Taking a cue from the success of vegetable farming done on the terrace of the Secretariat, Green Leaf, a group of agricultural enthusiasts under the guidance of Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty Amma, is now turning to aquaponics on the Secretariat terrace.
The initiative is being funded by the Fisheries Department. "The vegetable garden on the terrace was a huge success following which the Fisheries Minister encouraged us to undertake aquaponics on the terrace," said garden supervisor Suresh Kumar.
A total of 100 Assamese king fishes are being raised in the tank. Peppermint, amaranthus and broccoli are cultivated as part of the project in six plant beds. The plants do not require soil but can be grown on metal medium. "We hope to begin selling agricultural products as well as the fish in three months," says Suresh.