Smart Urban Farming Initiative: Government To Distribute 10,000 DIY Kits To Promote Urban farming

To promote urban gardening, the Delhi government will distribute 10,000 DIY kits (Do It Yourself) as announced in this year's budget. The local administration has begun a 'urban farming' campaign to encourage citizens to grow vegetables on their balconies and rooftops.

The Environment Department will give the kits, which will include summer and winter crop seeds, biofertilisers, manure, and a guide on how to do it.

Last month, when presenting the Delhi Budget in the Delhi assembly, finance minister Manish Sisodia claimed the union territory will create around 100,000 jobs in the environment sector over the next five years, including 25,000 opportunities for women under the smart urban farming scheme. The environment was given a total budget of Rs 266 crores by the Aam Aadmi Party administration.

In collaboration with the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, the Delhi government will begin the 'Smart Urban Farming' initiative. Residents will be taught how to grow veggies in cramped quarters.

Previously, To train people and raise awareness about urban farming, a Delhi Environment Protection Committee would be established. The committee will be made up of elected representatives as well as members of NGOs and RWAs. Residents will also be able to obtain plant-growing materials through special arrangements.

"This will assist us in making urban farming a mainstream movement in which the public plays an important part," Rai added.

Terrace gardening has grown popular of late, because of increasing pressure on land and increasing costs. These gardens can be set up successfully in almost all kinds of buildings like residential flats, individual houses, commercial hubs, go-downs and factories.

Roof gardening or Terrace gardening is also an art of creating greenery and it can be maintained on the rooftop. The ideal roof garden can be established with the availability of sufficient sunlight and water.