I am Uma Pandey, a local resident of Lalitpur. I used to have a salaried job but after I saw no opportunity to contribute to my country doing it, I decided to join politics. It has been twelve years since my house was built and my rooftop farming has continued for as long. Almost sixty to seventy percent of my vegetable needs are covered by the vegetables grown in my little garden space downstairs and on the rooftop combined. The consumption cost has been cut off pretty greatly.

The inspiration to start farming on the rooftop of my house came in my mind after seeing how dependent we were in our neighbouring country India for the most basic of vegetables when we ourselves are renowned for agriculture. It felt like a shame of inability. So, I don’t take it as a hobby but rather as something we must do to keep ourselves self reliant.

The government’s prime focus should doubtlessly be on the equitable and efficient land plotting but until the execution takes its course and wherever that isn’t quite possible, the residents should resort to rooftop farming for organic vegetables at lesser costs. This doesn’t only keep us from giving in to inflation but also keeps us engaged and healthy and the spaces also get utilised in a way that will benefit our environment.

The local levels must be attentive towards incentivizing the process of rooftop farming. My goal as a political representative shall be to encourage self-reliance throughout the nation through all the viable means.