Ilustration by AI
Ambon Hydroponic Businesses Show Strong Growth Potential Despite Infrastructure and Climate Challenges
Hydroponic farming businesses in Baguala District, Ambon City, are gaining momentum as consumer demand for healthy and pesticide-free vegetables continues to rise across Indonesia. A 2026 study conducted by researchers from Pattimura University found that hydroponic enterprises in Ambon possess strong market opportunities but still face major obstacles related to technical support, digital marketing, electricity dependence, and climate risks. The research was carried out by Alice Luhukay, Leunard O. Kakisina, and Weldemina B. Parera and published in the Internasional Journal of Integrative Sciences (IJIS) in 2026.
The study highlights how hydroponic agriculture is becoming increasingly important in urban food systems, especially in cities with limited agricultural land such as Ambon. Researchers found that growing public awareness of healthy eating after the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased demand for hydroponic vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, mustard greens, bok choy, kale, and celery. Many of these products are now supplied to hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants in Ambon City.
Hydroponics Gains Importance in Urban Agriculture
Hydroponics is a farming method that grows plants without soil by using nutrient-rich water solutions. The system allows vegetables to grow in controlled environments using media such as rockwool, which helps retain water and oxygen for root development.
Researchers from Pattimura University explained that hydroponic cultivation offers several advantages compared to conventional farming. Hydroponic vegetables are generally cleaner, require less land, use water more efficiently, and are less vulnerable to soil-borne pests and diseases. The method is also suitable for urban areas where agricultural space is limited.
In Indonesia, hydroponic farming has expanded rapidly over the past several years, particularly among small urban entrepreneurs. The increase in health-conscious consumers has created new business opportunities for producers of pesticide-free vegetables. However, despite strong demand, many small hydroponic businesses still struggle with limited technical support and infrastructure challenges.
Research Focused on Hydroponic Entrepreneurs in Ambon
The study was conducted in Baguala District, one of Ambon City’s main hydroponic production centers. Researchers selected three active hydroponic business units located in Passo Larier, Latta Village, and Passo Indah.
The research combined qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, direct observation, documentation, and Focus Group Discussions involving hydroponic entrepreneurs, government representatives, and agricultural stakeholders. Researchers also used SWOT analysis to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing hydroponic businesses in the region.
The participating business owners had between three and ten years of experience operating hydroponic farms. Educational backgrounds ranged from high school graduates to master’s degree holders, showing varying levels of technical and managerial capacity.
Hygienic Products and Market Demand Become Major Strengths
The study found that hydroponic businesses in Ambon already possess several important competitive advantages.
Key strengths identified by the researchers included:
- Hygienic and healthier products preferred by consumers
- Affordable vegetable prices
- Adequate greenhouse production facilities
- Business owners with years of operational experience
The researchers noted that demand from hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants remains one of the strongest growth drivers for the industry. Public awareness of healthy eating has also expanded the market for hydroponic vegetables in Ambon and surrounding regions.
SWOT analysis showed that affordable pricing received the highest strength score among internal business factors. Hygienic product quality and stable production facilities also contributed significantly to business resilience.
Limited Training and Digital Marketing Slow Growth
Despite the positive market outlook, the study found that hydroponic entrepreneurs still face serious operational limitations.
Researchers identified several major weaknesses:
- Lack of continuous technical training and mentoring
- Minimal assistance from government agencies, universities, or NGOs
- Low utilization of digital marketing platforms
- Absence of formal cooperation between hydroponic entrepreneurs
Most business operators still rely on traditional marketing methods and have not fully adopted online promotion through platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp Business. This limits their ability to expand customer reach beyond local markets.
The researchers emphasized that stronger institutional collaboration could improve access to funding, technical assistance, and business expansion opportunities.
Climate and Electricity Risks Threaten Business Sustainability
The study also revealed several external threats that could affect the long-term sustainability of hydroponic farming in Ambon.
The most significant threats included:
- Extreme weather and strong winds that disrupt production
- Dependence on electricity for hydroponic systems
- Lack of young entrepreneurs entering the sector
- Limited long-term business planning among some operators
Because hydroponic systems rely heavily on electricity to circulate water and nutrients, power disruptions can quickly interrupt plant growth and reduce productivity. Researchers warned that climate instability could further increase production uncertainty for urban agriculture businesses in eastern Indonesia.
The study recommended adaptive solutions such as backup power systems, solar energy utilization, flexible production scheduling, and climate-resilient operating procedures.
Researchers Recommend Digital Expansion and Cooperative Development
The Pattimura University research team concluded that hydroponic businesses in Ambon have strong potential for expansion if supported by better institutional cooperation and digital transformation.
Researchers recommended several development strategies, including:
- Expanding digital marketing through social media platforms
- Establishing cooperatives or business forums among hydroponic entrepreneurs
- Increasing technical training and mentoring programs
- Strengthening partnerships with government agencies and universities
- Encouraging younger generations to enter hydroponic entrepreneurship
According to the authors, hydroponic farming could become an important component of urban food security and sustainable agriculture in Ambon if businesses receive consistent technical and institutional support.
The researchers from Pattimura University also stressed that hydroponic agriculture aligns with broader global trends toward environmentally efficient and health-oriented food production systems. They noted that improving digital promotion and institutional collaboration would help small hydroponic businesses remain competitive in an evolving food market.
Researcher Profiles
Alice Luhukay is a researcher from Pattimura University specializing in agricultural development and agribusiness management.
Leunard O. Kakisina is an academic researcher at Pattimura University with expertise in agricultural economics and rural development strategies.
Weldemina B. Parera is a researcher affiliated with Pattimura University focusing on sustainable agriculture and community-based agribusiness systems.
Source
Journal: Internasional Journal of Integrative Sciences (IJIS)
Publication Year: 2026
DOI: https://journalijis.my.id/index.php/ijis/index
URL : https://journalijis.my.id/index.php/ijis/index
0 Komentar