SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, today inaugurated a state-of-the-art cafeteria ‘Srinagar Millet Hub’, an initiative of District Administration Srinagar in the premises of DC Office Complex, Srinagar.
The Millet Hub Cafeteria was inaugurated in the presence of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, Director of Agriculture Kashmir, Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhary and other senior Officers and Officers of the DC office Srinagar.
The Millet Hub has been constructed by the R&B Department at the cost of Rs 25.0 lakhs and has been handed over to Women Self Help Group Members of NRLM, Srinagar for enhancing livelihood opportunities. Pertinent to mention that Srinagar District becomes the first in India to establish a Millet Hub on the premises of the DC Office to commemorate the International Year of Millets 2023(IYM-2023).
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary appreciated the initiative of the District Administration and said that the cafeteria namely “Millet Hub” has been inaugurated to provide a variety of affordable, home-cooked meals at the DC Office Complex Srinagar and provide employment opportunities to the self-help group members. He also highlighted the importance of empowering women SHGs with a platform to earn a livelihood.
The Chief Secretary also interacted with the members of SHGs running the Cafeteria.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar also spoke on the occasion and said that the initiative aims to empower women SHGs by providing Employment opportunities. He further said that the cafeteria would provide a sustainable source of income for the members of the SHGs.
Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta e-launched the maiden Hydroponic System of Soil-less Cultivation for Urban Areas, an initiative of District Administration Srinagar in an impressive function held here at the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex.
After e-launching the Hydroponic System, the Chief Secretary inspected the Residential Hydroponic Units in the compound of the complex. He was briefed about the functioning and operation of the soil-less cultivation system.
The Chief Secretary observed that hydroponics techniques will offer a promising avenue for transforming urban agriculture, particularly in highly dense populated areas like Shahr-e-Khaas of Srinagar.
The Chief Secretary said that creative and innovative approaches such as hydroponic systems will also promote self-reliance, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Highlighting the concept of hydroponics soilless culture, the Deputy Commissioner said that the concept of hydroponics has been initiated by the District Administration Srinagar to boost the rural economy through farming/agriculture-related activities. They are particularly beneficial in urban areas with a scarcity of land. Residential Hydroponic Models offer the possibility of year-round soil-less cultivation of Vegetables.
It is pertinent to mention that Hydroponic is a method of growing plants without soil, where nutrient-rich water is used to deliver essential nutrients directly to the plant roots.
In Srinagar downtown, where land availability might be limited, hydroponics can offer a solution by allowing plants to be cultivated in a controlled environment, vertically or indoors. Hydroponics could be necessary in Srinagar downtown to address land constraints, promote local food production, and improve food security.
Later on, the Chief Secretary also handed over sanction letters of Nutrient Film Technique Cascades to 70 beneficiary farmers of Srinagar District for the establishment of hydroponic units. The beneficiaries were encouraged by the Chief Secretary to take the best advantage of these units to earn their livelihood besides helping the urban population to fetch fresh vegetables in their habitations.
Among others who were present included Additional District Development Commissioner, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Syed Shabir Ahmad, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Syed Ahmad Kataria, Additional Mission Director NRLM, Riyaz Ahmad Beigh, and other senior Officers of District Administration and members of the self-help groups.
