Hydroponics and vertical farming
Introducing Hydroponics: Cultivating Knowledge and Nurturing Growth at Jhamtse Gatsal Children's Community
- By Thutan Drema, Sustainability Educator (with light editing for clarity)
We want to express our gratitude to Dia, Basil, and Suzi, long-term supporters of the Community, who funded this vital project. We also wish to thank Nabkisan Finance, Ltd. for their generous support. Together they have provided our children and staff with learning opportunities that will extend far beyond the Jhamtse Gatsal campus.
We are excited to share some wonderful news with you all! As part of our ongoing efforts to provide a well-rounded education and address the unique challenges posed by the region's extreme winter climate, shortage of water, and considering we are remotely located at the ridge of a mountain in the Himalayas, we have introduced hydroponics to our school. Hydroponics is an innovative method of cultivation that requires minimal space and soil, making it particularly suitable for our Community. With the implementation of this groundbreaking technique, we aim to foster sustainable agriculture practices, enhance our self-sufficiency, and provide valuable learning opportunities for our children.
While traditional farming methods may be limited by the harsh winter conditions, hydroponics empowers us to grow a variety of crops indoors throughout the year. By eliminating the dependency on soil and utilizing a nutrient-rich water solution, we can now cultivate fresh produce and herbs within the comfort of our school premises.
We contacted Grow-Tech, a leading organization specializing in hydroponics training and solutions to ensure we successfully kick-started this initiative. They sent a knowledgeable trainer to our Community who imparted valuable expertise to our interested staff and Gap Year children. Our team learned the intricacies of hydroponic systems, plant nutrition, and optimal growing conditions through hands-on sessions and engaging discussions.
According to Grow-Tec, hydroponics and vertical farming revolutionizes food production. Indoor cultivation and vertical farming dramatically reduce land usage, water consumption, and environmental impact. It enables premium quality crops at much higher yields at any location adjacent to centers of consumption and is independent of any geographic, climatic, or seasonal constraints.
The introduction of hydroponics not only serves our immediate needs but also offers a plethora of benefits for our Community.
Here are a few highlights:
Year-round cultivation: With hydroponics, we can grow crops irrespective of the season, providing our Community with a steady supply of fresh produce.
Conservation of space with Vertical Farming: Hydroponics uses significantly less water compared to traditional farming, promoting efficient water usage and reducing our environmental impact.
Enhanced learning opportunities: Our children now have the chance to explore cutting-edge agricultural techniques, broadening their knowledge of sustainable practices and instilling a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Improved Nutrition: The availability of fresh, locally grown produce will contribute to a healthier diet for everyone at Jhamtse Gatsal, supporting overall well-being and vitality.
As we embark on this exciting journey, we encourage everyone in the Community to participate and support this initiative actively. Whether it's volunteering to tend to the Hydroponic Systems, sharing insights on sustainable agriculture, or simply enjoying the nutritious harvest, together, we can cultivate knowledge, nurture growth, and create a more sustainable future for Jhamtse Gatsal.
At Jhamtse Gatsal Children's Community, we firmly believe in the power of experiential learning. Instead of relying solely on theoretical knowledge, we recognize the immense value of practical, hands-on training. To ensure that our staff and older children receive the best possible education in hydroponics, we enlisted the support of a highly skilled and experienced trainer.
The trainer arrived at our Community with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for sustainable agriculture. Through a series of engaging and interactive sessions, we were immersed in the world of hydroponics, demonstrating its principles and techniques. By working alongside the trainer, our staff and Gap Year children had the unique opportunity to witness the implementation of Hydroponic Systems firsthand. This immersive approach allowed us to truly grasp the intricacies of hydroponics, from setting up the necessary equipment to understanding the importance of proper nutrient balance and environmental conditions.
Together, we explored the Nutrient Film technique (NFT). The trainer encouraged us to participate actively, fostering an environment of curiosity and learning. Through practical exercises, we sowed seeds, monitored growth, adjusted nutrient solutions, and witnessed the remarkable progress of our hydroponic crops. Our trainer shared valuable insights, teaching us how to troubleshoot common challenges and ensure our plants' optimal health and productivity. By immersing ourselves in the process, we not only acquired practical skills but also developed a deep appreciation for the potential of hydroponics in our Community.
The hands-on training sessions provided us with a solid foundation in hydroponics, enabling us to continue our journey independently. Our staff and children are now equipped with the necessary knowledge to maintain and expand our hydroponic systems, ensuring a sustainable and abundant harvest throughout the year. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated trainer from Grow Tech for their expertise, guidance, and passion for sharing knowledge. The commitment to empowering education and sustainable practices has made a lasting impact on our Community. Together, let us celebrate the power of practical education and sustainable farming practices as we cultivate a brighter future for Jhamtse Gatsal.