Nestled among fragrant curry leaf fields on the picturesque outskirts of Karamadai, India, Pristine Farms is a legacy of agricultural innovation. Founded by a family with deep roots in farming, the company represents a perfect blend of traditional wisdom and modern technology. Guru Prasath, who took over the reins after completing his studies in the US, explains their philosophy:
"Farming in harmony with Nature has been passed on for generations. It compels us to look for practices and habits that perpetuate life rather than exploit the earth for short-term gains."
Pristine Farms, committed to sustainable agriculture, turned to hydroponics to gain a deeper understanding of plant science and innovate within a challenging environment.
Pristine Farms' 7,500 sq. ft. naturally ventilated poly house grows a range of herbs and leafy greens in multiple Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems. Pictured above are bok choy and Kale.
The Challenge: High Labor Demands to Maintain Plant Quality
When water and nutrient conditions aren’t optimal, Pristine Farms sees a rapid decline in both crop quality and yield. However, constant monitoring of nutrient levels, pH, and other critical parameters can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Pristine Farms needed a solution that could automate this process, freeing up their agronomists to focus on other vital aspects of crop management.
"I didn't even look for other options," Prasath recalls. "I settled for Bluelab the moment I understood how it works."
The team at Pristine Farms grows three kinds of Basil in this greenhouse: lemon, Italian, and Thai Basil, each with a unique flavor profile.
The Solution: Bluelab Pro Controller to automate their water and nutrients.
The Bluelab Pro Controller revolutionized operations at Pristine Farms by automating critical tasks like pH and nutrient level adjustments, and remote environmental monitoring. This breakthrough technology, recommended by their trusted vendor Rise Hydroponics, was a game-changer for Guru Prasath and his team.
With the Pro Controller, they could ensure optimal growing conditions with unprecedented efficiency, freeing up valuable time and resources to focus on innovation and growth. The impact was immediate and profound, transforming their approach to precision agriculture.
“The Bluelab Pro Controller is saving me hours by automating the monitoring process, which is usually cumbersome and inefficient. This automation leaves my agronomists with plenty of time to spare so that he can focus on value-adding activities like detecting pests and other vital crop management tasks.” - Guru Prasath, Pristine Farms
Designed to be user-friendly with advanced capabilities, the Bluelab Pro Controller was quickly mastered by his team. "It's easy to work with," Prasath comments. With the Pro Controller running the dosing of their whole fertigation system, Pristine Farms also precision checks at the plant level using the Bluelab Conductivity Pen (pictured below).
This allows them to monitor and spot-check for anomalies through the system that could be easily overlooked until the plants show physical damage. Here, an agronomist is testing the conductivity (EC) of their nutrient solution in an NFT system growing Spinach (Palak).
Learn more: Why is conductivity a fundamental parameter of growing?
Beyond the products, Pristine Farms has been impressed with the level of support provided by the Bluelab team. Prasath enthuses, "It's been nothing short of fantastic. They've been very patient and helpful with a new user like me. Bluelab truly took the customer experience to the next level."
Empowered by Bluelab, Pristine Farms is exploring high-value crops like rosemary, thyme, peppermint, and edible flowers, targeting niche markets like breweries, distilleries, and gourmet foods. "Our journey is just beginning," Prasath emphasizes, pointing to exciting developments ahead.
Through its partnership with Bluelab, Pristine Farms is not just growing vegetables but also cultivating a sustainable future for agriculture. With a focus on regenerative agriculture and Bluelab’s support, they are pushing the boundaries of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).