Page 38 - NIS English November 1-15

Positive Approach
Changing India

INNOVATIONS AND INITIATIVES

MAKE GLOBAL MARK

Diyas made from cow dung, and a thriving hydroponics startup

show the people's commitment to the vision of Self-Reliant India

DIYAS MADE FROM AGRICULTURE STARTUP USING HYDROPONICS

COW DUNG

n the Sanatan tradition, cow dung
Iholds a special position. For
Diwali celebrations, cow dung is
used to sanctify the prayer room
where idols of Goddess Lakshmi
and Lord Ganesh
are installed for
worship during
the festivities.
And now are ydroponics is a technology that enables one to grow
available diyas Hplants without soil by using mineral nutrient solutions
made from cow in an aqueous solvent. Two friends from Lucknow in
dung. This initiative has been Uttar Pradesh – Gaurav Rastogi and Deepankar Gupta
taken by the management of – have launched a startup ‘Beyond Organic’. They are
much-revered Mata Bala Sundari growing over 12 vegetables including Lettuces, Parsley,
Temple situated in Sirmaur Purple Basil, and American Corns on especially erected
district of Himachal Pradesh. The stands under the LED lights and 21 degree temperature
Temple authorities in association maintained by air conditioner. They are growing immunity-
with the local administration and booster green leafy vegetables. Gaurav says, “We are
animal husbandry department are using coconut coir in place of soil, and germinate non-
making diyas with dung generated GOM seeds in a tray which takes 10-12 days. After that
in the Temple’s gaushala. This they are transplanted into the system.” Gaurav quit his
initiative has not only ensured job of a financial analyst in Mumbai and Deepankar was
proper utilisation of cow dung but engaged with a chartered accountant firm. They decided
also created a source of income to go for indoor farming and used their empty house for
for local women in a major step hydroponics. Now they have plans to grow strawberry
towards realising the dream of and cucumber. The technology saves 80 per cent water
Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. over the traditional method.

36 New India Samachar