Hydroponics can play vital role in smart city development: Experts

Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava visits Holkar Science College to participate in Smart City Project presentation on Hydroponics

Indore(Team Newsbuddy): The Department of Botany at Holkar Science College organized a special presentation on hydroponics under the Smart City Project in the presence the Mayor of Indore, Pushyamitra Bhargava. The event showcased hydroponics as a sustainable solution for urban farming and food security.
The presentation was supervised by Dr. Sanjeeda Iqbal, Head of the Botany Department, who has been pioneering hydroponics research at the college. It was delivered by research scholar Sameera Mansuri along with Abhishek Gurjar, CEO of Hydroposhan, a hydroponics-based startup founded by the college’s alumni.
During the program, the presenters explained how hydroponics can play a vital role in Smart City development by:
● Saving water through recirculating nutrient systems, using up to 90% less water compared to traditional farming.

● Promoting vertical and rooftop farming, enabling cultivation even in limited urban spaces.

● Reducing carbon footprint by bringing food production closer to consumers, cutting transport costs and emissions.

● Ensuring food security and nutrition by producing pesticide-free vegetables and herbs year-round.

● Creating entrepreneurship opportunities for youth through hydroponic startups and training programs.

Holkar Science College has been actively engaged in hydroponics research and training in recent years under the leadership of Dr. Sanjeeda Iqbal. The Department of Botany has undertaken projects on soilless cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, leafy greens, and herbs, and has organized awareness workshops for students and the community, establishing itself as a pioneer in sustainable agriculture in the region.
Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava praised the initiative, stating, “Hydroponics has immense potential to transform agriculture in urban areas like Indore. It aligns perfectly with the Smart City vision by promoting sustainability, innovation, and food security. The efforts of Holkar Science College in bringing such futuristic ideas forward are commendable.”
Principal Dr. Anamika Jain expressed her pride in the department’s achievement, remarking, “This project is an excellent example of how academia can directly contribute to solving real-world challenges. Our students and researchers have set a benchmark for innovation.”
Dr. Dinesh Khandelwal, Janbhagidhari Adhyaksh, emphasized community participation, stating, “Such projects must reach the common people. Hydroponics can empower citizens to grow safe and healthy food in their own spaces, contributing to a cleaner and greener Indore.”