Sikkim’s government is preparing to introduce the much-anticipated modern farming technologies of hydroponics, aquaponics, and rooftop farming to the state.
On February 22, 2022, at Sokeythang, Gangtok, the launching ceremony will be place in the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. Lok Nath Sharma, Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, spoke at a press conference held at the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Training Hall in Sokeythang today.
The Minister emphasised the goals and reasons for introducing the newly developed farming technologies of aquaponics, hydroponics, and rooftop farming. According to him, the technology will aid in increasing output even in tiny private landholdings while also providing financial benefits to farmers.
Minister Sharma said that hydroponics is the technique of growing plants without soil by using organic nutrients. It would be very beneficial for farmers because it assures higher yield and economic returns compared to natural agricultural practices, because of higher number of harvest cycles. Aquaponics is an integrated food production system that combines raising fish in tanks with soilless plant culture. The nutrient -rich water generated in the procedure while raising fish provides natural fertilizer for plants and these plants help to purify water for the fish.
He informed that the concerned departments have developed four different models of Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Roof top farming of both low cost and high cost green house at designated premises. The models will remain open for interested individuals to explore wherein the technical experts will guide and educate visitors about the procedure, benefits, structural set-up after scheduled launching of Hydroponics, Aquaponics and Rooftop farming. Besides, the department will provide essential technical support and guidance. An absolute mechanism will be developed to ensure quick response to queries and grievances of the people, he added.
Elucidating the benefits of new farming technology, he outlined advantages viz. optimal use of space, faster growth rate, doubling the harvesting ratio, good return of investment, time saving process etc. Further, he appealed everyone to come forward to adopt lucrative farming technology and assured to provide essential technical guidance by the concerned authorities of the department. The banking sector has also been convinced to finance entrepreneurs who are interested to work in this sector, he added.
The Minister also spoke on his recent visits to the CSIR/IHBT in Himachal Pradesh and Hyderabad, emphasising the vast array of opportunities for enhancing productivity and earning income through hydroponics and aquaponics.
Minister Shri Sharma concluded by predicting that the launch would be a positive move for the farming community and that it would have a significant impact on the state’s GDP.
Secretary Agriculture Shri Rinzing C. Bhutia, Secretary Horticulture Shri BB Subba, Secretary Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Dr P. Senthil Kumar, and other top officials were also present at the meeting.