CARC scientists grow vegetables through hydroponic method

CUMILLA, Sept 01: Scientists at the Cumilla Agricultural Research Centre (CARC) have started farming vegetables without soil. It is modern cultivation technique where the vegetables are grown in water-filled plastic containers. However, essential ingredients for the plants are mixed with water.

According to the District Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), vegetable cultivation in water-filled plastic containers without soil is called "hydroponic method."

Some DAE officials said under the method, vegetables can be grown within a little space.

The vegetables are less prone to pest attacks and diseases. Cucumber, bitter gourd, lettuce and pumpkin are grown well under the method. Moreover, the method requires low cost, the officials added.

Under the method, one has to first put water in a plastic box. Then cover the plastic box with "cocksheet."

A hole has to make into the "cocksheet," a piece of sponge will be put in the water. The seedlings are then planted on sponge.

Some 16 ingredients that a plant takes from the soil has to be mixed with water. These are called Stock Solutions A and B. the solutions can also be found in Dhaka and CARC.

District DAE office sources said, the price of a plastic box used for the method will cost Tk 300, "cocksheet" and sponge Tk 150, stock solutions Tk 600.

Six plants can be planted in a plastic box. The time of production and the taste of vegetables are the same as those planted on the ground.

Obaidullah Kaiser, chief scientific officer of Cumilla Agricultural Research Centre, said people's interest in cultivating non-soil vegetables in Cmilla is increasing. Vegetables can be cultivated in this process specially at the cities' apartment houses.

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