The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has received funding from the Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund (SADF) under the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to undertake the project “Research and Development of Bio-fortification Technology for Precision Hydroponics”, aiming to develop bio-fortification technology for precision hydroponics and to analyse how different chemical forms and concentrations of calcium, iron and iodine affect the common vegetables in Hong Kong.
At a recent public seminar, Prof. WONG Ka-hing, Director of Research Institute for Future Food (RiFood), and Dr Nathanael LAI, member of RiFood, shared the latest research findings and application developments in precision hydroponics and biofortification technologies.
The seminar highlighted how hydroponic cultivation can be leveraged to enhance the levels of essential nutrients, including calcium, iron, and iodine, in commonly consumed local vegetables, helping to address nutrient deficiencies among the Hong Kong population while supporting the development and production of high-nutrient-value crops. The research team also introduced their collaboration with local hydroponic enterprises to facilitate technology transfer, pilot-scale production, and the establishment of standardized operating procedures, demonstrating how innovative food technologies can promote the sustainable development of local agriculture and create new opportunities for the future food industry.
Thank you to all participants for your enthusiastic support and engaging discussions. We look forward to continuing our journey with you in exploring new frontiers in future food, healthy diets, and sustainable development.
