Post Graduate Diploma/Executive Diploma in Hydroponics and Soilless Agriculture (PGDHSA/EDHSA)

A Post Graduate Diploma in Hydroponics is a specialized programme designed to equip learners with in-depth knowledge and practical skills required for cultivating crops through advanced soilless farming techniques. It focuses on enhancing productivity while ensuring efficient use of resources such as water, nutrients, and space, making it highly relevant for sustainable and modern agricultural practices. The programme is structured to develop a strong foundation in the principles of hydroponics and controlled environment agriculture, enabling participants to design, manage, and optimize hydroponic systems for both commercial production and urban farming applications. It provides a comprehensive understanding of plant growth in soilless conditions, along with critical aspects such as nutrient solution management, water quality, and environmental control. Overall, the diploma encompasses key domains such as plant physiology, nutrient and water management, hydroponic system design, protected cultivation technologies, pest and disease management, automation, and sustainable farming practices—preparing learners to meet the growing demands of the agri-tech and urban agriculture sectors.

Programme Structure

Module 1: Introduction to Hydroponics and Soilless Cultivation

• Concept, definition, and evolution of hydroponics 

• Comparison with conventional soil-based farming 

• Scope and future in modern agriculture 

Module 2: Principles of Plant Growth in Hydroponic Systems

• Plant physiology in soilless conditions 

• Role of water, oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors 

• Key processes: photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration 

Module 3: Types of Hydroponic Systems

• Wick, DWC, NFT, and Ebb & Flow systems 

• Aeroponics and drip hydroponics 

• Vertical hydroponic farming techniques 

Module 4: Growing Media in Hydroponics

• Types: coco peat, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool 

• Selection criteria and properties 

• Media preparation, sterilization, and limitations 

Module 5: Nutrient Management in Hydroponics

• Essential nutrients and their functions 

• Nutrient solution preparation and management 

• pH, EC control, and deficiency/toxicity symptoms 

Module 6: Water Quality and Irrigation Management

• Importance and parameters of water quality 

• Water sources, treatment, and system types 

• Irrigation scheduling and automation 

Module 7: Environmental Control in Hydroponics

• Temperature, humidity, and light management 

• Artificial lighting systems and CO₂ enrichment 

• Greenhouse and climate control technologies 

Module 8: Crop Selection and Production Techniques

• Suitable crops: leafy greens, herbs, fruits, flowers 

• Nursery management and transplanting 

• Harvesting and post-harvest practices 

Module 9: Pest and Disease Management in Hydroponics

• Common pests and diseases in hydroponics 

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies 

• Preventive practices and sanitation 

Module 10: Hydroponic Farm Design and Setup

• Site selection and infrastructure planning 

• System design, layout, and equipment 

• Cost estimation and budgeting 

Module 11: Automation and Smart Hydroponics

• Sensors and monitoring technologies 

• IoT-based hydroponic systems 

• Automated nutrient and climate control 

Module 12: Economics and Business of Hydroponics

• Cost-benefit analysis and profitability 

• Market trends and supply chain insights 

• Business models and entrepreneurship 

Module 13: Sustainability and Future Trends in Hydroponics

• Resource efficiency and sustainability practices 

• Urban farming and vertical agriculture 

• Emerging technologies and innovations 

Module 14: Case Studies

Module 15: Capstone Project

Eligibility

Graduates in any discipline are eligible for our Post Graduate Diploma, Executive Diploma and Professional Certifications Programmes. 10+2 pass-outs are eligible for our Under Graduate Diploma and Diploma holders of two to three years duration are also eligible for the PG Diploma.

Programme Duration

The minimum duration to complete the PG diploma programme is 12 months and maximum is 24 months. The minimum duration to complete the executive diploma programme is 6 months and maximum is 12 months.

Programme Mode

Registrations are currently open for regular and Part-time (Online Live Classes) both modes.

Programme Deliverables

A comprehensive study material for all the modules in hard copies ensuring the needs of the audience. The accompanying training material is appropriately aligned with the current Industry’s expectations.

• Assignments for all the programme modules for continuous evaluation and guidance.

• Interactive or online live sessions on all key areas of the programme giving all flexibility to the participants.

• Online Live Classes/Part-time for all the modules will be conducted on the weekends. Moreover, a doubt clearing session will also be scheduled before the examination.

• All the efforts are made by IGMPI faculty members to make the entire programme modules easily understandable.

• Assessment and evaluation for all the programme modules in order to enhance the levels of competencies and skills of the participants leading towards the objective of application in the job.

• At the end of each programme modules, the trainers shall obtain feedback from the participants using specially designed questionnaires.

• All learning and training delivery initiatives shall be conducted in English.

Examination & Certification

Participants are required to submit assignments for each module and appear for a final online examination. Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded the Post Graduate Diploma/Executive Diploma in Hydroponics & Soilless Agriculture by Centre for Sustainable Agriculture Technology, IGMPI.

Discipline in Classes and Examination

All students are expected to maintain discipline during classes, assessments, and examinations. Any misconduct may be recorded in the academic report.

Placement Assistance & Corporate Relations

For the Post Graduate Diploma and Undergraduate Diploma Programmes, we will provide placement assistance after the completion of the programme. The Institute has partnered with many organizations for providing placement assistance to its students. The robust placement cell comprises senior level Human Resources professionals and Talent Acquisition experts which maintains close links with business and industry. The efforts of our placement cell also include helping with professional resume writing, interview skills & conducting mock interviews etc.

In recent months the Institute has witnessed more and more participation from professionals working with global healthcare like , Jhpiego, SELCO Foundation, TATA Foundation, Samarthan NGO, PSI, UNICEF, WHO, HCL Foundation, IPE Global, Optum, PATH, AIIMS, Action against Hunger, Ekta Shakti Foundation, Seva Foundation, India HIV-AIDS Alliance, HLFPPT, Deepak Foundation, Novartis, LalPath Labs Ltd., Fortis Healthcare Ltd., HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd., Indraprastha Medical Corporation Ltd., Narayana Hrudayalaya Ltd., Piramal Enterprises Ltd., Wockhardt Ltd., Cactus Communications, Public Health Foundations of India, Cytel, Religare Health Insurance Company Ltd., Deloitte, DuPont Sustainable Solutions, Bain & Company, Alvarez & Marsal, McKinsey & Company, etc. The IGMPI’s Corporate Resource Division actively recommends our students and training participants for various job requirements and specialized roles to Human Resource, Talent Acquisition as well as the heads of various departments in Pharmaceutical, Healthcare industries on regular basis.

Future Career Prospects

With increasing demand for sustainable agriculture and efficient food production systems, hydroponics is gaining rapid importance globally. Diploma holders can work in commercial hydroponic farms, agri-tech companies, research institutions, or establish their own hydroponic ventures.

Opportunities also exist in consultancy services, where professionals guide individuals and organizations in setting up and managing hydroponic systems. With the rise of urban farming and controlled environment agriculture, skilled professionals in hydroponics are highly sought after in both domestic and international markets.

View Prospectus

Apply Online

Last date for submitting completed Application Form: 17^th Aug 2026.

For further enquiries, call or write to us on:
18001031071 (Toll Free -9:00 am to 5:30 pm IST-except on Central Government holidays)/ info@igmpi.ac.in