Aquaponics In Goa — Encouraging Organic Living
The evolution of agricultural methods has brought many positive changes, but, at the same time, strayed away from the organic route. Present-day farming sees the usage of synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, growth hormones, and much more. Such elements are often introduced into farming activities to manipulate the growth process and quality of produce. But the build-up of these can cause damage to health and the environment. Organic farming focuses on eliminating the usage of such factors from the farming process. And one technique that succeeds in doing so is aquaponics.
Aquaponics combines aquaculture — growing fish and other aquatic beings, and hydroponics — growing plants without soil. It is sustainable and an excellent source for growing organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, etc., along with the safe growth of fresh fish. In a way, it is a mini-ecosystem created where the balance of nutrients in the water and its quality facilitate the sustenance of plants and fish. Waste eliminated by fish serves as a source of nutrients for plants, and in turn, plants help filter the water that serves as a home to the fish.
There is a strong push to encourage more organic farming in Goa. While aquaponics is a prolific method to do so, not many people are aware of it to take up the practice. But among the people who do know about it are Peter Singh and his spouse, Neeno Kaur. They are setting an example for how one can become self-reliant for food in a completely organic way.
Through their practice of aquaponics over the last four years, they have used the limited space of their house to its maximum potential, managing to grow over 3000 plants and producing 120 kilograms of fish every year. Their methods of practice also focus on minimising as much waste as possible. They combine aquaponics with permaculture. They recycle waste from their kitchen and garden waste, which is turned into vermicompost and incorporated into their systems. This compost, along with the fish waste, allows for a better plant yield. They also carry out rainwater harvesting, reducing the need for any extra water for the systems.
Their set up for aquaponics utilises every part of the house. One of the setups includes ornamental pools at the entrance of their home, which holds 50kg of fish. The water from these pools is aerated with a 135W pump, which then circulates it to a gravel filtration system with ornamental plants and about 500 vegetable plants. It also circulates water to NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) pipes in their parking area, where different herbs and vegetables are planted. These plants further clean and oxygenate the water, which is then circulated back to the fish with the help of another 80W pump.
Although there were initial difficulties with technology and the simplification of it for day-to-day work, their will to go organic and self-reliant with food resulted in them setting up a successful aquaponics system in their home itself. The onset of a global pandemic has affected many, but with their well thought out set up, they have been fortunate to avoid getting affected by it, thus keeping their yearly production strong.
When asked if more people should take up aquaponics in Goa, Mr Peter encourages it. He says that they believe in living a sustainable life, and taking up the practice of aquaponics allows one to do so. It contributes to reducing an individual’s carbon footprint of transporting food by generating food locally. It is also an active contributor to greening the environment and doing your part in combating climate change and pollution. Along with its environmental benefits, it is also a positive source of being self-reliant and growing organic, nutritious food in one’s home.
Contributing to the wellness of the environment is the need of the hour. Organically growing your own food means doing your part in cutting down carbon footprints. And Mr Peter and his wife, Neeno, show us a system independent of large spaces of land or soil. Aquaponics could be the next best thing to turn the tables in the Goan agricultural industry. If you are looking to go organic out of concerns for health and the environment, trying out aquaponics could be the way to go.