Floating farms: A resilient future

India, a country predominantly reliant on agriculture, faces significant challenges from climate-induced disasters, particularly flooding. Over the past decade, floods have wreaked havoc on India’s agricultural sector, impacting millions of hectares of cropland and resulting in massive economic losses. Between 2010 and 2020 alone, the total estimated economic damage due to floods exceeded ₹50,000 crores ($6.8 billion).

In such a scenario, floating-bed agriculture emerges as a promising alternative to traditional land-based farming, especially in flood-prone and water-logged regions. This innovative method offers hope for achieving food security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability in the face of escalating climate challenges.

A recent paper explores the potential of floating-bed agriculture in India as a sustainable and resilient solution to the challenges of flooding and climate change.

Understanding floating-bed agriculture

Floating-bed agriculture, also known as “aquaponics” or “floating garden systems,” involves cultivating crops on buoyant platforms that float on water bodies such as lakes, rivers, or ponds. This technique enables farmers to grow crops in areas unsuitable for traditional farming due to prolonged waterlogging or lack of arable land. Materials such as water hyacinth, bamboo, and aquatic weeds are compressed and layered to create rafts that support plant growth.

A typical floating bed involves the following steps:

• Bed preparation: Water hyacinth or similar aquatic plants are collected and compressed to form the base.

• Decomposition: The top layers of the bed are allowed to decompose for 15–30 days, enriching the bed with nutrients.

• Seedling preparation: Seeds are planted in aquatic balls made from decomposed material.

• Plantation: Once the seedlings sprout, they are transferred to the floating beds.

• Harvesting: Crops are harvested, and the residue from the bed is recycled to create new beds.

Insights from the study

A systematic literature review was conducted to understand the global scenario of floating-bed agriculture and its potential applicability in India. The study followed the PRISMA framework and analysed 48 research articles published between 1997 and 2023. These articles were meticulously selected using reputable databases like Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The findings revealed key benefits such as increased crop yields and environmental sustainability, but also highlighted challenges, including the instability of floating beds and the vulnerability of crops to fungal diseases.

Global success stories

Floating-bed agriculture has a rich history in countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, where it has been practiced for centuries. For instance, Bangladesh’s “baira” system, recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization, has been practiced for over 300 years. Similarly, Vietnam’s Mekong Delta and the Philippines have implemented innovative floating-bed techniques to adapt to their unique climatic and geographic conditions. These countries’ experiences demonstrate the viability and potential of floating-bed agriculture as a sustainable farming practice.

Floating-bed agriculture in India

In India, floating-bed agriculture is still in its nascent stages but shows immense potential. It has been piloted in regions like Dal Lake (Jammu and Kashmir), Majuli Island (Assam), Kuttanad (Kerala), Loktak Lake (Manipur), and parts of Odisha. For example, in Majuli, a pilot project initiated by the South Asian Forum for Environment (SAFE) demonstrated the feasibility of cultivating vegetables on floating beds. Similarly, Dal Lake’s floating gardens, known as “shikaras,” have been a source of livelihood for local communities for decades.

Advantages of floating-bed agriculture

• Resilience to flooding: Floating beds rise and fall with water levels, making them resistant to flooding and waterlogging.

• Efficient land use: By utilising water bodies and marshy lands, floating-bed agriculture reduces dependence on terrestrial land.

• Enhanced crop yields: Nutrient-rich water and decomposed organic material provide an ideal environment for crop growth.

• Sustainability: This method promotes recycling of organic waste and reduces the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

• Livelihood opportunities: Floating-bed agriculture creates employment opportunities and supports community-based farming initiatives.

• Environmental benefits: Floating beds act as natural water filters, absorbing excess nutrients and pollutants from water bodies.

Suitable crops and cropping cycles

Floating-bed agriculture supports a variety of crops that can adapt to wetland conditions. Suitable crops include creeper plants like bottle gourd, bitter gourd, and cucumber, as well as leafy vegetables such as water spinach and amaranth. The cropping cycle is shorter than traditional farming, enabling multiple harvests in a single season. For instance, during the monsoon season (June to October), crops like water spinach and gourds thrive, while winter crops like mustard and cabbage are cultivated from November to March.

Comparative analysis: Traditional vs. floating-bed agriculture

Floating-bed agriculture offers several advantages over traditional farming methods:

Challenges and research gaps

Despite its potential, floating-bed agriculture in India faces several challenges:

• Scarcity of materials like water hyacinth in saline or tidal areas.

• Limited knowledge among farmers about constructing and maintaining floating beds.

• Susceptibility to fungal diseases, pests, and environmental stressors.

• High initial investment and maintenance costs deter widespread adoption.

• Lack of integration into national agricultural policies and climate adaptation plans.

Research gaps include the need for:

• Comprehensive studies on crop suitability and cropping cycles across different climatic zones.

• Long-term comparative analyses of floating-bed and traditional agriculture.

• Development of cost-effective and scalable floating-bed designs.

Strategic research plan for India

To address these challenges, a strategic research plan is essential:

• Conduct extensive field visits to assess current practices and challenges.

• Implement pilot projects tailored to local socio-economic and environmental conditions.

• Provide training programs for farmers and community members.

• Advocate for the inclusion of floating-bed agriculture in national climate adaptation strategies.

• Invest in research to develop low-cost, durable materials and innovative designs.

Floating-bed agriculture presents a viable solution to India’s agricultural challenges, particularly in flood-prone and water-logged regions. Its benefits extend beyond food security, encompassing environmental conservation, economic resilience, and community empowerment. However, its widespread adoption requires addressing existing challenges through targeted research, policy support, and community engagement. By learning from global practices and tailoring them to India’s unique conditions, floating-bed agriculture can become a cornerstone of sustainable farming and climate adaptation in the country.