Regular Update
ATM News Network: The Maharashtra State Board of Horticulture and Medicinal Plants has given the green light to an innovative hydroponics project aimed at exploring future farming techniques. With an allocation of approximately one crore rupees, the project will revolutionize agriculture practices in the state.
As part of the integrated horticulture development campaign, the board thoroughly examined various protected agriculture technology activities and identified the potential for implementing them in the state. Consequently, the project, aptly named 'Hydroponics, Vertical Farming, Aeroponics, Grow Tower,' was officially approved during the recent Center of Excellence meeting.
Esteemed scientist Yashwant Jagdale, along with Agriculture Department officers Pallavi Devare, Praveen Gawande, Surekha Jadhav, and Sachin More, actively participated in the discussions surrounding the project.
The ambitious venture will be overseen by the Vegetable Quality Center of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Baramati, with the valuable guidance of Agriculture Development Trust Chairman Rajendra Pawar and Chief Executive Officer Nilesh Nalavde. Utilizing advanced technology, the project promises to deliver pesticide residue-free and delectable vegetables, making water and nutrient management remarkably easier.
The study will delve into aspects of production, productivity, product quality, and yield, providing invaluable insights for the future of protected agriculture. Managing Director of the Board and Commissioner of Agriculture, Sunil Chavan, emphasized that hydroponics, vertical farming, aeroponics, and grow tower technologies would shape the landscape of agriculture for years to come, ultimately benefiting farmers across the state.
To ensure the successful dissemination of these techniques to farmers, the project will establish various methods of cultivating vegetable crops, along with developing kitchen garden and terrace garden formats for urban areas.
Remarkably, the project's potential extends to cultivating a wide array of exotic vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, basil, parsley, pak choi, brinjal, cherry tomato, broccoli, and cucumber, in significantly smaller spaces. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, it has the potential to yield up to 506 times more produce than traditional open environments.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration and expertise, a committee comprising agricultural officials, scientists from agricultural universities, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research will be formed to oversee the project's implementation.
The 'Hydroponics, Vertical Farming, Aeroponics, Grow Tower' project is set to propel Maharashtra's agriculture sector towards a sustainable and efficient future.
