UKHRUL: In a region where farming forms the backbone of daily life, unpredictable weather, relentless monsoon conditions, pest infestations, and seasonal water scarcity have long threatened local livelihoods. Local entrepreneur, Chonyaphi Vashum is looking to change that narrative through cutting-edge technology.
In an exclusive interview with Ukhrul Times correspondent Ngalem K. Shimray, the founder of Yoyan Hydrotech recounted her journey from a curious student to an entrepreneur pioneering hydroponic farming with the vision of reshaping agriculture in Ukhrul.
Hailing from Talui Village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, Vashum said her roots remain central to her vision. “I am originally from Talui Village here in Ukhrul district,” she said, expressing her desire to give back to the community through innovation in agriculture.
Her journey into advanced farming started with a solid academic foundation: a B.Sc. in Agriculture (Hons.) followed by an M.Sc. in Horticulture (Fruit Science) from SHUATS, Prayagraj. Driven by a deep interest in modern agricultural techniques, she sought out specialised, practical experience, undergoing hands-on training in Commercial Hydroponics at the Institute of Horticulture Technology in Greater Noida, and completing a crucial internship with TM Hydrocultiva Solutions in Wokha, Nagaland.
Equipped with these expertise, Yoyan Hydrotech was founded with its core mission, “a venture dedicated to promoting hydroponics and protected cultivation as practical solutions for the future of farming. To leverage modern technology to build a more efficient, resilient, and environmentally responsible agricultural sector,” among others.
Vashum said her interest in hydroponics grew as she learned how the system could overcome the climatic challenges that often limit conventional farming in the region. Unlike traditional agriculture, hydroponics relies on controlled environments, uses significantly less water, and is not dependent on unpredictable weather patterns. She found the method to be less labour-intensive, highly practical, and scalable for the region. “Hydroponics offered a beacon of hope,” she said.
The path to launching Yoyan Hydrotech was far from seamless. The founder candidly admitted. “One of the biggest hurdles was the high initial investment required to set up a hydroponic system, however, I viewed it as a long-term investment in a sustainable agricultural venture with significant future potential.”
But for Vashum, the venture is more than an agricultural enterprise—it is the realisation of a lifelong dream. Driven by a desire for independence and innovation, she saw hydroponics as a way to pursue her own ideas while helping reshape the future of farming. “I have always valued independence and wanted the opportunity to pursue my ideas freely while contributing to the advancement of modern agriculture,” she said.
By blending local needs with technological innovation and entrepreneurial vision, Yoyan Hydrotech exemplifies how a new generation of Ukhrul’s young innovators is redefining agriculture through sustainable agripreneurship.
