Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 28: The Agriculture Department of Kashmir has unveiled an innovative technology aimed at enabling landless individuals to grow vegetables in their own homes using PVC pipes.
This innovative agricultural technique has generated significant excitement among urban residents who previously faced challenges cultivating vegetables due to land constraints. Notably, this novel approach not only proves cost-effective and pesticide-free but also alleviates farmers from strenuous traditional farming practices.
Ashiq Hussain, a resident of the Saida Kadal area in Srinagar, is the first successful farmer who has harnessed this new method under the guidance of the Agriculture Department. He enthusiastically shares: “We received PVC pipes and a motor for the chemical circulation. With these, we have successfully cultivated lettuce, chili, radish, and other vegetables. The support from the agriculture experts has been invaluable. This technique is especially beneficial for individuals without land, as it allows for indoor cultivation.”
Describing the process in detail, Hussain explains that initially, seeds must be grown separately until they develop into healthy plants. “We first germinate the seeds separately, and once the plants are ready, we transfer them into the PVC pipes. Additionally, we require specific chemicals, electricity, and a motor to transport the nutrient solution through the pipes to nurture the plants,” he said.
The technique known as hydroponics facilitates plant growth without the use of soil. Instead, plants receive essential nutrients from a water-based solution, eliminating the need for soil altogether. “The nutrient solution is circulated through the pipes using a motor, making it highly accessible for those without land. We have already launched a successful pilot project with the aim of replicating this success,” said Iqbal Chowdary, Director of Agriculture in Srinagar.
Chowdary further highlights the broader environmental benefits of hydroponic farming, emphasising its role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. “This technique substantially reduces water loss by over 80 percent and nutrient loss by nearly 70 percent. It holds the potential to significantly contribute to climate change mitigation,” he said.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel