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Monday, 06 October 2014

New invention fosters sustainable farming

HARVEST: Mechanical Engineering lecturer, Fareed Ismail has invented the Small Scale Modular Solar Powered Aquaponics System. Here, he along with Dean of Engineering, Dr Nawaz Mahomed and Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, Prof Modi Kuanda harvest the first vegetables from the prototype HARVEST: Mechanical Engineering lecturer, Fareed Ismail has invented the Small Scale Modular Solar Powered Aquaponics System. Here, he along with Dean of Engineering, Dr Nawaz Mahomed and Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, Prof Modi Kuanda harvest the first vegetables from the prototype

Mechanical Engineering lecturer Fareed Ismail is the latest academic to join CPUT’s impressive list of innovators after his patent in Small Scale Modular Solar Powered Aquaponics System was registered.

This invention will allow communities to do small scale farming, especially in areas where there is little or no infrastructure and low levels of expertise.

“This invention will allow such sub social as well as affluent environmentally friendly communities to promote entrepreneurship, create awareness of green energy, and supply sustainable livelihoods throughout,” says Ismail.

 The system consists of an aquaculture unit to breed and grow fish as well as a hydroponics water filtration unit that facilitates the growth of vegetables and fruits. The invention also relies on renewable energy such as solar thermal, wind and photovoltaic energy as a power source together with a programmable control system.

Aquaculture as well as fresh produce farming is normally available on a large scale and requires huge capital and infrastructure layouts.

However, Ismail says this invention allows for smaller scale and more intense farming by combining renewable energy, aquaculture, hydroponics and tunnel farming systems.

“The possibility of expansion where required in a rural or urban settlements globally will be feasible by linking more than one modular aquaponics system together,” he says.

Ismail says this invention will also ease the strain on depletion of natural resources in oceans, dams and rivers and lower the carbon footprint by providing a sustainable energy efficient means to provide food.

Recently Ismail, together with Dean of Engineering, Dr Nawaz Mahomed and Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, Prof Modi Kuanda harvested the first greens from the prototype.

Mahomed says he is positive that this pilot will provide a sustainable livelihood opportunity for many communities.

Written by Candes Keating

Tel: +27 21 959 6311
Email: keatingc@cput.ac.za

Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.