A fully planned rooftop farm has been built across about 2,700 square feet of roof in Mohakhali DOHS. Compared with what the programme saw in 2020, it is now far more mature and organised like field farming. Retired Brigadier General M Sakhawat Hossain has developed it through planning, technique and steady care.

At first there were mainly fruit trees; now many vegetable crops have been added. With modern techniques and advice from the agriculture department, safe and nutritious food is produced. Amid busy city life, the roof is a source of peace and joy for him.

As a policymaker in the current government, he considers it good fortune to stay connected with soil and farming. The report also highlights the need for farm-based policies to expand urban, rooftop and yard farming.

With farmland shrinking because of rapid urbanisation, rooftop farming can be an effective solution, helping green cities, control temperatures, clean the air and secure family nutrition.

Source: Shykh Seraj, Chhad Krishi (episode 364). First published in Bengali on The Agro News.