A handful of start-ups help create urban kitchen gardens across India, promoting sustainable lifestyles and a connection to nature
The basil plant was a gift from a colleague, who had assured her that it was a hardy herb. But after just three days, the leaves were drooping and listless, and a few were turning brown at the tips. “My mum is an expert gardener and here I was, killing a basic basil,” my friend recounted. “Then I read up on the plant, cut back on the watering, moved it to a spot that got more sun—and begged it not to die on me. It worked!”
She may never know if it was her pleas or the controlled sun and water that did the trick, but the experience taught her the most important lesson of making food: It’s responsive. And, as she looks forward to hand-blending her first bottle of pesto, she’s figuring out that it almost always gives back more than you’d expect.
As an increasing number of urban Indians use their windowsills, balconies, verandahs, patios, and rooftops to grow what they will eat, they are finding help in unexpected quarters: A crop of start-ups with green thumbs, dirt under their fingernails, and names like Khetify and Urban Mali and iKheti. They promise to eliminate the distress that my friend (and her plant) survived, with dependable seeds, standardised potting mixes, finely calibrated light and water exposure, tried-and-tested infusions, and homegrown pesticide hacks; and even some real-time handholding with experienced farmers.
Esta historia es de la edición December 2017 de Harper's Bazaar India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 2017 de Harper's Bazaar India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Unyielding And Unmatched
In an industry where every move is scrutinised, Kareena Kapoor Khan lives passionately, loves her job, and understands that there’s more to her than just box-office numbers.
SEEN AND HEARD
Female authors explore how crucial it is that women write about their personal experiences.
INTO THE WORLD OF JUDY CHICAGO
What makes the feminist trailblazer an icon?
'THE LEGACY OF A SINGER WILL ALWAYS STAY INTACT'
AR Rahman believes AI can be used without compromising on the artistic essence.
THROUGH HER EYES
Indian supermodels remember legendary photographer Prabuddha Dasgupta ahead of his 68th birth anniversary.
THE SHAPE-SHIFTERS
From adorning your body to your mantle piece, jewellery designers are turning to homeware.
WEARABLE ART
Three limited-edition timepieces, inspired by Gaston-Louis Vuitton's love for artistry, is an ode to the Maison's legacy of craftsmanship.
AS LONG AS TIME
Bazaar India delves into the ethos of watch brands.
MILANO MAKEOVER
Sabato De Sarno's reimagination of this classic Gucci bag is is an ode to his Milanese becoming.
A LOVE LETTER TO JAIPUR
Designer Surily Goel reveals the making of her latest collection.