Trinidadian National and Industrial Engineer Ancel Bhagwandeen pictured above has developed a new hydroponic growing system that "leverages the nanoclimates in houses so that the house effectively protects the produce the same way it protects us," he says.This amazing method combats climate change and provides an innovative approach to crop protection.
Bhagwandeen says that his hydroponic project was developed "to leverage the growth of the urban landscape and high-density housing, so that by growing your own food at home, you mitigate the cost of food prices." This approach will become increasingly useful when cities become overcrowded ,food prices increase and climate change takes a further toll on the environment.
What is HYDROPONICS??
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil using mineral nutrients in water and now is increasingly being considered as a viable means to ensure food security in light of the impacts climate change.His project is one of several being considered for further development by the Caribbean Climate Innovation Centre (CCIC) which is headquartered in Jamaica and funded heavily through the World Bank and the Canadian Government.
His model uses smart electronics, meaning that 100 units can run on the same energy as a 60-watt light bulb, he said. So it differs from typical hydroponics systems that consume a great deal of energy, he added. His model can also use solar energy and can work both in and outdoors.
Bhagawandeen said his model's design centers around family farming in the city "our future as a people is based more and more on city living and in order for that to be sustainable, we need to have city farming at a family level.". This model would enable anyone to grow leafy vegetables, including herbs, lettuce and tomatoes, inside their home or apartment, with minimal expense and time.
Also, this smart product empowers the individual to grow
their own food wherever they live!. It has an integrated, home grown, smart
controller to enable optimal results at minimal time,water & energy
expense. It runs on 100% solar energy or indoors in unfriendly environments
under artificial lighting, which its ‘brain’ controls. It forges new ground in education as a living agri science lab for schools with up to 8 months integrated science data logging and uploading to PC capabilities . It is economical ,portable,100% photo-voltaic,sustainable and suitable for tropical,desert,temperate and arctic climates.
A U.N. report says that "the population living in urban areas is projected to gain 2.6 billion, passing from 3.6 billion in 2011 to 6.3 billion in 2050." Most of that urban growth will be concentrated in the cities and towns of the world's less developed regions.This is why everyone young and old should be learning about family farming and indoor farming techniques based on Mr Bhagwandeen's hydroponic model to be able to grow their own food and combat climate change in a sustainable way.
Photo Credits: Jewel Fraser /IPS
For More information on The CCIC visit :http://www.caribbeancic.org/
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