By Esther Ososanya
The perception that soilless farming is too expensive is a myth that has long discouraged aspiring agripreneurs in Nigeria.
But a closer look at the realities of modern agribusiness shows that the method is not only accessible but also highly profitable when executed strategically. Agronomist Peace Adaeze Anyaeriuba, hydroponics farmer and climate change enthusiast Olumoye Aduragbemi, and agritech entrepreneur Innocent Azubuike all agreed that soilless farming is widely misunderstood.
Agronomist and founder of B.A.N.K. of a Woman, Peace Adaeze Anyaeriuba, emphasized that the fear surrounding soilless farming often stems from hearsay rather than hands-on experience. “Soilless farming is not an expense. It’s an investment,” “When managed correctly, it can pay for itself faster than conventional open-field methods.”
Soilless farming, an innovative method of growing crops without soil using nutrient-rich water and controlled environments is rapidly gaining traction among urban and peri-urban farmers. The method allows for higher productivity, lower input costs, and access to premium markets.
Small-Scale Setups, Big Returns
Anyaeriuba notes that aspiring farmers do not need large farms to succeed. Many start with 50 to 550 grow bags or a small Recirculating Deepwater Culture (RDI) system in strategically selected locations. “You don’t need a massive farm to get started. Many successful growers began small and scaled as their profits grew,” she explained.
The financial benefits of soilless farming extend beyond the initial setup. Farmers save money on tractors, weeding, and land clearing. Pests are naturally minimized in controlled environments, reducing chemical use and cutting operational costs. Additionally, yields per square meter are significantly higher than in traditional soil-based farming, maximizing profitability even on limited land.
Olumoye Aduragbemi, a hydroponics farmer and climate change enthusiast, highlighted why some people still perceive soilless farming as costly. “The main reason people complain is the cost of building a screen house. Another major issue is not selling to the right market,” he explained.
Aduragbemi added: “It doesn’t speak well after you have planted your produce with a soilless system, harvested it, then sold it to mallam in a major market. It would be hard to make reasonable profit. But if you have the right customers who appreciate your produce, then you will understand why it’s worth venturing into.”
This sentiment underscores the importance of market awareness and strategic targeting. Farmers who sell directly to hotels, supermarkets, and export buyers enjoy higher returns due to the quality and consistency of their produce.
Changing Mindsets
Innocent Azubuike, an agritech entrepreneur, offered another perspective on public skepticism: “Most people are often pessimistic of it based on limited knowledge. But that usually and practically isn’t the case.”
Azubuike stressed that education and awareness are critical for overcoming misconceptions. When farmers understand the method and the markets that value their produce, soilless farming becomes not only feasible but highly rewarding.
Seasonality, a major limitation in traditional farming, is no longer a barrier with soilless systems. Controlled environments allow year-round production, including off-season periods when prices surge, enabling farmers to capture higher profits.
Hotels, supermarkets, and export buyers also prefer soilless-grown vegetables and herbs for their consistent quality, color, and taste. This preference translates into premium prices, giving farmers a competitive edge over traditional growers.
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Experts agree that fear and misconceptions should not dictate investment decisions. Smart farmers focus on measurable returns rather than rumors. With proper training, market targeting, and small-scale initiation, soilless farming offers a pathway to sustainable agribusiness, higher yields, and economic empowerment in Nigeria.
Peace Adaeze Anyaeriuba, Olumoye Aduragbemi, and Innocent Azubuike collectively stress that mindset, knowledge, and market strategy are as important as technology. By overcoming skepticism, targeting the right customers, and leveraging controlled systems, Nigerian farmers can turn soilless farming into a lucrative venture.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
