"Artisanal production and economic viability of hydroponic fodder in Peruvian family farming, [Producción artesanal y viabilidad económica del forraje hidropónico en la agricultura familiar peruana]"

Abstract

"This study analyzes the production of hydroponic green fodder (HGF) from corn as a sustainable alternative for animal feed in family farming in Piura, Peru, a region affected by drought and pasture scarcity. The objective was to evaluate the productive and economic viability of artisanal HGF, considering its impact on cost reduction and water resource optimization. The methodology included 10-day production cycles, biomass measurements, cost analysis, and producer surveys. The results showed a yield of 6 kg of forage per kg of seed, with production costs of S/. 0.5 per kg of HGF. The system proved efficient, with a dry matter content of 15%, suitable for animal nutrition. The implementation of vertical racks maximized space, achieving 352 kg of forage per m² per day. HGF reduced feed costs by 60% when combined with concentrates, improving the profitability of family farms. The conclusions highlight that the HGF is a viable and cost-effective solution for addressing pasture scarcity, reducing dependence on external inputs, and strengthening smallholder farmers’ resilience to adverse weather events. It is recommended that the system be optimized with nutrient solutions and photovoltaic panels for automated irrigation, as well as evaluating its scalability in other contexts. © 2025, Universidad del Zulia. All rights reserved."