A Hydroponic Farm is a raw resource building in Tropico 5. They are essentially upgraded compact plantations, being much more effective and requiring much less space to grow all types of agricultural resources. The effectiveness can be increased through upgrades, at the cost of the farm requiring an electricity supply. Hydroponic farms require high school educated workers, unlike plantations. If a drought occurs, it costs double ($200) to have water supplied, unlike plantations, which cost $100 to have them irrigated (having a helicopter spray the field with water). Era Unlocked - Modern Times.