Date: 14 February 2022
Location: Gandharpa Village, Nautan Block, Siwan, Bihar

Encouraging innovation in agriculture and sustainable living, software engineer and social worker Manoj Kumar Singh has been actively promoting Zero-Budget Organic Rooftop Gardening, an initiative aimed at helping families grow fresh, chemical-free vegetables using simple household resources.

The model, developed in collaboration with agricultural enthusiasts and local farmers, demonstrates how unused rooftop spaces can be transformed into productive gardens by utilizing recycled materials and organic waste.

The initiative relies entirely on natural farming methods, using kitchen waste, vegetable peels, cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, gram flour, curd, and water to prepare organic compost and liquid fertilizers. Old sacks and containers are repurposed as planting beds, making the approach both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

The rooftop garden successfully produces a variety of vegetables, including:

• Tomatoes

• Brinjals (Eggplants)

• Bottle Gourd

• Bitter Gourd

• Peas

• Radish

• Garlic

• Coriander

• Cucumbers

• Seasonal flowering plants

Speaking about the initiative, Manoj Kumar Singh emphasized that rooftop gardening is an effective way to reduce household expenses while ensuring access to fresh and chemical-free produce.

“With simple techniques and locally available resources, every household can transform its rooftop into a productive organic garden. This not only saves money but also promotes healthier food, environmental conservation, and self-reliance.”

The project also demonstrates an innovative method of preparing organic liquid fertilizer by fermenting vegetable waste and natural ingredients for a week before diluting and applying it to plants. This process enhances plant growth, improves yield, and naturally protects crops from pests without the use of chemical pesticides.

By promoting zero-budget organic farming and rooftop gardening, Manoj Kumar Singh continues to inspire young people and rural communities to adopt sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both families and the environment.