Mangal Pandey advocated for the rooftop gardening scheme to promote urban farming in 4 districts.
Patna December 28, 2024: The Bihar Agriculture Department is placing special emphasis on promoting pots and farming beds under its rooftop gardening scheme to encourage the cultivation of fruits flowers and vegetables in urban areas.
Mangal Pandey, the agriculture minister has highlighted the importance of increasing public awareness about this scheme and ensuring its accessibility to a wider population.
Mangal Pandey took the review meeting:
The scheme is currently being implemented in Patna Sadar, Danapur, Phulwarisharif and Khagaul in the capital, as well as in urban areas of Bhagalpur, Gaya and Muzaffarpur districts.
Mangal Pandey pointed out that the residents having 300 square feet of vacant rooftop space can apply for this scheme. If the residence is in an apartment, a no-objection certificate from the registered society of the apartment is required. The rooftop space should be free from interference and available for gardening purposes.
“The idea of the rooftop gardening scheme is to promote self-sufficiency in fruit, flower, and vegetable production in urban households. It would facilitate the availability of pots and plants at minimal costs in targeted districts. It would contribute to environmental sustainability and improve urban green spaces,” Pandey said.
Mangal Pandey emphasized the need for extensive dissemination of information about the scheme to maximize its reach and benefits. The scheme is aimed at encouraging urban residences to utilize their unused rooftop space effectively while contributing to food security and greenery.
For interested residents in eligible areas, this initiative offers an opportunity to engage in sustainable gardening while enhancing the aesthetics and utility of their rooftops.
Mangal Pandey discuss various schemes:
Mangal Pandey emphasized the effective implementation of various schemes during a review meeting with officials at Krishi Bhawan, Mithapur. He detailed the ongoing efforts to make agriculture schemes more accessible and beneficial for the farmers of the state, with a focus on enhancing their prosperity and happiness.
Mangal Pandey pointed out the subsidy to the tune of 75% of the total cost of rooftop farming. Under this scheme, the estimated cost of rooftop farming in 300 square feet area is Rs 48,574 and the agriculture department will give a subsidy of Rs 36,430.50. The beneficiaries have to contribute Rs 12,143.50 to avail of this scheme.
Besides the rooftop gardening scheme, Mangal Pandey also discussed about Nalkup Yojana, drumstick scheme, vegetable development scheme, onion and makhana storage initiatives etc.
Under the Bihar state organic mission, Mangal Pandey reviews the progress of climate-friendly agriculture programs, Gon Di Yojana, Rain-based agriculture schemes, plant production and input programs.
During the review meeting, key officials, including Sanjay Agrawal, secretary of the agriculture department, Alok Ranjan Ghosh, MP of Bihar State Seed Corporation and Veer Yadav, special secretary of the agriculture department were present.
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