Breaking New Ground: How Agri Intex 2014 Became India’s First Live Soilless Farming Exhibition

The journey to create a 6,500-square-foot live hydroponics pavilion was nothing short of extraordinary. In just 100 days, working 18 hours a day without a single holiday, CV Hydro. erstwhile Pet Bharo Project, turned a bold vision into a stunning reality.

AGRI INTEX 2014 Coimbatore at the Codissia Expo Center.

In July 2014, India witnessed a monumental moment in the history of agriculture—a revolution that unfolded at the Codissia Trade Fair Complex in Coimbatore. Agri Intex 2014 became the stage for India’s first-ever live soilless farming exhibition. The feat was no ordinary achievement—it was a testament to grit, passion, and unwavering dedication, spearheaded by Lt. Cdr. CV Prakash (Veteran), IN, and his team at CV Hydro.

The Vision: Bringing Hydroponics to the Masses

For years, soilless farming had been a concept familiar to agricultural experts in other parts of the world, but largely unknown to Indian farmers. Lt. Cdr. CV Prakash envisioned an India where clean, sustainable, and soilless cultivation techniques could be understood and adopted by farmers, agribusinesses, and enthusiasts alike.

Agri Intex 2014 provided the perfect platform to showcase this revolutionary approach. But CV Hydro wasn’t just looking to display models or talk about theory; they wanted to create an immersive, live experience. The pavilion would house thriving plants, fully operational systems, and interactive displays to show visitors what was possible with hydroponics.

The Challenge: Turning a Dream into Reality in 100 Days

The magnitude of the task was daunting. Building a live hydroponics pavilion of this scale meant growing nearly 50 types of vegetables, medicinal herbs, and flowers from seed to harvest. It meant designing, setting up, and fine-tuning systems like NFT (Nutrient Film Technique), Dutch buckets, and deep water culture. It also required seamless coordination between engineering, plant cultivation, and educational design.

Time was not on their side. With only 100 days to pull off this ambitious project, every day counted. CV Hydro’s team worked tirelessly, driven by what Lt. Cdr. Prakash described as “the Fauji spirit”—a relentless determination to succeed no matter the odds.

The Execution: A Labor of Love and Passion

Despite the intense pressure, the team approached every task with unyielding focus and commitment. Here’s how CV Hydro brought their vision to life:

Engineering Excellence: The pavilion featured hydroponic systems that demonstrated a wide range of soilless farming techniques. Each system was meticulously designed to not only operate flawlessly but also educate visitors on how these methods work.
Growing the Plants: Nearly 50 types of crops were cultivated in the pavilion, including leafy greens, tomatoes, herbs, and flowers. The plants were grown in real-time, showcasing their vibrant health and potential yields.
Teamwork and Grit: Lt. Cdr. Prakash credits the success of the project to his team, affectionately referred to as his “three musketeers” from the Deshpande Foundation—Mounesh, Viru, and Hanu. These young men worked under his demanding mentorship, enduring long hours, strict deadlines, and intense scrutiny. As CV himself said, “I may scold you, kick you, rap you on your knuckles, but I have a mission to remove the soil outta your heads, and I will accomplish it!”
Engaging the Audience: The pavilion wasn’t just a display—it was an experience. Guided tours, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions helped visitors understand the benefits of hydroponics, from water efficiency to pesticide-free produce.

The Outcome: A Resounding Success

Over the course of the three-day Agri Intex expo, the live hydroponics pavilion drew an unprecedented crowd of 250,000 visitors. Farmers, students, researchers, policymakers, and curious onlookers flocked to see the future of farming in action.

The pavilion achieved its goal of inspiring and educating the audience. Farmers saw firsthand how hydroponics could help them grow more with less—less water, less land, and fewer chemical inputs. Entrepreneurs discovered the potential of hydroponics as a profitable venture. Students and young professionals left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to explore careers in sustainable agriculture.

The Legacy: Paving the Way for the Future

The impact of Agri Intex 2014 didn’t end with the expo. The success of the live hydroponics pavilion cemented CV Hydro’s reputation as a pioneer in soilless farming in India. The pavilion also served as a training ground for future AgriVeers—leaders in sustainable agriculture.

One such success story is that of Virupakshi Malipatil, a Master’s graduate in Social Work and a fellow of the Deshpande Foundation. Viru trained under Lt. Cdr. Prakash at the Agri Intex 2014 pavilion and went on to establish his own hydroponics greenhouse. Today, he is one of India’s most skilled practitioners of real-time hydroponics, making his mark in the field with the knowledge and skills he gained from CV Hydro.

A Message from Lt. Cdr. CV Prakash

Reflecting on the experience, Lt. Cdr. Prakash shared,

“This project was a labor of love and passion. It was about pushing boundaries and showing the world what is possible when you combine science, hard work, and determination. My team and I worked 18-hour days for 100 days straight, and we poured every ounce of our energy into this project. Seeing the impact it created made it all worth it.”

He added,

“To all the young AgriVeers out there—remember, success doesn’t come easy. It takes grit, resilience, and a willingness to learn. If you have a dream, pursue it with everything you’ve got, and don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done.”

Join the Soilless Revolution

The success of Agri Intex 2014 was just the beginning. At CV Hydro, we continue to push the boundaries of sustainable farming through innovative projects, intensive training programs, and commercial consultancy.

If you’re inspired by this story and want to be part of the soilless farming revolution, join us. Together, we can build a future where clean, nutritious, and sustainable food is a reality for everyone.

For inquiries about training programs or consulting services, call us at 088799 89999.