URBAN FARMING: Benguet farmer uses homemade hydroponic formula, growing plants with only water

A farmer-inventor in La Trinidad, Benguet, is making waves in the urban gardening industry after inventing a “hydroponic solution” that enables growing plants without the need for soil, just water. 

Fredie Ayawan, owner of an Agritech Integrated Farm, developed a kitchen hydroponics system powered by his own organic formula called “Hydropomin”—the first hydroponic solution mixture invented in his town. 

Said hydroponic formula allows plants to grow using a water-based nutrient solution instead of using traditional soil, making it ideal for urban settings for sustainable farming. The system provides all the essential minerals a plant needs for growth. 

In his interview with the media, Ayawan recounted how he invented his product back in 2020. According to him, he focused on blending hydroponic nutrients and discovered that plants can grow and thrive without the need for soil with the use of a nutrient-rich water solution. 

“Nag-focus ako sa pag-blend ng hydroponic nutrients, at dito ko rin na-try at natutunan kung paano palakihin ang ating mga halaman through hydroponics,” he shared. 

The Cordilleran farmer also explained that his product is simple and accessible, making it easy for beginners to use. 

“Bale itong hydroponics ay simple lang gamitin. Ihalo lang sa tubig ‘tsaka ilagay ‘yung halaman sa box na may halong hydropomin at tubig, pwede na silang lumaki. Hindi na didiligan, hintayin na lang mag-harvest. Ganoon lang kasimple,” he said.

Aside from traditional farmers, Ayawan said he wants to empower urban gardeners, especially as urbanization continues to reduce available agricultural lands. The solution he invented is perfectly designed to work in terraces, rooftops, and even indoor spaces, maximizing every inch for food production. 

“Kung titignan po natin dito sa komunidad po natin, almost po iyong space natin is nagiging commercialized na po. Ibig sabihin, iyong mga agricultural land natin is nagiging commercial building na. So, saan na tayo magpa-farm? Maybe 20 years from now, wala na tayong space,” he added, sharing his inspiration behind developing his product back in 2020. 

To bring his invention to the market, Ayawan collaborated with the Benguet State University Agri-based Technology Business Incubator/Innovation Center (BSU ATBI/IC). With support from the Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Science and Technology, his hydroponics was certified and registered as an official agricultural product. 

Through his product, Ayawan is helping drive meaningful change in the country’s agricultural sector by bringing innovation with sustainability and promoting a future where farming is possible for everyone, everywhere.