Cultivate organic vegetables on rooftops: HIDCO

Kolkata: Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) will celebrate the first day of Bengali New Year on April 15 by requesting the residents of New Town to set up rooftop gardens to grow organic vegetables.

Growing flowers on the terrace is quite common but to grow vegetables is not so common and HIDCO has shortlisted five agencies that can help the residents to pursue their venture. Though many people have the desire to grow vegetables and fruits on the terrace but they lack expertise. The agencies short-listed by HIDCO have the proper expertise to grow vegetables on rooftops. The pots are set up in ways so that they do not put additional weight on the roof. The vegetables that will be grown on the terrace include coloured capsicum, broccoli among others. Organic vegetables are in high demand and no chemicals are used to grow them. It may be mentioned that HIDCO, along with an NGO, is growing organic vegetables at Swapno Bhor. Compost is used instead of chemical fertilisers.

The senior citizens who are members of Swapno Bhor are supervising the project. HIDCO has chalked out a series of programmes to celebrate Poila Baisakh. As Kolkata Gate has become a grand hit, brunch will be available to greet those who will visit the restaurant. A roof counter has been opened at Rabindra Tirtha. Bauls will present folk songs at Eco Park's Banglar Gram.