2-8 May 2014
Vol. 3 No. 37 Pages 24 ` 10
RNI No. HARENG/2011/39319, Postal Regn. No. GRG/35/2012-2014
Food Basket to F&B City
PRAKHAR PANDEY
{ Abhishek Behl / FG }
write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon
T
he erratic weather this winter, which extended almost into April, with excess rains in February and March, is likely to effect the farm produce negatively in and around Gurgaon. Although the Agriculture department maintains that the Rabi crop will be more or less normal, but on the ground it appears that Mustard production will take a hit in Gurgaon, Sohna and Farrukhnagar. However, a positive of the unseasonal rain will be that the Wheat crop will witness a higher output this season. Babu Lal, an official of the Agriculture department, says that the rains came when the Mustard was fully matured, and this could cause a loss of 5 to 6 per cent. “The crop cutting experiments are still going on and once they are completed we will be able to assess the
loss block wise,” he says. More than the losses caused by the late rains, the farmers, and even the Agriculture department, are concerned about the prediction of a less than normal monsoon by the Met department. Agricultural experts say that this will badly affect the Kharif crops, particularly the sowing of Bajra - which is a staple in Gurgaon district. The Kharif crops in the area are totally dependent on rains. Babu Lal says that even if there is a single good rain in June, the sowing could take place; since these crops do not require too much water, they are then able to sustain even in a low rain situation. However, many farmers do not share his confidence, and opine that the lack of rainfall could affect the vegetable growing areas such as Mankdola, Kaliawas, Farukhnagar and parts of Pataudi. Satish Sehrawat, a progressive farmer Contd on p 9
{ Abhishek Behl / FG }
write to us at letters@fridaygurgaon
I
s Gurgaon a great Food City in the making? The answer is clearly yes, going by the number of different restaurants, cuisines, bars and wine stores that have created an exciting food and beverage scenario. The City also has a new generation of chefs and owners, who have travelled the world and are bubbling with fresh ideas. Gurgaon even has stores that offer food ingredients from across the world, and a large number of ‘artisan’ stores - dedicated to singular perfections like bread, chocolates, cookies, a particular style of pizza or regional food. A number of destination restaurants have also marked their presence in the City – and have taken the food and alcohol experience (and budget) to a new high! The food, like the City, is the melting pot of India. It
Is the Bandhwari Waste Treatment Plant closing down – with no alternative even identified after more than a year of trouble? This farce has gone on too long – of first promising an increase in the capacity to the required 900MT (versus 600MT), and then promising to get it up and running after the operator just shut it down. For over a year now waste has accumulated at the site and much of it has seeped into the ground(water). There is an estimated 150,000 tons of untreated waste scattered at and around the site. It’s a disaster waiting to happen! Meanwhile garbage is now being dumped all across Gurgaon, on any open ground or roadside,,,even in the new sectors. We never learn….
represents the diversity of the population, of cultures that are trying to mix and build a unique identity for the City and its people. The strong influence of social media and blogs - which ensures easy connectivity and accessibility - has also played an important role in transforming the food scenario in the City to a higher level. Food blogs, Review sites and Facebook likes today play an important role in the success or failure of a food venture. Pavan Soni, an avid food blogger, and the man behind the recently held Gurgaon Food Freak Awards, says that the evolution of food in Gurgaon is related to its large population of migrants - from all parts of the country and abroad. “The migrants are widely travelled folk and have been exposed to different cultures and cuisines. They are well-off and young at heart; they are most willing to experiment and love being part of a culinary
experience - rather than just ‘eating out’,” adds Soni. The well- travelled food lover in Gurgaon is as comfortable with Korean food as with his Chicken Tikka. The demand for new food experiences is so high that even individuals catering to regional cuisines, and bakeries, are finding the going very good in the Millennium City. Food watchers in Gurgaon say that a key reason for this great restaurant cum foodie boom is that the majority of the families here are nuclear – and earning well. The presence of experienced hoteliers and former hospitality professionals has provided a nice icing on this cake. Sameer Puri, owner of WokaMama, a Pan-Asian restaurant chain that won top awards at the Gurgaon Food Freak Awards, says that their success is due to a very strong focus on food and service. “We ensure that the food is of top quality, innovative, and is served with warmth. Contd on p 8
All private colonisers have been asked to send a report to the DC office immediately, regarding the current status of civic facilities in their areas. They have been told that they are clearly accountable for provision of these facilities, and services thereof. The facilities include: roads, water, sewage, streetlights, storm water drains, parks and community centres. RWAs need to be involved in this exercise.