Aarambh & Viksit
Growth Platforms
Professional hydroponic fodder infrastructure for dairy owners, production partners, and agri-entrepreneurs — designed for reliable, long-term nutritional output.
Partnering your growth — not just selling equipment
Shunya Growth Platforms are available in two technology configurations to suit different operational needs. Both platforms support Production Partners (Fodder-as-a-Service) and Dairy Owners (On-Farm Systems). Our focus is on realistic output planning, adequate growth area design, and long-term operational support — so your production targets are consistently achieved.
Three Models. Two Technologies.
Choose the platform matched to your scale, infrastructure, and operational goals.
The Plus is Shunya's entry-level hydroponic fodder unit, built for cost-sensitive deployments. It uses sprinkler irrigation technology with vertical multi-tier growth structures — making professional-grade hydroponic fodder production accessible to smaller farms and pilot operations.
2 ft × 1.5 ft = 3 sq ft per tray
- Most economical entry point
- Multi-tiered VMT structure
- Fully automated irrigation
- Controlled environment
- Soilless growth
- Production OS (12 months)
- External drainage required
- Higher biosecurity discipline needed
- Efficient flooring required
- Moderate operational stability vs Viksit
The Gro brings Viksit Series laminar flow technology to production partners and larger dairy farms. Laminar flow delivers superior water management, lower biosecurity risk, and high operational stability — making it the professional-grade choice for scalable deployments.
4.5 sq ft per tray — larger growing surface per unit
- Laminar flow irrigation
- Controlled water recycling to recharge tank
- Lower biosecurity risk
- High operational stability
- Basic flooring / pavers sufficient
- Scalable layout
- Higher investment than Aarambh Plus
- Recharge tank (outflow) required
- Professional site setup advised
The Max is Shunya's flagship hydroponic fodder platform — built for demanding professional and commercial deployments. It offers the largest tray format in the range, advanced laminar flow, and is integration-ready for Shunya's URJA advanced monitoring system at scale.
5 to 6 sq ft per tray — maximum growing surface
- Largest tray format in range
- Highest per-unit output capacity
- Advanced laminar flow
- URJA system (configs >1,000 kg/day)
- Lowest biosecurity risk
- Maximum scalability
- Highest capital investment
- Recharge tank (outflow) required
- Larger floor footprint
System Illustrations
These technical illustrations show the irrigation architecture and water management approach for each platform series — helping you understand exactly what you are installing.
Aarambh vs Viksit Series
Both series share the same core capabilities. The key differences lie in irrigation technology, water management, and operational requirements.
| Feature | Aarambh Series Shunya Plus |
Viksit Series Shunya Gro & Max |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-tiered VMTs | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Controlled Environment | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Soilless Growth | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Automation | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Irrigation Technology | Sprinkler Systems | Laminar Flow |
| Water Exit Management | External drainage required | Controlled flow to recharge tank |
| Flooring Requirement | Efficient drainage required | Basic flooring / pavers acceptable |
| Biosecurity Requirement | Higher discipline required | Lower risk |
| Operational Stability | Moderate | High |
| Ideal Deployment | Entry level | Professional / scalable |
| Tray Size | 2 × 1.5 ft (3 sq ft) | 4.5 – 6 sq ft |
| Both platforms include Production OS (Lite), installation & commissioning support, and one-year warranty on electrical items. | ||
Scalable Daily Output
All three platforms — Plus, Gro, and Max — are available across the following daily output configurations, from pilot-scale to full commercial production.
* Shunya's Advanced URJA system is included for all configurations above 1,000 kg/day. Minimum grow area and tray counts are based on Shunya's sustainable output assumption of 5.5–6 kg of green fodder per kg of grain.
Standard Inclusions in Every Platform
- Vertical multi-tier growth structure (VMT)
- Food-grade trays (size as per model)
- Irrigation system — sprinkler (Plus) or laminar flow (Gro / Max)
- Water circulation components within the unit
- Structural components
- Growth protocols
- Digital operating guidance — SmartVedhi
- FodderShield — 30-day starter pack
- FodderBoost — 30-day starter pack
- Installation supervision
- Commissioning support
- Initial operational training
- One-year warranty on all electrical items
- Access to ShunyaShala — continuous training & advisory
Exclusions
The following items are not included and must be accounted for separately as part of site preparation and project planning.
- 5% GST on the hydroponic fodder unit
- 18% GST on other services as applicable
- Civil construction
- Flooring work
- Drainage system (especially for Aarambh series)
- Shed / building structure
- HVAC / temperature control systems
- Water tank — inflow
- Water tank or similar — outflow
- Electrical wiring
- Power backup
- Water supply infrastructure
- Plumbing beyond the unit
- Technical team travel and stay
- Freight / transportation (as applicable)
- Local handling charges
Key Considerations & Differentiators
Shunya operates with a sustainable output assumption of 5.5 to 6 kg of green fodder per kg of grain. While some players in the industry claim outputs of up to 9 kg, these are typically achieved under ideal or short-term conditions and are difficult to sustain consistently. Our approach prioritises long-term reliability so production partners and dairy operators can plan with confidence.
Higher output claims often lead to under-designed systems with insufficient tray capacity. While this may reduce upfront costs on paper, it results in lower-than-promised production and operational inefficiencies. Shunya designs all platforms with adequate tray capacity and growth area aligned to realistic output assumptions — delivering dependable performance and protecting long-term returns.
The Plus model uses sprinkler irrigation, which requires efficient floor drainage infrastructure and consistent biosecurity discipline. This platform is best suited to locations where drainage is already in place or planned, and where operational teams can maintain required hygiene protocols.
Gro and Max models use laminar flow technology that routes water to a recharge tank rather than requiring external drainage. This significantly reduces biosecurity risk and flooring requirements — but site planning must include space and provision for the outflow / recharge tank.
Prices are subject to site conditions and may vary. Installation timelines depend on site readiness, and final configuration is based on space availability and layout design. Infrastructure items such as civil work, flooring, electrical wiring, and water supply are the buyer's responsibility and are excluded from platform pricing.
Shunya's approach is not about a one-time equipment transaction. Through the Production OS, ShunyaShala training access, and ongoing advisory, Shunya partners with you over the long term to help grow nutrition-dense fodder consistently and profitably for your livestock.
Recommendations for Larger Deployments
Available as optional additions — recommended for certain configurations and scales of operation.
Ready to set up your Growth Platform?
Our team will assess your site, recommend the right platform and output configuration, and provide a detailed, site-specific quotation.