a vertical arrangement. The frames are typically arranged in an "A" shape, hence the name A-frame. The plants are grown in channels on the angled surfaces of the frames, and a thin film of nutrient-rich water flows over the roots of the plants.

Differences Between Horizontal NFT & Vertical A-Frame Structures.

1. Sunlight

In the case of horizontal NFT units, all the plants receive the same amount of sunlight, and the growth is even. You can see in the above image that all the plants that belong to the same batch are grown uniformly, as the sunlight is even on all plants.

In A-frame structures, only the top levels get sufficient sunlight. The lop-level plants cast a shadow on the lower-level plants resulting in reduced growth. You can see the same in the above picture where basil grown in the bottom levels is not as big as compared to the ones on the top level.

2. Growth of Plants.

As discussed in the above point, all plants in the H-bed receive light uniformly and adequately. Hence the growth of every plant in the H-bed is optimum and uniform. But in the case of an A-frame structure, only the top-level plants are grown to their full capacity and the lower levels exhibit reduced growth due to their increased competition for light and space.
To avoid this, in an A-frame structure you can choose to grow small-height plants.

3. Number of Plants

Due to vertical orientation, you can have up to 20 % more plants in A-frames compared to horizontal hydroponic structure.

4. Kind of Plants to Choose

Horizontal beds are suitable for taller plants like basil, kale, swiss chard, spinach, etc. You can also grow small-height plants in these beds. 

A-frames are suitable for growing small-height plants like baby spinach, lettuces, parsley, rocket, celery, coriander, tot soi etc.

5. Air Circulation


]]>Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0530<![CDATA[How much does it cost to set up a Hydroponic NFT Farm in 1 Acre in India]]>https://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/post/cost-hydroponic-nft-farm-indiaCost of setting up NFT structure in a Hydroponic Farm in one Acre]]>

Update: May 2021


The below blogpost was written in 2019. The orientation covered here is horizontal tables (H Frames) which fits in 10,584 meters of NFT channels in 1 Acre. With our continuous research and effort to increase productivity, we have now moved to flat bed system that allows for 13,152 meters of NFT channel in 1 Acre (approx. 25% improvement in productivity). 


Further, though the concept and underlying principles remain the same, the pricing changes year on year. Do add an inflation of 8% to 10% year on year to arrive at current prices. We have updated the summary figures to reflect 2021 pricing below in green colour.


We have updated the summary figures to also include the pricing for NFT flat-bed orientation. The changes are captured below in green colour.

Original Post Follows

Last week, we had covered the cost for setting up a polyhouse in an area of one Acre and arrived at a figure of between 28 L to 48 L (32L to 55L in 2021). This week, we will try to arrive at a ballpark figure for setting up the hydroponic grow structures. 


Before we jump into the cost of the hydroponic structure, we should first decide on which particular hydroponic technology will best serve our purpose, i.e., grow excellent quality healthy crops. The crops that we would want to grow will eventually decide which growing structure we should use. 

On a macro level, we can categorize the hydroponic vegetables into two baskets.

Low Height Crops

Fast turnover, low shelf-life, low height crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, coriander, rocket, parsley, etc.


For leafy greens, the generally used choices are Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Water Culture (DWC), and Ebb & Flow (E&F).

Tall Growing Crops

Slow turnover, better shelf-life, tall-growing crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, other vine crops, etc.


For vine crops, the preferred mode globally is the recirculating dutch bucket system. Other alternative is using grow bags with coco-peat or other inert media.

For the scope of today's article, we will focus on the cost of setting up a Hydroponic NFT system in one acre. 

NFT Channels

NFT channels are long gullies made from food-grade plastic. The commercial variants come primarily in a rectangular shape. You may also come across many DIY home projects using the circular plumbing pipes. If you go for a circular tube, do ensure that you buy a food-grade CPVC pipe and not the regular plumbing pipes, used for drain fittings. 


Since we are talking about setting up a farm in one acre, for the scope of this article, we will only cover commercial NFT channels. To determine the cost of NFT channels, we should first figure out the length of channels that we will need. Let us try to arrive at the same scientifically.

NFT Channel length for one acre

To get maximum yield, we will try to determine the maximum length of the NFT channel that we can practically fit into 1 Acre. 1 Acre is approximately 4,046 sq M, or 43,560 sq Feet. If we assume a perfect square site, that would be approx. 63 M each side. The entire space will not be usable for us. The boundary spacing, nutrient tanks, control unit, and structure walls, etc. will occupy some of this space. For simplicity's sake, let us assume a usable area of 3,600 sq M (60x60). Also, we will assume a horizontal bench-type layout of NFT channels in a single level instead of vertical or A-frame design to keep the calculations simple. 


The first step in this exercise is to calculate how many benches of Horizontal NFT Frames can we fit in the given area. Think of these benches like a standard classroom desk. The classroom is of size 60x60 M, and each desk is a hydroponic NFT frame. The desks are arranged into different rows and columns within the classroom. We will now try to calculate the number of distinct rows and columns that can fit within our 60x60 M classroom. However, before we can do that, we need to determine the size of the desk and the spacing required between different rows and columns.

Frame size for Horizontal NFT layout

To be able to tend to the plants, we should restrict the single bench width to approx. 4 to 5 feet so that an average human being can tend to the plants from either side. Also, The inter-bench spacing should allow sufficient walking/working space for a couple of workers/visitors between the two hydroponic NFT frames. As such, let us keep the spacing between two benches to be two feet. For the length part, we will go with the maximum length in which the channels come, which is 6 m. Using the above numbers, we can fit 252 NFT frames in a one-acre size.

NFT Channel length required for 1 Acre Hydroponic Farm

The next step is to figure out the number of channels in each frame. While deciding on this parameter, it is vital to understand the spacing needs and spread for the crop you plan to grow. Each plant should get sufficient light and space to produce foliage. This number would vary from crop to crop. 


Additionally, one would also need to take into account the size of the NFT channel and the spacing across both lateral as well as longitudinal dimension. Covering science behind this is beyond the scope of this article. Let us work with an average case number of 7 channels per bench (ideal case in specific crops may be + - 1). For 252 frames, the total number of channels we will use will be 1,764. At each channel length of  6 m, the total length of NFT channels will come at 10,584 meters.

For flat-bed orientation for a mixed farm, this figure would be13,152 meters.

NFT Channels cost for 1 Acre

At these volumes, the NFT channels may cost anywhere between 200₹ to 320₹ per meter at the going rates in 2019. The covered channels will cost less while the two-part channels (with openable top lid and separate base channel) will cost more. Further, the price will vary based on the grade of material used, thickness, whether it is lead-free or not, etc. 

Closed lid or fixed NFT channels can cost around 23 L for 1 Acre (35L for Flat-bed)
2 part or open lid NFT channels can cost around 32 L for 1 Acre (48L for Flat-bed)

In addition to the cost of NFT channels, there will be additional costs towards End-caps for these channels, plumbing connections, the stand or frame to support NFT channels, labor, and service charges of the experts that you will engage in the installation, etc. These all components may look small but when added in its entirety, can easily set you back by another 15L (30L at 2021 pricing - 25% more connections due to higher farm capacity + irrigation system (tanks and motors) included).

Thus, overall, an NFT channel based Hydroponic set-up in 1 Acre can cost approx. 38 L to 46 L (65L to 78L for flat-bed) for the NFT structure set-up. 

Based on the information that we have considered so far, a one acre Hydroponic NFT farm can cost between 66 L and 94 L (97L and 133L) for setting up the polyhouse and the NFT structure. Now we need to consider the third major head of cost which is towards technology, automation, and making this farm work. We will cover this component in one of the future articles. Till then


HappyFarming!

]]>Sat, 14 Jul 2018 05:05:59 +0530<![CDATA[Setting up a DWC Hydroponics System in 1 Acre in India - The Cost Dynamics]]>https://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/post/cost-hydroponic-nft-farm-india1Cost of setting up NFT structure in a Hydroponic Farm in one Acre]]>

Update: May 2021


The below blogpost was written in 2019. Though the concept and underlying principles remain the same, the pricing changes year on year. Do add an inflation of 8% to 10% year on year to arrive at current prices. We have updated the summary figures to reflect 2021 pricing below in green colour.

Today's topic is a little complex, as when it comes to DWC Hydroponics, the cost dynamics can vary a lot depending upon the way one chooses to implement this technology.


Unlike an NFT, or Dutch Buckets, or Vertical tower system, which is pretty consistent in terms of equipment requirements and costs, a DWC system, offers a multitude of options when it comes to the choice of structural design and layout. These different options can lead to a wide variation in costs.


This article assumes that the reader is aware of the basic concepts of Deep Water Culture or DWC. Similar cost dynamics will apply for 'Kratky' method of Hydroponics (barring the cost towards Air Pumps).


Choice of DWC Structure

The following is not a scientific classification, but for a layman's understanding, we will group the multitude of DWC structures into two classes.

Floating Lid System

    in this kind of system, the bottom tray stores the nutrient solution. The top cover floats over the nutrient solution. It is the top lid that supports the crops. The roots of the plants remain immersed in the Nutrient Solution at all times.


    The adjoining image shows Kale growing in a floating lid DWC system in CityGreens Research Centre in Ahmedabad.

Fixed Lid System

    in this system, the cover remains fixed at the top of the tray (instead of floating over the nutrient solution). As the nutrient level decreases in the tray, the roots grow downwards to be able to continue to draw the nutrients. This design will leave the upper part of the roots in the air (using which plant can draw Oxygen) and the lower part in water (using which plant can draw water and nutrients).


    Adjoining image shows Spinach growing in a fixed lid DWC system in CityGreens Research Centre in Bangalore.

Grow area inside 1 Acre

The above two structures are ok for a small or hobby set-up. When setting up a 1 Acre farm, instead of buying trays and trying to operate them in isolation, one can go for creating connected DWC channels on the ground. 


Let us now try to identify the amount of space that can be utilized for DWC set-up in 1 Acre. For this calculation, we will go back to last week's article about setting up an NFT Hydroponics farm in 1 Acre. From that article, we will work with 29 growing columns of width 1 m each. However, unlike in NFT, we are not restricted by the standard size of NFT channels. Thus, instead of 48 m of row length, we can use, let us say, 56 meters (leaving 2 m on either end).


This design gives us an approximate growing area of 1,624 sq M (=29x56). One can increase the growing area by reducing the generous spacing between consecutive columns (which we have kept at 1m to enable a couple of persons to be able to walk through / work together). However, to maintain consistency in this series, we will work with an inter-column spacing of 1 m.

DWC Structure cost for 1 Acre

The image shows a representation of how DWC channels can look like if built in concrete.

Creating such a structure may cost between ₹1,400 to ₹1,600 per sq M at the going rates. As such, creating the DWC channels in one acre may require between 23 L to 26 L (28L to 32L in 2021).


Further, there will be costs towards air pumps, plumbing, stirrers, sensors, and other equipment to ensure the optimal distribution of nutrients in the DWC channels. To maintain consistency, let us keep this number at 15 L (25L in 2021), like in the NFT example (including the cost of servicing agency).


Thus, overall a DWC Hydroponic set-up in 1 Acre can cost approx. 40 L (53L to 57L in 2021) for the DWC structure set-up.

As clarified in last week's cost, PN that:-

    1. It does not include cost towards the outer structure that we had covered here.
    2. It does not include the cost towards automation and the nutrient supply system, which we will cover at a later date.
    3. The above is an average case scenario; these will differ from cases to case and site to site.

Happy Farming!
]]>Sat, 14 Jul 2018 05:05:59 +0530