Hydroponic farming startup addressing Jordan’s food and water security problems
Muthanna Al-Muhaisen, the founder of Hypo Farm, is leading Jordan's hydroponic farming revolution. Supported by mentorship and coaching sessions, Hypo Farm is a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, offering pesticide-free produce while saving water in a country facing severe water scarcity. Through expansion, Muthanna provides opportunities for Syrian refugees and people with disabilities, driving future-focused farming.
In 2019, around 124 million individuals faced acute food shortages due to climate-related events such as flooding, irregular rainfall, droughts and extreme temperatures, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization.
Since 2021, prioritising food security and strengthening food systems have been central pillars of Jordan’s development agenda, with the government introducing a National Food Security Strategy 2021-2030.
Al-Muthanna Al-Muhaisen, Founder of Hypo Farm, reflects that, “Jordan’s youth can’t turn a blind eye to our nation’s twin challenges: food and water security. We need collective action to ensure a sustainable future.”
In 2021, Muthanna Al-Muhaisen decided to build a small 4×4 metre shelter on the roof of his house to serve as a source of income and as a pilot project to understand how hydroponics operates. “There has been a change in the rainfall pattern over the last 25 years,” he remarked. “It was interesting to discover how hydroponics can grow food in a controlled environment. Traditional farmers face many problems, with the most pressing being water scarcity and relying on acres of land, which is no longer sustainable.”
Through trial and observation, Muthanna discovered that hydroponic farming saves an impressive 70% to 90% of water, while producing fruits and vegetables with superior taste, free from pesticide residues. Additionally, these methods effectively eradicate insects and soil pests, ensuring a safe product for consumers.
“What I adore about hydroponics is its water-saving feature,” Muthanna emphasised. “Hydroponic farming provides the flexibility to grow various crops, from leafy greens and herbs to tomatoes and strawberries, so we decided to expand and establish Hypo Farm,” he added.
Muthanna described scaling up his business as a hassle, saying, “Such food production schemes face very real financial challenges. First, there are the costs that, if not carefully managed, could end up being astronomical. These costs primarily stem from the energy consumption necessary for maintaining a controlled environment, employees salaries and marketing.”
With technical support from SPARK, through its partner International Group For Training (IGIT), Hypo Farm received comprehensive training in accounting, strategic planning, social media marketing and financing, as part of the Skills Training Education Programme (STEP), which is financed by the Islamic Development Bank and Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.
Benefiting from customised coaching sessions and mentorship, Muthanna has been able to expand his business significantly. Currently, Hypo Farm employs nine full-time employees and six part-time workers, starting with only one initially. “We employ young women and men from the Syrian refugee community in the area, engaging them in seed-planting and harvesting efforts and we extend opportunities to people with disabilities to be part of the Hypo Farm family,” Muthana elaborated.
At Hypo Farm, the current production encompasses a variety of leafy greens, including basil, rocket, dill, parsley and coriander, totaling 10 varieties. Alongside cultivation, a system has been purchased for washing, drying, cutting and packing these greens into specialised boxes for distribution in local markets. “We take pride in our current achievements and are planning further expansion. We are particularly proud of our commitment to farming practices that fit the future,” Muthana concluded.
