Revolutionizing urban farming with GrowPod’s smart micro-farms

In this episode of Food Frontiers, we spoke with Mr. Subhajit Sinha, the Founder of GrowPod, a company that’s reshaping agriculture with urban farming. GrowPod is a consumer brand under NATUREX AI that promotes food security, urban farming, and access to healthy, nutritious, pesticide-free food for all via micro-farms.

Through this conversation, we explore the challenges and opportunities in hydroponic farming, the role of AI-driven solutions in urban agriculture, and how GrowPod is making sustainable food production more accessible. Mr. Sinha shares his insights on the future of urban farming, the impact of smart technologies, and practical advice for aspiring agripreneurs.

IBT: What inspired you to start GrowPod, and how does it address urban food farming and the demand for healthy, pesticide-free food?

Subhajit Sinha: We started GrowPod about a year and a half ago, driven by two critical challenges: urban foo security and access to healthy, pesticide-free food. As cities continue to expand and populations grow, traditional farming struggles to meet the demand for fresh produce due to limitations such as land scarcity, water shortages, and climate change.

GrowPod was created to address these issues by focusing on urbanization, food safety concerns, and sustainability. Our concept revolves around micro-farming, enabling direct-to-consumer households, corporate spaces, canteens, and individuals to grow their own food conveniently.

IBT: How does hydroponic farming compare to traditional agriculture in terms of efficiency, resource management, and yield quality?

Subhajit Sinha: Hydroponic farming is an age-old technology, dating back to the 1800s in Babylon. Compared to traditional farming, hydroponics offers several advantages across multiple parameters.

Firstly, hydroponic farming enables plants to grow 30-50% faster. Secondly, it is highly resource-efficient, using up to 90% less water than traditional farming. Additionally, it eliminates the need for fertile soil, as plants grow in nutrient-rich water. Another major benefit is the minimal to zero use of pesticides or herbicides, as crops are grown in a controlled environment.

In terms of yield, hydroponic farming produces 2-3 times more output than traditional methods due to optimized nutrient delivery and maintenance. Moreover, its environmental impact is significantly lower. Since food is grown hyper-locally—often within homes or nearby spaces—transportation is minimized, reducing the carbon footprint of food production and consumption.

IBT: What are the key challenges you have faced while implementing this technology?

Subhajit Sinha: Hydroponics is still an emerging industry in India, currently in its infancy. One of the biggest challenges is knowledge accessibility. While many people have heard of hydroponic farming, few understand the correct processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) required for successful implementation.

Another challenge is the initial capital expenditure, which is higher compared to traditional farming. Hydroponic setups require specific infrastructure investments to ensure proper yield and efficiency. To bridge these gaps, we introduced the micro-farm concept, integrating hydroponics into lifestyle solutions and STEM education. By exposing children to hydroponic farming at an early age—similar to practices in the U.S. and Europe—we aim to cultivate awareness and adoption. Additionally, we conduct webinars, podcasts, and educational programs to further inform consumers.

IBT: What advice would you give to individuals or entrepreneurs interested in starting their own hydroponic or urban farming ventures?

Subhajit Sinha: There is a wealth of online information available, which is a good starting point. However, I strongly recommend enrolling in properly vetted courses on vertical farming and hydroponics. Additionally, choosing the right vendor or knowledge partner is critical for success.

For those looking to scale their operations, collaborating with professional players who specialize in hydroponic farming can provide the necessary expertise in farm setup and management.

IBT: What role do AI and technology play in GrowPod’s systems, and how do you see them shaping the future of urban farming?

Subhajit Sinha: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) have become industry standards, though access to such technologies was limited just five years ago. At GrowPod, we integrate sensors and automated controls to simplify the farming process. Our system provides a seamless experience, enabling users to grow food with minimal effort.

Users simply plant the seed pods provided by us, select the crop type through our mobile app, and press ‘start.’ From there, the system manages lighting, irrigation, and nutrient distribution automatically. This ensures optimal growth even if the user is away from home. The ultimate goal of our technology is to guarantee a successful harvest in one to two months while making the process hassle-free.

IBT: With emerging hydroponic startups in the market, what innovations set GrowPod apart from other urban farming solutions?

Subhajit Sinha: The hydroponics industry in India is still in its early stages, unlike Western Europe and Singapore, where the technology is more developed. While several solutions exist globally, end-to-end hydroponic systems tailored for the Indian subcontinent are still rare.

There are barriers in terms of customer awareness and expansion, but as education around hydroponics improves, we expect broader adoption. By providing a comprehensive solution that integrates smart farming technologies with consumer education, we aim to bridge this gap and promote sustainable urban farming.

IBT: What steps are you taking to make GrowPod more affordable and accessible, especially for middle- and lower-income households?

Subhajit Sinha: One of our major initiatives is the launch of DIY hydroponic setups for home use. These systems incorporate the same IoT and AI technology as our larger models but are priced affordably between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000.

In terms of output, a single GrowPod setup can yield produce worth ₹5,000-₹6,000 per month. This means users can break even on their investment in five to six months. We are also making these products available on Amazon, Flipkart, and other direct-to-consumer e-commerce platforms to increase accessibility.

IBT: What impact has GrowPod had so far, and how are you responding to customer feedback?

Subhajit Sinha: Since launching our sales cycle last month, we have installed around 15 units. The impact has been significant in two key areas. First, consumers now have direct access to fresh, pesticide-free food, promoting healthier eating habits. Second, the environmental benefits are notable—growing food locally reduces carbon emissions from transportation and contributes to urban decarbonization.

Additionally, GrowPods act as natural air purifiers. A single unit in a living room can function like having 100 plants, improving indoor air quality by absorbing pollutants like carbon dioxide and particulate matter. These benefits align with global climate action efforts, making GrowPod not just a food solution but also an eco-friendly lifestyle enhancement.