Pioneering Sustainable Farming: Online Workshop on Hydroponics and Soilless Agriculture at Government PG College Ranikhet

Narendra Rathore (khabar dhamaka)।Ranikhet, October 15, 2024 – In a bid to promote sustainable agriculture and resource-efficient farming practices, the Science Popularisation Cell at Government PG College Ranikhet recently organized an online workshop on Hydroponics and Soilless Agriculture for large-scale crop production. This transformative event featured Dr. Sumit Purohit, PhD, FSPR, Scientist and Incharge at the Regional Centre Patwadangar, Nainital, from the Uttarakhand Council for Biotechnology, who shared his expertise on modern farming techniques.

Dr. Bharat Pandey, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Convenor of the Science Popularisation Cell, along with Dr. Hem Lata, Co-Convenor, inaugurated the session and welcomed Dr. Purohit. In his opening remarks, Dr. Pandey highlighted the relevance of hydroponics for Uttarakhand, saying, “This workshop is a significant step towards equipping our community with sustainable farming practices that can transform agriculture. With hydroponics and soilless farming, we can tackle challenges like limited arable land and water scarcity.”

Dr. Purohit captivated the audience with a forward-thinking presentation on hydroponics, a soil-free cultivation method that uses nutrient-rich water to grow crops in controlled environments. He explained that hydroponics can reduce water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional farming, making it ideal for water-scarce regions. “Hydroponics minimizes water use and reduces the risk of pests and diseases, which translates into less need for pesticides. This is crucial for healthier, safer crops,” he noted.

He also introduced different hydroponic systems, such as the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and Deep Water Culture (DWC), emphasizing their scalability from small home gardens to commercial operations. In the interactive Q&A, Dr. Pandey raised key questions on costs, water management, and nutrient requirements, helping the audience gain practical insights into hydroponic farming.

The workshop concluded with Dr. Pandey commending the faculty members, including Dr. Prachi Joshi, Dr. Prasoon Joshi, Dr. Tanuja Tiwari, Dr. Niharika, Dr. Prateek Sharma, and Dr. C.S. Pant, for their enthusiastic participation. Organized under Dr. Pandey’s guidance, the event marked another milestone for the Science Popularisation Cell, reinforcing the college’s commitment to fostering sustainable agriculture through scientific knowledge and community empowerment.