Maya Varghese’s life has always been aligned with nature, prompting other people to sit up and take notice. She says, “I wanted to take a small proactive step towards climate change. As I grew up, with my grandparents’ farm around, I knew that the more one engaged in growing food and living off the land, the more one would connect with nature. It is when we realise that our very existence depends on the wellbeing of the earth that we will take care of it more.”
“Grow your Own Food Pvt Ltd was thus established to make farming as easy as possible for first time farmers. We came out with a compact kitchen garden for urban dwellers to grow more than 40 vegetables in four square feet and also get 30 times more.”
She says, “I would tell the younger Maya to try hydroponics in Vertigrove, which is a smart vertical garden, right away. Our young team spent a lot of time trying their hand at soil and coir pith farming. I would also reassure her to be more confident. When we follow our hearts, doors will open. Today, Vertigrove has been chosen for incubation and funding by Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK), and has won the best startup award at the RMB Conference.”
The pandemic was an eye-opener for everyone, as it made us understand how short life is. “I am happy that I carry a baton with me to pass it onto the next generation. It has the message that no matter what our future holds, we should do our best with what we have and find solutions. I am sure that one day, every square feet of balcony space will have food growing in it and more importantly would take care of nature.”
