The development o f a soilless crop culture system based upon the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) was studied. The conventional polythene gullies used for the NFT in temperate regions were found not suitable for the hot tropical climate. An insulated NFT shallow trough design was effective in controlling heat build up in the root zone. Muskmelon, vegetables and ornamental plants were successfully grown with the NFT trough system designed. This system is cheap, economical, labour saving and versatile.