Sabanagrande producers adopt hydroponics to combat climate change

Producers in Sabanagrande, Francisco Morazán, are adopting hydroponic technology to combat climate variability and water scarcity. By combining traditional farming with high-tech protected crops, growers are able to produce vegetables and aromatic herbs year-round.

Moisés Abraham Molina, head of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG), emphasized that transforming agricultural practices is essential for resilience against climate change. Erasmo Josué Castro, a local producer, noted that while hydroponics requires high initial investment, it offers significant advantages regarding climate control, pest management, and product quality.

The technology also provides massive water savings. Traditional methods in the area used between 1,000 and 1,800 barrels of water daily, whereas hydroponic systems use approximately 15 to 20 barrels per protected structure due to water recirculation. Current products include various types of basil, oregano, mint, and escarole lettuce, with plans to expand into tomatoes and peppers. The produce is primarily distributed to national supermarkets such as Walmart and La Colonia.